Crochet Cupcake Keychain

This adorable Crochet Cupcake Keychain is quick to make and fun to give! They’re a great accessory to add to a bag or backpack, hang from a car’s rearview mirror, make as ornaments, or add as a fun addition to a gift for a birthday or thank you. So many possibilities.

Switch up the colors and topping options within the pattern for an even wider variety of possibilities. No cupcake need ever look the same, or make them all the same in quick assembly line fashion. The choice is up to you and I’m excited to see what you’ll do! One thing is for sure, scraps have never looked so good!

It may be fun to note that the Crochet Cupcake Keychain is part of a collection of patterns that I’m designing that will be more beginner-friendly, quick to make, use up scrap yarn, and can be used as a great gift or random act of kindness (RAK). They’ll also teach a variety of crochet skills and techniques that will make learning to crochet (and then being able to apply those techniques to other projects in the future) all the more fun. Happy Crocheting!

Read on to learn more about the inspiration and yarn choice for the Crochet Cupcake Keychain or scroll down to the bottom to find the free pattern.

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The Inspiration

There is so much to be loved about a Crochet Cupcake Keychain. As noted above they are part of a collection I’m working on to teach crochet skills and techniques in fun ways. Small projects are great when you need a quick pick me up, I finished it, sort of feeling.

I want to note that in this design, I’ve included some stitches that may be more intermediate for some, like the camel stitch, as well as the front post half double crochet (FPhdc) and the back post half double (BPhdc) crochet stitches.

I’ve also included alternatives in the pattern to simplify the design to a beginner level, omitting the stitches you may not know. Some modifications will be barely noticeable to the overall design while others, like omitting the FPhdc, will completely change the look of the cupcake. All, some, or none of the alternatives can be taken.

The teacher in me wants success for you in your project, but also wants to encourage you to stretch yourself and your skills. If you’ve never used these techniques in your amigurumi give them a try. You’ll be grateful for the skills, and the techniques have so many fun applications.

Now a little more about the design inspiration. It’s near Valentine’s Day while designing these so they’re featuring a variety of pink, purple, red, and white with cute bows and hearts, but the fun is that if you switch out the colors for another holiday or event they will work just as well to celebrate the occasion. And in the future perhaps I’ll add some other fun decoration options too.

You can also keep your eye out for possibilities from other patterns already on the blog. For example, see the Leprechaun Gnome if you’re looking for a small shamrock option to add for the upcoming Saint Patrick’s Day. Decorative buttons in different shapes and sizes are a great option too.

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The Yarn

The Crochet Cupcake Keychain was made using Brava yarn that can be found online from WeCrochet and KnitPicks. I’ve written a post about what I’ve found to be both the pros and cons of Brava yarns based on my experience. You can find that post HERE if you’d like to learn more.

As stated in the Inspiration portion above, in the pattern images you will see cupcakes made in a variety of pink, red, purple, and white yarn due to the fact that Valentine’s Day was coming soon, but this is such a great project to use up scrap yarn in whatever colors you may have on hand. They are truly easily customized to the holiday, occasion, or personal preference.

Substitutions. This is a great pattern to try working with different types of yarn whether it be a different color, size, or fiber content. Acrylic, cotton, wool, or a blend are all fun options. Do note, if mixing yarn brands, that it’s important to ensure that the thickness of the yarns are the same to ensure consistency in stitching.

Also, make sure to adjust the hook size to fit the yarn. In the pattern, I’ve given my suggested hook size for worsted, sport, and thread along with the finished sizes below under the title “Finished Measurements”.

The pattern was intentionally designed to be a smaller keychain size in the worsted yarn and then made even smaller in the sport and crochet thread options, but with that said, if you want to make it larger from a bulky, size 6, blanket yarn it should work just fine too (but I haven’t tested it in this size yet). In that case, I would recommend a size 7.00mm or L/8.00mm hook.

As always, I’d love to see/hear about your experiences with making the design and the products you chose to use. Tag me on social media @jenhayescreations and use the hashtag #jenhayescreations to share!

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The Pattern

Difficulty

Intermediate – with alternative instructions to simplify the pattern to beginner at Rnds 5, 6-8, and 9. All, some, or none of the alternatives can be taken.

Materials

• Crochet Hook, Size E/4 (3.5 mm) for worsted, B/1 (2.25 mm) for sport, 1.50 mm (steel) for crochet thread (I use mostly Clover Amour or Furls Odyssey hooks)
• Stitch Marker(s)
• Scissors
• Stuffing
• Tapestry Needle
• Safety eyes (optional) (8 mm for worsted, 6 mm for sport, 4mm for crochet thread) 
• Embroidery Floss (optional)
• Embroidery Needle (optional)
• Dritz Disc Needle Pullers (optional)
• Chopstick, dowel, or something similar to help with stuffing small parts
• Keychain (optional) (I’ve purchased plain and decorative options)
• Yarn and thread: Types used are noted below. Uses scrap yarn in varying amounts (approx. 22 yds/20 m or less) for the main cupcake with a scalloped edge plus additional amounts based on topping choices
• Brava Worsted (worsted 4-Medium, 100% Premium Acrylic, 218 yds/199 m, 3.5 oz/100 g) – Colors pictured: Red, Blush, Cotton Candy, Mulberry, White, Brindle, and Rosebud Speckle
• Brava Sport (light – 2-Sport, 100% Premium Acrylic, 273 yds/250 m, 3.5 oz/100 g) – Colors pictured: Red, Blush, Rouge, Freesia, White, and Brindle
• Curio (#10 Thread -100% Cotton, 721 yds/659 m, 3.5 oz/100 g) – Colors pictured: Heliotrope and White
• Coats & Clark Aunt Lydia’s (#10 Thread -100% Cotton, 350 yds/320 m) – Colors pictured: Victory Red, French Rose, and Purple

Gauge

• Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) the first 4 rounds of the cupcake measure approximately 1 ⅜ inches (3.5 cm) in diameter.
• Using hook size B/2 (2.25 mm) and sport yarn, the first 4 rounds of the cupcake measure approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
• Using hook size 1.50 mm (steel 7) and crochet thread, the first 4 rounds of the cupcake measure approximately 5/8 inch (1.59 cm) in diameter.

Finished Measurements

• Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) and worsted yarn, the Crochet Cupcake Keychain measures approximately 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) tall without decorations and approximately 6 inches (15 cm) in circumference.
• Using hook size B/2 (2.25 mm) and sport yarn, the Crochet Cupcake Keychain measures approximately 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm) tall without decorations and approximately 4.25 inches (10.8 cm) in circumference.
• Using steel hook size 1.5 mm and crochet thread, the Crochet Cupcake Keychain measures approximately 7/8 inch (2.2 cm) tall without decorations and approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) in circumference.

Design Notes

• The pattern is written in English using US crochet terminology.
• The pattern is written primarily in continuous rounds, it will be helpful to place a stitch marker at the beginning stitch of the round and move it up at the start of each additional round. 
• At the end of each round/row, the number of stitches for completion is noted in parentheses.
• Further design notes and tips will be provided throughout the pattern to help aid in construction.
• Color changes in the pattern should be made during the last step of the stitch prior to the noted color change throughout the pattern. 
• Alternative instructions are given at Rnds 5, 6-8, and 9 to decrease the difficulty level of the pattern. All, some, or none of the alternatives can be taken. A design note at Rnd 10 gives the options to take for keeping or removing the setup for the scalloped cupcake edge.
• Caution! If using safety eyes, take into consideration who will be using the item. The use of safety eyes is not recommended for children under the age of three or for those prone to putting things in their mouth as they may cause a choking hazard. Crocheted or hand-embroidered eyes are a great alternative!

Abbreviations/Stitches Used

• back bar of the ch – horizontal bar on the backside of a ch
• BLO – work in the back loop only
• BPhdc – back post half double crochet (see Special Stitches)
• Camel stitch – work in the 3rd loop of a hdc (see Special Stitches)
• ch – chain
• dc – double crochet
• FLO – work in the front loop only
• FPhdc – front post half double crochet (see Special Stitches)
• hdc – half double crochet
• rep – repeat
• Rnd(s) – round(s)
• Row(s) – row(s)
• sc – single crochet 
• sc2tog – single crochet 2 stitches together (invisible decrease)
• sl st – slip stitch
• st(s) – stitch(s)
• [ ] / ( ) – work instructions between brackets/parenthesis as many times as directed
• magic circle/adjustable ring
• * * – repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed 
• hand embroidery (optional)

Special Stitches

BPhdc – back post half double crochet:

1. With the working loop on the hook, yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around the post of the corresponding stitch below,
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop,
3. Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on the hook.

FPhdc – front post half double crochet:

1. With the working loop on the hook, yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around the post of the corresponding stitch below,
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop,
3. Yarn over and draw through all 3 loops on the hook.

Working in the 3rd loop of the hdc (or camel stitch):

The Camel Stitch is a variation on the hdc, so a technique, rather than an actual stitch pattern. When making a regular hdc three loops are formed. Two of these loops form the regular V stitch, also referred to as the front and back loop of the stitch. On the back/wrong side of the work, just under the back loop, is where you find the 3rd loop of the hdc. In fact, if you look at the regular V stitch and turn it towards you slightly to where the back loop now sits where the front loop was, you’ll see another V appear. The new back loop of this new V is the 3rd loop of the hdc. This loop is where the hook should be inserted to create the Camel Stitch.

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Let’s Make Our Crochet Cupcake Keychain!

Cupcake

The base of the Crochet Cupcake Keychain is worked in one piece from the bottom of the cupcake liner to the top of the cake. Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise directed.

Additional toppings are made and attached separately.

>Design Note: Alternative instructions are given at Rnds 5, 6-8, and 9 to decrease the difficulty level of the pattern. All, some, or none of the alternatives can be taken. A design note at Rnd 10 gives the options to take for keeping or removing the setup for the scalloped cupcake edge.

Using the desired color for the Cupcake Liner

• Rnd 1: 6sc in adjustable (magic) circle (6sts)
• Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
• Rnd 2: 2sc in each st around (12sts)
• Rnd 3: [Sc in the next sc, 2sc in next st] 6 times (18sts)
• Rnd 4: Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next st, [sc in the next 2sts, 2sc in the next st] 5 times, sc in the next st. (24sts)

>Design Note: The pattern will now begin to be worked in joined rounds to create the ridged edges of the cupcake liner.

• Rnd 5: Sl st to the first st to join, ch1 (neither st counts as a st here and throughout), BPhdc in the same st and in each st around. (24sts)

>Design Alternative for Rnd 5: Having trouble locating the back post? Rnd 5 can also be worked as written but as a hdc in the BLO. This will change the look of the cupcake liner just slightly at the base where the bottom meets the edge of the liner, but is a great alternative.

• Rnds 6-8: Sl st to the first st to join, ch 1, FPhdc in the same st and in each st around. (24sts for 3 Rnds) 

>Design Alternative or Rnds 6-8: Having trouble with FPhdc? Work these instructions into the regular V stitch instead: Rnd 6-8: Sl st to the first st to join, ch 1, hdc in the same st and in each st around. (24sts for 3 Rnds). >Design Note: This will significantly change the overall look of the cupcake liner by removing all of the ridges and making it more rounded.

Switch to the desired cupcake color

Begin working again in continuous Rnds

• Rnd 9: Working in the 3rd loop of the hdc (camel stitch): Sc in each st around. (24sts)

>Design Alternative for Rnd 9: Having trouble locating the 3rd loop of the hdc? Rnd 9 can also be worked as written but in the BLO. >Design Note: This change will make the separation between the cupcake and the cupcake liner less distinct but is a great alternative.

>Design Option for Rnd 10: In the next Rnd the cupcake is set up to later add a scalloped frosting edge. To make a cupcake without this scalloped frosting edge sc in both loops for Rnd 10. In this case, there will be no need to mark any additional sts.  

• Rnd 10: Working in the BLO: Sc in each st around. (24sts) Mark the front loop of the first st with an additional stitch marker for later reference. 

If using, insert the safety eyes. The suggested placement is at about Rnd 7 in the cupcake liner, 4sts apart. >Design Tip: It is easier to insert the eye in the space between two FPhdc stitches rather than through them. If desired, the eyes can also be hand embroidered.

• Rnd 11: Sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog, [sc in the next 4sts, sc2tog] 3 times, sc in the next 2sts. (20sts)
• Rnd 12: [Sc in the next 3sts, sc2tog] 4 times. (16sts)

Firmly stuff and shape the cupcake and continue to do so as the pattern progresses (but don’t overstuff, the bottom should remain as flat as possible).

• Rnd 13: Sc in the next st, sc2tog, [sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog] 3 times, sc in the next st. (12sts)
• Rnd 14: [Sc2tog] 6 times. (6sts)

Fasten off leaving a long tail to close up the hole. Close the hole with a tapestry needle stitching only through the front loops until the hole pulls nicely closed, secure, and weave in the end.

Creating the Scalloped Frosting Edge

(Optional)

Using the desired color (pictured, the same color as the main cupcake was used)

• Rnd 1: With the working loop on the hook, insert the hook in the front loop marked previously in Rnd 10 (from the top of the stitch down towards the cupcake liner), and sl into this st, 3hdc in the next st, [sl st in the next st, 3hdc in the next st] 11 times, sl st back into the st where the first sl st was made to join. (12 scallops)
• Fasten off and weave in the ends. 

Decorating the Cupcake

Several options are given to decorate the cupcake. Mix and match the possibilities to achieve the desired look for the cupcake.

Face

If safety eyes were added, use embroidery floss and an embroidery needle, or yarn and a tapestry needle, to add facial features such as a mouth, cheeks, eyelashes, eyebrows, freckles, etc. If desired, the eyes can also be hand embroidered.

Sprinkles

Using a desired color(s) of yarn and a tapestry needle, sporadically make small stitches scattered across the top of the cupcake to mimic the look of sprinkles. Also, consider using items like beads and sequins stitched on using sewing thread.

Cherry

Using red or another desired color

• Rnd 1: 6sc in adjustable (magic) circle (6sts)
• Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
• Rnd 2: [Sc in the next st, 2sc in the next st] 3 times. (9sts)
• Rnd 3: Sc in each st around. (9sts)
• Rnd 4: [Sc in the next st, sc2tog] 3 times. (6sts)

Firmly stuff and shape the cherry.

• Fasten off leaving a long tail to close up the hole and attach the cherry to the top of the cupcake. Close the hole with a tapestry needle stitching only through the front loops until the hole pulls nicely closed. Attach the cherry to the cupcake.

Drippy Frosting

Using the desired color

• Rnd 1: 6sc in adjustable (magic) circle (6sts)
• Rnd 1 alternative: If preferred, ch2 and then 6sc in 2nd chain from hook. (6sts)
• Rnd 2: 2sc in each st around (12sts)

In the next Rnd, the drips are made. When working in the chains, work in the back bars of the chain for a cleaner look.

• Rnd 3: Sl st in the next st, *ch 3, working in the back bars of the ch: sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next ch, working back into Rnd 2: sl st in the next 2sts, ch 4, working in the back bars of the ch: sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook, sc in the next 2 ch, working back into Rnd 2: sl st in the next 2sts*, rep from * to * 2 more times, the final sl st being a join to the first st. (6 drips made)
• Fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching the drippy frosting to the cupcake. Weave in the starting tail.

• Center the drippy frosting over the top center of the cupcake with the drips falling as desired, and stitch in place using a tapestry needle.

>Design Tip: There’s no need to stitch around every drip when attaching it to the cupcake. Stitch between each of the drips to secure it to the cupcake, but then only at the bottom tip of each of the drips.

Whipped Cream/Dollop of Frosting

Using the desired color

• Ch 33

>Design Option: For fuller whipped topping/frosting chain more sts, and for less, chain fewer.

• Working in the back bars of the ch: 2sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and in each ch across. (64sts)
• Fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching the whipped cream/frosting to the cupcake. Weave in the starting tail.
• With the tail end at the base of the spiral, shape the spiral to the desired width and height. It can be structured or messy looking. >Design Tip: Placing it on top of the cupcake while doing this can help to determine the desired shape.
• Once the desired look is achieved, while holding the piece securely with one hand, use the tail and a tapestry needle to tack the layers together in several places so it remains securely in place. Then attach the piece to the top of the cupcake.

Heart

Using the desired color

The heart is worked fully into a magic ring and then cinched closed, or alternatively, in the 2nd ch from the hook (see the design option below for the second option).

• Working into a magic ring: Ch2, 2dc, 2hdc, ch1, dc, ch1, 2hdc, 2dc, ch2, sl st.
• Pull tightly to close the magic ring, forming the heart.
• Fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching. Weave in the starting tail.
• Attach the heart to the desired place on the cupcake. >Design Note: Depending on how the heart will be attached to the cupcake there may be the need to weave the tail to a new spot on the heart.

>Design Option: Make the heart without using the magic ring.

• Ch 2, working in the 2nd ch from the hook: 2dc, 2hdc, ch1, dc, ch1, 2hdc, 2dc, ch2, sl st. Fasten off leaving a long tail for stitching. >Design Note: Pulling the starting tail again may help to decrease the hole in the center even more if it seems too large. Weave in the starting tail.
• Attach the heart to the desired place on the cupcake. >Design Note: Depending on how the heart will be attached to the cupcake there may be the need to weave the tail to a new spot on the heart.

Bow

Using the desired color

>Design Note: The bow uses sl sts that will need to be worked into in the next row. Don’t make them too tight or it will be difficult to stitch into them later. If desired these sl sts can be replaced with sc, but it will modify the bow slightly.

• Ch 8
• Row 1: Working in the back bar of the ch: Hdc in the 3rd ch from the hook, hdc in the next st, sl st in the next 2sts, hdc in the next 2sts. (6sts)
• Row 2: Ch1, turn, hdc in the next 2sts, sl st in the next 2sts, hdc in the next 2sts. (6sts)
• Fasten off leaving a tail long enough to wrap around the center of the bow several times and attach the bow to the heart.

• Weave in the starting tail. Weave the long tail to the center of the bow and then wrap it several times around the center. Using a tapestry needle, secure the tail by stitching through the center wraps at the back of the bow.
• Attach the bow to the cupcake in the desired place.

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Copyright and Use Policy

This pattern and its photos are copyright of Jennifer Hayes (Jen Hayes Creations) and are for personal, non-commercial use only. You may not copy, sell, republish, distribute, or translate my patterns, photos, or tutorials in part or whole. Share this pattern on social media by using the social sharing buttons or a link to the pattern. You are welcome to sell any finished items produced from this pattern. Please credit Jen Hayes Creations as the designer and include a link to the pattern listing if selling the finished piece online. Thank you!