Crochet a Cute Marigold Keychain: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Isn't it amazing how a simple strand of yarn can transform into something beautiful and useful? Today, I'm excited to share a super fun and easy project: crocheting adorable marigold keychains! These little bursts of sunshine make fantastic gifts, adding a personal touch to any set of keys or acting as a charming bag accessory. If you're looking for a quick, satisfying, and beginner-friendly crochet project, you've come to the right place. Let's grab our hooks and yarn, and bring these cheerful blooms to life!

Why Crochet a Marigold Keychain?

Why should you dive into this delightful project? Well, for starters, it's incredibly quick and easy, making it perfect for beginner crocheters. You can use up those odd bits of scrap yarn lying around, making it a budget-friendly craft. Plus, you can customize the colors to match your unique style or create the perfect gift for someone special. There's something incredibly satisfying about making something beautiful with your own two hands, and these marigold keychains are no exception. Whether you clip them onto your favorite bag or use them to keep track of your keys, they add a touch of handmade charm to your everyday life.

Materials You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather our supplies. Here's what you'll need to crochet your own marigold keychain:

• Yarn: Four-weight worsted acrylic yarn in your choice of colors. Scraps are perfect for this!
• Green Yarn: You'll need a little bit of green yarn for the caps.
• Crochet Hook: A 5mm or 6mm crochet hook. I used a 6mm hook in the video.
• Scissors: For cutting your yarn.
• Needle: A sharp tip needle for sewing in the ends.
• Optional Hardware: Keychain rings or clips for attaching your finished marigold.

Got everything ready? Great! Using scraps of yarn makes it a fantastic stash-busting project.

Getting Started: Making the "Marigold"

Let's start by making the "Marigold" itself. It's just a fun name for the flower base!

Step 1: The Magic Ring

First, we'll create a magic ring. This is a technique that allows you to start your crochet project with a closed center, eliminating that pesky hole.

1. Wrap the yarn around your fingers, crossing it to form an "X".
2. Hold the yarn in place with your thumb.
3. Insert your crochet hook under the first strand and over the second.
4. Pull the second strand through, twist, and chain one to secure the ring.

Step 2: Creating the Loops

Now, we'll create the loops that form the petals of our marigold.

1. Chain eight (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8).
2. Slip stitch into the magic ring, going over the yarn tail to secure it.

Repeat this process until you have a total of 20 loops. Don't worry if it seems a bit fiddly at first; you'll get the hang of it quickly. If you need a closer look, pause the video and work at your own pace.

Step 3: Securing the Yarn

Once you've completed all 20 loops, it's time to secure the yarn.

1. Chain one to secure the yarn.
2. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing.
3. Pull the hook up and through the yarn to create a knot.

Step 4: Closing the Magic Ring

Now, let's close up that magic ring nice and tight.

1. Find the tail from the magic ring and give it a good, firm pull.
2. This will close the center of the flower.
3. Bring the tail up to where your other tail is, and tie the two tails together in a double knot.

I like to leave these tails attached so I know where the back of the flower is when I'm ready to add the caps.

Creating the Flower Caps

Next, we'll make the two caps that give our marigold its distinctive shape. Each marigold needs two caps.

Cap 1: The Short-Tailed Cap

This cap has a shorter tail, which we'll use to attach it to the flower.

Step 1: Magic Ring with a Tail

1. Leave about a 14-inch tail.
2. Make a magic ring just like before.

Step 2: Double Crochets

1. Chain two.
2. Work six double crochets into the center of the ring, making sure to go over the tail.

Step 3: Joining the Cap

1. Pull the tail to shrink the ring shut.
2. Locate the first double crochet you made (not the chain).
3. Slip stitch into that first double crochet to join the cap into a circle.
4. Chain one to secure the yarn.

Step 4: Finishing the Cap

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a normal tail for sewing.
2. Pull the yarn up and through, and snug it down.
3. Flip the cap inside out so the "pretty" stitches are facing out.

Cap 2: The Long-Tailed Cap

This cap has a longer tail, which we'll use to attach the chain for our keychain or bag charm.

Step 1: Magic Ring with a Long Tail

1. Leave about a 24-inch tail.
2. Make a magic ring.

Step 2: Double Crochets

1. Chain two.
2. Work six double crochets into the center of the ring, going over the tail.

Step 3: Joining the Cap

1. Pull the long tail to really close up the magic ring.
2. Locate the first double crochet you made (not the chain).
3. Slip stitch into that first double crochet.
4. Chain one to secure the yarn.

Step 4: Finishing the Cap

1. Cut the yarn, leaving a normal tail for sewing.
2. Pull the yarn up and through, and snug it down.
3. Flip the cap inside out.

One marold gets a short-tailed cap, and the other gets the long-tailed cap.

Assembling the Marigold: Sewing on the Caps

Now for the fun part: putting it all together!

Step 1: Attaching the Short-Tailed Cap

1. Take the marigold that will receive the short cap.
2. Cut the two tails on the back of the marigold.
3. Thread the center tail from the magic ring onto your needle.
4. Fold all the petals down so you can see the center of the flower.
5. Slide your needle through the center from one side to the other.
6. Before pulling it tight, turn the cap up to make sure the needle comes out in the middle of the magic ring.
7. Pull the tail to shrink the cap onto the marigold, smoothing it out as you go.
8. Go underneath a strand of yarn and back through that loop to knot it.
9. Sew in the tail by going into the petals and coming out the other side.
10. Cut off the excess tail.
11. Repeat with the other tail.

Step 2: Attaching the Long-Tailed Cap

1. Grab the second marigold, the one that will receive the long-tailed cap.
2. Find those two tails that you knotted earlier and cut them off.
3. Make sure the back of the flower is facing up.
4. Thread the long tail from the center onto your needle.
5. Fold all the petals down to expose the center of the flower.
6. Slide the needle through the center from one side to the other.
7. Before tightening, turn the cap up to ensure the needle comes out the middle of the magic ring.
8. Pull the tail to shrink the cap onto the marigold, smoothing it out.
9. Thread the short tail and sew on the cap while you're there, going in and out, making sure to catch the petals and the cap.
10. Repeat until the cap is stitched on and the tail is sewn in.
11. Cut off the excess tail.
12. Make sure the cap is nice and snug.

Adding the Chain

Almost there! Now we'll add the chain that will allow us to use our marigold as a keychain or bag charm.

Step 1: Creating the Chain Loop

1. Make sure the long tail is pulled nice and tight.
2. Thread the long tail onto the needle.
3. Go underneath a couple of strands of yarn nearby the long tail and pull through, leaving a loop.
4. Pop your crochet hook into that loop and shrink it down.

Step 2: Crocheting the Chain

1. Make two tiny chains as small as you can.
2. Continue chaining regularly until you have a total of 25 chains.

Step 3: Attaching to the Second Marigold

1. If your needle isn't still threaded, pull the hook up and through the yarn and thread the needle again.
2. Sew the yarn onto both sides of the center of the second marigold.
3. Make sure the chain starts right at the top of both marigolds.
4. Pull the yarn securely, leaving no gap between the chain and the flower.
5. Sew in the tail and cut off the excess.

If you're looking to learn more about crochet, I offer many written crochet patterns that can help with that.

Final Touches: Adding the Keychain or Clip

You're in the home stretch! Now it's time to decide how you want to use your marigold.

1. You can simply wrap it around a bag handle.
2. You can use a keychain.
3. You can use a clip.

Step 1: Choosing Your Attachment Method

If you're using a clip, pinch that part of the chain and poke it through.

Slide the clip all the way up to the flowers.

Step 2: Adjusting the Flowers

Adjust the flowers so they hang just the way you want them.

Pull whichever strand you want to be longer.

And there you have it! Your very own crocheted marigold keychain or bag charm.

Customization Ideas

Want to make your marigold even more unique? Here are a few ideas:

• Experiment with different color combinations for the petals and caps.
• Add beads or other embellishments to the chain.
• Use different yarn weights for varied textures.
• Add a personalized tag if you're giving it as a gift.

You can even crochet these cute Santa ornaments and use them as keychains!

Troubleshooting Tips

New to crochet? Here are a few common issues and how to solve them:

• Magic ring coming undone: Make sure you're pulling the tail tight enough and knotting the ends securely.
• Difficulty with double crochets: Practice makes perfect! There are plenty of online tutorials to help you master this stitch.
• Caps not fitting properly: Double-check your stitch count and make sure you're following the instructions carefully.

Free Pattern and Printable PDF Pattern

If you prefer to work from a written pattern, I have a free pattern available on my website. All of my patterns are written in plain English, just like I'm sitting there right beside you. For those who prefer a hard copy, there's also a printable PDF pattern available for purchase.

Related Projects

If you enjoyed this project, you might also like to try crocheting other flower patterns, small amigurumi projects, or easy accessories like scarves or headbands. There are a ton of easy crochet projects for beginners you can find online.

Left-Handed Tutorial

Are you a left-handed crocheter? Don't worry, I've got you covered! Here's a direct link to the left-handed version of this tutorial.

Share Your Projects!

I'd love to see your finished marigold keychains! Share photos of your creations on social media using the hashtag #SecretYarneryMarigold so I can admire your work.

Call to Action

Don't forget to subscribe to my Secret Yarnery YouTube channel for more crochet tutorials and patterns. Like the video and leave a comment with any questions or feedback.

Links to Resources

Here's a handy list of links to help you with this project:

✅ FREE PATTERN 🎁  https://bit.ly/4ikMXEK 
✅ PRINTABLE PDF PATTERN 📖   https://bit.ly/43gCiGW 
✅ RIGHT HANDED TUTORIAL 👉 https://youtu.be/6RMweL3M3lg 
✅ LEFT HANDED TUTORIAL 👈  https://youtu.be/VI59ZigeRSQ

Conclusion

And that's it! You've successfully crocheted a beautiful marigold keychain. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial as much as I enjoyed creating it. Now go forth and spread some sunshine with your handmade creations! Stay hooked.

Left Handed?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a beginner crochet this marigold keychain?

Absolutely! This project is beginner-friendly and includes step-by-step instructions. If you're new to crochet, the magic ring or double crochet might take a little practice, but the linked video tutorial provides great visual guidance.

2. What type of yarn is best for this project?

Four-weight worsted acrylic yarn works best. You can also use any scraps of yarn you have, as smaller amounts are sufficient for the project.

3. What size crochet hook should I use?

A 5mm or 6mm crochet hook is recommended for this project. If you're unsure, the tutorial uses a 6mm hook.

4. Can I use other flower patterns for the keychain?

Yes! This pattern focuses on marigolds, but you can customize and explore other flower crochet patterns to personalize your keychain.

5. How long does it take to complete this project?

It typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on your crochet experience and speed.

6. Can I use this pattern to make other decorations?

Yes, these marigold flowers can be used for various purposes, like bag charms, home decor, or even garlands for special occasions.

7. How do I add my own creative touch to these keychains?

You can customize colors, add beads, use metallic yarn, or attach additional embellishments like small tags or charms to give them a personal flair.

8. What should I do if the magic ring comes undone?

Ensure you're pulling the yarn tail tight enough and secure it with a knot. If it still happens, practice making the magic ring to strengthen your technique.

9. Where can I find more crochet patterns?

You can check out the Secret Yarnery website for more written patterns and tutorials.

10. Do you have tutorials for left-handed crocheters?

Yes, a left-handed tutorial is available for this project. It provides the same step-by-step instructions tailored for left-handed crocheters.

11. Can I sell the finished marigold keychains?

Yes! You’re welcome to sell the finished keychains, but it’s courteous to credit the pattern to “Secret Yarnery” when sharing your product.

12. What should I do if my caps don’t fit properly?

Double-check your stitch count and ensure the magic ring is pulled tight. Smaller inconsistencies can often be smoothed out when sewing the caps to the flower.

Christa Patel is the creative mind behind Secret Yarnery, an inspiring space dedicated to crochet enthusiasts of all skill levels. With over a decade of crochet experience, Christa has mastered the art of designing beginner-friendly projects that are both practical and beautiful. From intricate patterns to simple, stash-busting crafts, her work is centered around creativity, accessibility, and fun.

Christa’s passion for crochet shines through her tutorials, offering clear, step-by-step instructions that make even complex projects approachable. Whether you’re just starting or looking for fresh ideas, her patterns and instructional content are designed to bring joy and confidence to your crochet journey. Christa also runs a vibrant YouTube channel where her crochet community can find free tutorials, project ideas, and lively discussions about all things yarn.

When not creating, Christa loves sharing tips on how to make handmade gifts more meaningful, experimenting with new yarns, and interacting with her followers on social media. Her mission is to spread her love for crochet while building a supportive, creative community.

Discover more of Christa’s work at the Secret Yarnery Website or join her growing community by subscribing to the Secret Yarnery YouTube Channel.