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Crochet Cupcake Keychain

⋮ 9.2.2023

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!

The Yarn

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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!

The Pattern

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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.

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 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

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 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.

Let’s Make Our Crochet Cupcake Keychain!

Cupcake

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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.

Image Description: The crochet hook is inserted around the first back post of the round, a trick used to
make a better distinction between the base and the later created corrugated edges of the cupcake liner
(See Rnd 5).

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)

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 Cupcake Left: Original pattern made without the scalloped edge. Cupcake Right: Made with all
the alternative options in Rnd 5, 6-8, and 9.

>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

Image Description: The crochet hook is inserted into the 3rd loop of the hdc (camel stitch) in preparation
to make the top of the cupcake (See Rnd 9).

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.

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 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)

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 Image Description: The crochet hook is inserted into the first front loop in preparation to make the
scalloped outer edge of the cupcake.

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

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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

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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.

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 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.

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 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).

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 Image Description: All the stitches are worked into the magic ring and ready to be cinched closed to form
the heart.

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 centereven 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

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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.

Image Left: The bow before the ends are woven in or wrapped. Image Right: The bow after the end is wo
in and the center is wrapped.

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.

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

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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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