Mini Crochet Dolphin Keychain Pattern That Steals Hearts

Crocheted Dolphin Keychain Pattern

Create an adorable, chubby dolphin keychain using basic crochet stitches. This project is a fun, portable amigurumi piece that utilizes a two-color technique to mimic the natural coloring of a dolphin, finishing as a perfect, small accessory.

Uses

• Create a Keychain by attaching a ring to the top of the body.

• Use it as a decorative Bag Charm or ornament.

Materials

• Yarn: Small-size yarn in two colors: Main Color (Upper body, e.g., blue or gray) and Contrast Color (Belly, e.g., white or light gray). The tutor uses Chinese cotton yarn.

• Hook: A crochet hook appropriate for your chosen yarn size.

• Stuffing: Synthetic fiberfill for shaping the body.

• Eyes: Small safety eyes (or you can embroider eyes later).

• Tools: Tapestry needle for assembly, scissors, and a keychain ring.

Special Features

• Two-Tone Color Block: You create a distinct, clean line where the upper body color meets the belly color by working a round in the back loop only (BLO).

• Sculptural Shaping: The body utilizes carefully placed increases and decreases to achieve the elongated, curved shape characteristic of a dolphin.

• Integrated Fins: You crochet the pectoral fins, dorsal fin, and tail flukes directly onto the body during assembly, minimizing sewing.

Level of Difficulty

This project is Intermediate. You must be comfortable working Amigurumi in the round, performing systematic increases and decreases, and switching colors cleanly, as the shaping is not uniform.

Tutor's Suggestions

• Work in Continuous Rounds: Work the body in continuous spiral rounds (not joining with a slip stitch) until the color change, which helps avoid a visible seam line.

• Prepare the Yarn: Always prepare your yarn for the next round (especially when increasing) to maintain momentum and consistent tension.

• Eyes Placement: Place the safety eyes between Round 6 and Round 7, spacing them about 7 stitches apart.

Step-by-Step Details

Note: Use the Main Color yarn for Rounds 1 through 7.

A. Crochet the Body (Increasing Rounds)

1. Round 1: Create a Magic Ring (MR) and work 8 Single Crochet (SC) into it (8 SC total).

   Save

2. Round 2: Work 8 Increases (INC) (2 SC in each stitch) (16 SC total).

3. Round 3: Work the pattern (1 SC, 1 INC) and repeat 8 times (24 SC total).

4. Round 4: Work 22 SC. Then, work 2 INC in the last two stitches (26 SC total).

   Save

5. Round 5: Work 23 SC. Then, work 2 INC in the next two stitches (28 SC total).

6. Round 6: Work 24 SC. Then, work 2 INC in the next two stitches. Finish with 2 SC (30 SC total). Place eyes here, between R6 and R7, 7 stitches apart.

7. Round 7: Work 25 SC. Then, work 2 INC in the next two stitches. Finish with 3 SC (32 SC total).

B. Color Change and Decreasing Rounds

1. Change Color: Cut the Main Color yarn and join the Contrast Color yarn (white/light gray) with an invisible join.

2. Round 8 (Color Change): Work 32 SC around, working only into the Back Loop Only (BLO) of each stitch (32 SC total).

   Save

3. Round 9: Work the pattern (2 SC, 1 Decrease (DEC)) and repeat 8 times (24 SC total).

4. Round 10: Work the pattern (1 SC, 1 DEC) and repeat 8 times (16 SC total).

5. Stuff: Firmly stuff the body with fiberfill.

6. Round 11: Work 8 DEC (8 SC total).

7. Finish: Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail. Use the tapestry needle to weave the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the hole. Weave in the yarn end.

C. Crochet the Fins and Tail

1. Dorsal Fin: Locate the center top of the dolphin's back.

   • Attach the Main Color yarn. Work 1 SC, 1 Half Double Crochet (HDC), 1 Double Crochet (DC), Chain 4, and then cut the yarn.

2. Pectoral Fins (Side Flukes): Locate the sides of the dolphin, around Rounds 2 and 3.

   • Attach the Main Color yarn. Work Chain 2, 1 HDC, Chain 2, and 1 Slip Stitch (SL ST) into the same starting point. Cut the yarn. Repeat on the other side.

     Save

3. Tail Flukes: Locate the end of the dolphin body where you closed the hole.

   • Attach the Main Color yarn. Work Chain 1, 1 HDC, Chain 1, and 1 SL ST into the same starting point. Cut the yarn. Repeat this process a second time close to the first set to create two separate tail flukes.