The Crochet Puffy Heart Keychain is going to be your new favorite project!
Whether you add a keychain or leave it without, it is the ideal project that results in the perfect gift for someone that is quick, cute, and uses up that scrap yarn you’ve been wondering what to do with!
They of course make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, but also work wonderfully for every other holiday (go wild with all the colors and embellishments), and for all the other days in between when you want a little something to say I care about you.
It may be fun to note that the Crochet Puffy Heart 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 Puffy Heart Keychain or scroll down to the bottom to find the free pattern. Happy Crocheting!
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The Inspiration
The inspiration behind the Crochet Puffy Heart Keychain is many things. The most obvious may be that Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, and quick, little cheerful gifts to give to others or enjoy for yourself are always fun.
Looking forward to 2023 and beyond, I also have a few crochet goals. I’ll share a few here with you.
1. I plan to begin researching all the hows to create videos and get them up on my YouTube channel. This will be a great medium to teach all about tips, techniques, and patterns that I want to share to the fullest!
That said, I think having more quick, beginner projects that help to teach a variety of techniques will be helpful. A few smaller projects will also allow me time to learn while still creating and sharing new designs with you! A quick project is always so satisfying too, don’t you agree?
2. Another personal goal for me is to work through a lot of my yarn stash. In some ways, I have it organized, and in other ways, it is everywhere throughout the house.
I want to get it to the point where it’s contained to two specific shelving spaces in my office. So heads up, there may just be several stash-busting projects this year.
Using up or donating items will also help to remove the guilt of having supplies that just aren’t getting the attention they deserve. I will then be able to thoughtfully replace it with products that I continue to love using, as well as new items that I want to try. Can you relate?
3. I also want to rediscover all the projects that I have tucked away in project bags. Typically those that I didn’t quite get finished in time to share with you before a designated holiday ended.
There are also those projects that didn’t get finished because I ran out of yarn before completing them or those that I had to set aside for a while because I was losing the love for it trying to figure out how to make the yarn obey the idea in my head. Do you ever step away from a project for a time when it’s not cooperating?
4. Another goal is one of the more exciting goals for me. I love sharing ideas that allow for the possibilities of crafty, handmade kindness going out into the world. There’s nothing like a random act of kindness (RAK) that helps to build hope and love in countless ways.
The various patterns I have planned will be my gift to you if you too feel the gratification from smaller projects completed and shared. However, I do also have a few bigger projects planned as well that I’m going to work toward sharing. So all around, this year should be fun!
It’s my hope that the smaller projects like the Crochet Puffy Heart Keychain and others that I’m planning will not only help to grow your skills but afford the opportunity for service. I’m excited to see what you’ll do with them!
On another similar note…….
There’s also the reality that sometimes we must sell our items to earn a living and care for ourselves and/or our family. My hope is that these smaller projects that I’ll begin sharing across 2023 will provide you with items that you can sell at a lower price point compared to larger items, or if you want, to add on to a sale as a surprise bonus item.
For everyone, the Crochet Puffy Heart Keychain pattern (and others to come) will be such a fun way to create for yourself, friends, family, teachers, coworkers, and more! In the end, however you decide to use them, I’m pretty convinced that these are going to be just perfect! Happy Crocheting!
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The Yarn
The Crochet Puffy Heart Keychain was made using Brava yarn that can be found online from WeCrochet and KnitPicks. In the pattern, I used a variety of colors both in the regular worsted and sport weight sized yarns along with one worsted speckled color. Just note that the bigger the yarn used the larger the heart will be.
For the smallest hearts, I used a size 10 crochet thread. Size 10 as well as size 3 crochet thread can also be found from WeCrochet or KnitPicks in a variety of colors under the brand name Curio. I used the Curio size 10 in the colors Serrano and Heliotrope. I also used colors in my stash from the brand Aunt Lydia’s in Purple, Victory Red, and French Rose.
While writing up the details about the yarn I found myself writing so much that I decided it best to make the information its own blog post. So to learn more about Brava yarn please visit the Brava Yarn Review.
While I’ll be using Brava yarns for the majority, if not all, of the upcoming smaller designs that I’ll be sharing this year, feel free to use these projects as an opportunity to use up the yarns you already have in your stash.
Just remember to adjust the hook size as needed. If mixing yarn brands on the same project, for best results try to ensure that the thickness of the yarns are the same for more consistency in stitching.
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.
In the images, you’ll see a furry heart. With this one, I held a furry eyelash yarn that I found in my stash (an oldie from Lion Brand) along with a regular worsted acrylic. Once stitched it looked more like a furry blob than a heart so I trimmed the fur to better expose the shape of the heart. Such a fun look.
And don’t forget that this is also a great chance to play around with beads, sequins, lace, embroidery, and more. Go wild with the options you find in your personal stash!
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!
The Pattern
Difficulty
Beginner
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, (10 mm for worsted, 6 mm for sport)
- 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)
- Brava Worsted (worsted 4-Medium, 100% Premium Acrylic, 218 yds/199 m, 3.5 oz/100 g), Used approx. 20 yds/18 m – Colors pictured: Red, Cotton Candy, Mulberry, White, Rosebud Speckle
- Brava Sport (light – 2-Sport, 100% Premium Acrylic, 273 yds/250 m, 3.5 oz/100 g), Used approx. 9 yds/8 m – Colors pictured: Freesia, Rouge, Red
- Curio (#10 Thread -100% Cotton, 721 yds/659 m, 3.5 oz/100 g) – Used approx. 47 yds/43 m – Colors pictured: Serrano, Heliotrope
- Coats & Clark Aunt Lydia’s (#10 Thread -100% Cotton, 350 yds/320 m) – Used approx. 47 yds/43 m – Colors pictured: French Rose, Victory Red, Purple
Gauge
- Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) and worsted yarn, the first 3 rounds of the dome measure approximately ⅞ inch (2.2 cm) in diameter.
- Using hook size B/2 (2.25 mm) and sport yarn, the first 3 rounds of the dome measure approximately 6/8 inch (1.9 cm) in diameter.
- Using hook size 1.50 mm (steel 7) and crochet thread, the first 3 rounds of the dome measure approximately .5 inch (1.3 cm) in diameter.
Finished Measurements
- Using hook size E/4 (3.5 mm) and worsted yarn, the Crochet Heart Keychain measures approximately 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the top of the dome to the bottom point and approximately 2.75 inches (6.9 cm) across at the widest point.
- Using hook size B/2 (2.25 mm) and sport yarn, the Crochet Heart Keychain measures approximately 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) from the top of the dome to the bottom point and approximately 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) across at the widest point.
- Using hook size 1.5 mm and crochet thread, the Crochet Heart Keychain measures approximately 1 ⅛ inches (2.9 cm) from the top of the dome to the bottom point and approximately 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) across at the widest point.
Design Notes
- The pattern is written in English using US crochet terminology.
- The pattern is written 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, 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.
- If applicable, color changes in the pattern should be made during the last step of the stitch prior to the noted color change throughout the pattern.
- 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
- ch – chain
- hdc – half double crochet
- Rnd(s) – round(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
- hand embroidery (optional)
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Let’s Make Our Crochet Puffy Heart Keychain!
>Design Note: The heart can be made in any type of scrap yarn. See “Finished Measurements” above for finished project sizes as well as the suggested yarn and hook sizes.
The heart is made by making the top two domes of the heart, joining them together, and then continuing to create the bottom point of the heart.
The Domes
Make 2
Using the desired color(s)
- Rnd 1: 6sc in an 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 st, 2sc in next st] 6 times. (18sts)
- Rnd 4-5 Sc in each st around. (18sts for 2 Rnds)
If the first dome: Fasten off leaving a long tail for later stitching. Keep the starting stitch marker in place for later reference when joining the domes.
If the second dome: DO NOT fasten off. Leave the starting stitch marker in place for later reference when joining the domes.
In the next round, the domes are joined together.
- Rnd 6: With the working loop on the hook, insert the hook into the first st of the first dome (marked with a stitch marker) from the right side to the wrong side of the piece, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through both loops, (mark this first sc stitch as the new starting st), sc in the next 17sts on the first dome, join back onto the second dome: insert the hook into the first st (marked with a stitch marker, which can now be set aside) from the right side to the wrong side of the work, yo, pull up a loop, yo, pull through both loops, sc in the next 17sts on the second dome. (36sts)
- Rnd 7: [Sc2tog, sc in the next 7sts] 4 times. (32sts)
Using the tail left when fastening off the first dome and a tapestry needle, stitch the small gap between the domes left when joining them together. Stitch from the inside of the piece.
- Rnd 8: Sc in the next 3sts, sc2tog, [sc in the next 6sts, sc2tog] 3 times, sc in the next 3sts. (28sts)
- Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. (28sts)
- Rnd 10: [Sc2tog, sc in the next 5sts] 4 times. (24sts)
- Rnd 11: Sc in the next 2sts, sc2tog, [sc in the next 4sts, sc2tog] 3 times, sc in the next 2sts. (20sts)
If using, insert the safety eyes. The suggested placement is between Rnds 8 and 9 approximately 4-5sts apart. Additional facial features can be added now or after the heart is completed.
- Rnd 12: [Sc2tog, sc in the next 3sts] 4 times. (16sts)
Firmly stuff and shape the heart to the desired puffiness and continue to do so as the pattern progresses.
- 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, sc in the next st] 4 times. (8sts)
- 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.
- Add any additional desired facial features and embellishments.
- If using, attach the keychain to the desired place on the heart. Pictured, it is attached at about Rnd 3 along the outer edge of the left dome of the heart.
Bow
Optional
Using the desired color
>Design Note: The hairbow 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 bars 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: Turn ch1, 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 heart in the desired place (centered at the top, angled on either of the top domes, or as a bow tie).
Additional Options
- Switch colors as little or as often as desired to create stripes or blocks of color. It’s such a great way to use up scrap yarn!
- Use speckled, variegated, striped, or metallic yarn for a fun effect.
- Hold a piece of furry yarn along with the regular for a fun, furry look.
- Leave an extra long tail when fastening off at the bottom point to create a hanging loop in place of a keychain. Simply weave the tail up to the top of the heart, form the desired length of loop, and secure the remaining tail back into the heart.
- Add embroidery, sequins, beads, lace, buttons, fabric, etc. to the heart to add unique, personalized embellishment.
- Mix up the facial expressions by changing the size of the safety eyes, where they are placed on the heart, or even hand embroider them.
Reach Out, Share, and Follow Along!
As always, I’d love to see your creation if you’re willing to share! Comment below or tag me on social media. You can find me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram (tag @jenhayescreations and use the hashtag #jenhayescreations to show off your work and have a chance to be featured), and stay tuned to find me in the future on YouTube!
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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!
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