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Looking for a quick, adorable, and stash-busting project? This crochet dolphin keychain is exactly what you need! Whether you are looking to make a cute accessory for your keys, a backpack charm for your kids, or a bunch of quick makes for your next craft fair, this mini amigurumi dolphin is a perfect choice. It works up in less than an hour and requires only a small amount of yarn.
In this tutorial, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your own pocket-sized marine friend. This crochet dolphin keychain is beginner-friendly, using basic stitches and minimal sewing, so you can easily whip up a whole pod of dolphins in an afternoon.
Grab your favorite blue yarn, your trusty hook, and let’s dive into this fun and easy project. Below, you will find the complete, step-by-step crochet dolphin keychain free pattern to start crafting right away!
🌸 Support My Work
This amigurumi pattern is completely free to use! I spend hours designing, testing, and photographing each creation to share it with you.
If you love this pattern and would like to support my small business, please consider leaving a small tip on my Ko-fi page. Your support helps me buy new yarn colors for my upcoming collections and keeps the patterns on this website free for everyone!
New to Amigurumi? No Problem!
If you are a beginner or just want to brush up on your skills before diving into this project, I’ve got you covered! Before you start, I highly recommend checking out my quick guide on crochet abbreviations to get familiar with the terms used in this pattern. If you need a refresher on the fundamentals, my how to crochet basic stitches tutorial will walk you through everything you need to know. For those who want to level up their skills and achieve flawless results, don’t miss my Perfect Amigurumi Guide series. There, you will find a wealth of information, detailed tutorials, and helpful video clips that cover everything from perfect tension to seamless finishes!
Materials Needed
- Yarn: I use a 100% cotton yarn from my local store. The best match and my top recommendation for this pattern is Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK.
- Hook: I used a 2mm hook. I highly recommend Clover Amour Hooks for the best experience.
- Tools & Supplies:
- Fiberfill, scissors, and a tapestry needle.
- Optional: Stitch markers and a keychain ring.
- Find all these essentials here: Crochet Supplies & Accessories.
Crochet abbreviations:
| Abbreviation | Full Meaning |
| MR | Magic ring |
| CH | Chain |
| SC | Single crochet |
| INC | Increase |
| DEC | Decrease |
| BLO | Back loop only |
| FLO | Front loop only |
| SL ST | Slip stitch |
| SK ST | Skip stitch |
A Quick Note on Crochet Technique & Stitch Style
For making this mini dolphin, I used the X-stitch technique, specifically the hybrid yarn under (YU) method. This approach gives the amigurumi a beautiful, neat texture and tight stitches. However, please feel free to use whichever technique you are most comfortable with, whether it’s the traditional yarn over (YO), hybrid or full X! Just keep in mind that switching techniques might result in slight variations in the final size and overall tension of your dolphin.
If you want to learn more about how to master this stitch and see the exact difference it makes, you can find a complete, detailed tutorial on the yarn under technique in my Perfect Amigurumi Guide Part 2!
Dolphin Pattern
Round 1: mr, 6 sc [6]
Round 2: (sc, inc, sc) x 2 [8]
Round 3: 2 sc, FLO 4 inc, 2 sc [12]
Round 4: 5 sc, 2 inc, 5 sc [14]
Round 5: 5 sc, inc, 2 sc, inc, 5 sc [16]
Round 6: 4 sc, inc, 6 sc, inc, 4 sc [18]
Round 7-9: 18 sc [18] (3 rounds)
Stuff as you go.
Round 10: dec, 16 sc [17]
Round 11: dec, 15 sc [16]
Round 12: dec, 14 sc [15]
Round 13: 7 sc, dec, 6 sc [14]
Round 14: 6 sc, dec, 6 sc [13]
Round 15: 6 sc, dec, 5 sc [12]
Round 16: 6 sc, dec, 4 sc [11]
Round 17: 6 sc, dec, 3 sc [10]
Round 18: 6 sc, dec, 2 sc [9]
Round 19: 5 sc, dec, 2 sc [8]
Round 20: 5 sc, dec, sc [7]
Round 21: 5 sc, dec [6]
Stuff
Make 1 additional sc to shift the stitch marker forward.
Do not fasten off. Now, we will transition from working in rounds to working in rows to create the dolphin’s tail.
Press the opening flat and work the next row by crocheting through both layers.
Row 1: inc, sc, inc, ch1, turn
Row 2: sc, inc, sc, inc, sc, ch1, turn
Row 3a: sc, dec, ch1, turn
Row 4a: dec
Fasten off.
Join yarn in the 5th stitch of Row 2 (the second unworked stitch).
Row 3b: dec, sc, ch1, turn
Row 4b: dec
Fasten off.
Dorsal Fin (Back Fin)
Round 1: mr, 4 sc [4]
Round 2: (sc, inc) x 2 [6]
Round 3: (sc, inc, sc) x 2 [8]
Fasten off.
Sew the back fin along the center of the back, from round 10 to round 13.
Pectoral Fins (Side Fins – make 2)
Round 1: mr, 4 sc [4]
Round 2: 2 sc, inc, sc [5]
Round 3: 2 sc, inc, 2 sc [6]
Fasten off.
Position the pectoral fins symmetrically on both sides of the body between rounds 8 and 12, and sew them in place.
Finishing Touches
- Eyes: Using black or dark blue yarn (or embroidery floss), embroider the eyes onto the dolphin’s face.
- Keychain (Optional): Attach a keychain ring or a lanyard loop to the top of the dolphin to turn your cute amigurumi into a functional bag charm.
Loved This Project? Try More Quick Keychains!
Congratulations, your mini dolphin is ready! If you enjoyed making this quick project and want to expand your collection, I have more fast and fun designs for you. Check out my basketball keychain pattern if you want something sporty, or dive into the bunny keychain pattern for another incredibly cute animal accessory. They make perfect companion gifts or quick makes for your next craft fair!
Prefer Ad-Free Crafting?
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Happy crocheting, and see you in the next project!
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