Crochet a Colorful Smiley Face Keychain – Tutorial

If you love small, quick, and joyful crochet projects, this Colorful Smiley Face Keychain will be your next favorite make.

Not only is it beginner-friendly, but it’s also a cheerful gift idea for friends, family, or even yourself. With its vibrant colors and cute expression, it’s the kind of project that will bring smiles wherever it goes.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn step-by-step how to crochet your own smiley face keychain, customize it with your favorite colors, and assemble it into a functional accessory that can brighten up your bag, keys, or even your car.

1. Why Crochet a Smiley Face Keychain?

Crochet keychains are incredibly popular among crafters because they’re small, portable, and fun to make. The smiley face design has an extra layer of charm—it’s universally recognized as a symbol of happiness and positivity.

Here are a few reasons why this project stands out:

• Quick to complete – Perfect for when you want to finish a project in one sitting.
• Minimal materials – You only need a small amount of yarn, making it great for using up leftover scraps.
• Beginner-friendly – Basic crochet stitches are all you need to know.
• Customizable – Change the colors, facial expression, or even add accessories like a tiny bow or hat.
• Giftable – Ideal as a handmade present or even as party favors.

Whether you’re making it for personal use, to sell at craft fairs, or as part of a crochet gift bundle, this colorful smiley face keychain is guaranteed to be a hit.

2. Materials You Will Need

Before we start crocheting, let’s prepare the necessary supplies. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother.

Yarn:

• Small amounts of yellow yarn (for the smiley face) – cotton yarn works best for a neat finish.
• Black yarn (for the mouth and eyes).
• Any bright color of your choice for the border – think rainbow shades for extra cheerfulness.

Tools & Accessories:

• Crochet hook (size recommended for your yarn – usually 2.5 mm or 3 mm for keychains).
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
• Scissors.
• Fiberfill or yarn scraps for light stuffing (optional, for a puffed look).
• Keychain ring and jump ring.
• Stitch marker (optional but useful).

Pro Tip: If you plan on making many, you can buy a set of keychain hardware in bulk to save money.

3. Step-by-Step Crochet Tutorial

Let’s break down the process into easy steps. If you know how to make a magic ring, single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), and increase stitches, you’re already equipped to start.

Step 1: Crochet the Face Base

1. Magic Ring – Make a magic ring with yellow yarn.
2. Round 1 – Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)
3. Round 2 – Increase in each stitch (2 sc in each). (12 sts)
4. Round 3 – 1 sc in first stitch, 2 sc in next, repeat around. (18 sts)
5. Round 4 – 1 sc in each of next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next, repeat. (24 sts)
6. Round 5 – Continue increasing evenly until your circle reaches the desired size (usually about 5–6 cm in diameter for a keychain).

Make two identical circles – one will be the front (with the face) and the other the back.

Step 2: Embroider the Smiley Face

Before assembling, it’s easier to sew the eyes and mouth on the front circle while it’s still flat.

• Using black yarn and a yarn needle, embroider two small eyes (French knots or tiny stitches).
• Stitch a curved smile beneath them.
• You can add little pink cheeks with embroidery thread or a touch of blush.

Customization Idea: Try winking eyes or heart-shaped eyes for a fun twist.

Step 3: Join the Two Circles

1. Place the two yellow circles together, wrong sides facing in.
2. Using your chosen border color yarn, insert the hook through both layers and make single crochets around.
3. If you want a puffy keychain, insert a bit of fiberfill before closing the last stitches.
4. When you reach the top, make a small loop (5–6 chains) to attach the keyring later, then secure with a slip stitch.

Step 4: Attach the Keyring

• Use a jump ring or a small piece of yarn to secure the crocheted loop to the metal keychain ring.
• Make sure it’s tightly fastened so it can withstand daily use.

Congratulations—your Colorful Smiley Face Keychain is ready to spread joy!

4. Tips, Variations, and Creative Ideas

One of the best parts about this project is how versatile it is. With just a few tweaks, you can create a whole set of adorable keychains.

Color Variations:

• Make a rainbow set – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple faces.
• Use ombré or variegated yarn for a unique look.

Facial Expressions:

• Add sunglasses for a “cool” smiley.
• Try surprised, laughing, or sleepy expressions.

Themed Designs:

• Holiday versions – Santa hat for Christmas, bunny ears for Easter, or a little witch hat for Halloween.
• Emoji-inspired – turn your favorite emojis into crochet form.

Selling Tip: Bundle them in sets of 3–5 for craft fairs or online shops. Small items like this often sell quickly because they make great impulse purchases.

Final Thoughts

Crocheting a Colorful Smiley Face Keychain is not just a fun crafting project—it’s a creative way to bring positivity into everyday life. With minimal materials and just a short amount of time, you can create something cheerful, functional, and totally customizable.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy project or an experienced crocheter seeking a quick make, this tutorial will guide you to a happy result. So, grab your yarn, hook, and imagination, and start crocheting smiles today!