Crochet Monkey Keychain Pattern

Amigurumi Monkey Keychain , the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed toys, has captured the hearts of crafters worldwide. These charming creations make delightful gifts and personal accessories. Today, we’re sharing a comprehensive guide to creating an adorable monkey keychain that’s perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. This pocket-sized companion measures approximately 2.25 inches tall (excluding legs) and features cute details that bring this little primate to life.

Essential Supplies for Your Monkey Keychain

Before diving into this delightful project, gather these materials:

• 2.0mm crochet hook (or appropriate size for your chosen yarn)
• Tapestry needle for assembly
• Two 4mm safety eyes
• Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
• 4-ply cotton blend yarn in the following colors:
  • Main color (your choice for the monkey’s body)
  • Light beige (for face, hands, and feet)
  • Red (for tongue)
  • Black (for embroidery details)

Understanding Monkey Keychain Terminology

For clarity throughout this pattern, we use these standard crochet terms:

• Magic ring: The starting technique that creates a tight center
• Stitch/Stitches: Individual crochet units that form your project
• Single crochet: The most common stitch in amigurumi
• Increase: Working two single crochets in one stitch to add width
• Decrease: Combining two stitches into one to reduce width
• Half double crochet: A medium-height stitch
• Treble crochet: A tall stitch used for creating dimension
• Chain: The foundation of most crochet work
• Slip stitch: Used to join rounds or create flat seams
• Front loop: The front half of the stitch’s “V” at the top
• Front loop only: Working through only the front loop of a stitch

Creating Your Monkey Keychain Step by Step

Face Construction

The monkey’s face creates an expressive focal point:

1. Round 1: Begin with light beige yarn and make a foundation chain of 9. Starting from the second chain from the hook, create 7 single crochets, then work 3 single crochets in the last stitch. Continue around to the opposite side of the foundation chain with 6 single crochets, then increase once. (18 stitches total)
2. Round 2: Work 18 single crochets around. (18 stitches total)
3. Round 3: Create 3 slip stitches, work 3 treble crochets in the next stitch, make a half double crochet increase, work 3 treble crochets in the next stitch, then finish with 3 slip stitches.

Fasten off, leaving a long yarn tail for attaching the face later.

Monkey Keychain Head and Body Formation

The head and body are worked as one continuous piece:

1. Round 1: Using your main color yarn, create 6 single crochets in a magic ring. (6 stitches total)
2. Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 stitches total)
3. Round 3: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet, 1 increase, repeated 6 times. (18 stitches total)
4. Round 4: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet, 1 increase, 1 single crochet, repeated 6 times. (24 stitches total)
5. Round 5: Work a pattern of 3 single crochets, 1 increase, repeated 6 times. (30 stitches total)
6. Rounds 6-9: Maintain 30 single crochets for four rounds. (30 stitches total)
7. Round 10: Work a pattern of 14 single crochets, 1 increase, repeated twice. (32 stitches total)
8. Round 11: Work 32 single crochets around. (32 stitches total)
9. Round 12: Work a pattern of 2 single crochets, 1 decrease, repeated 8 times. (24 stitches total)
10. Round 13: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet, 1 decrease, repeated 8 times. (16 stitches total)

After completing Round 13, attach the face between Rounds 7-12 of the head. Position the safety eyes between Rounds 2-3 of the face, along the area with the treble crochets. Begin stuffing the head firmly with fiberfill.

11. Round 14: Decrease 8 times to close the head. (8 stitches total)

Continue forming the body:

12. Round 15: Working in front loops only, create a pattern of 1 single crochet, 1 increase, repeated 4 times. (12 stitches total)
13. Round 16: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet, 1 increase, repeated 6 times. (18 stitches total)
14. Round 17: Work 18 single crochets around. (18 stitches total)
15. Round 18: Work a pattern of 2 single crochets, 1 increase, repeated 6 times. (24 stitches total)
16. Rounds 19-20: Maintain 24 single crochets for two rounds. (24 stitches total)
17. Round 21: Work a pattern of 1 single crochet, 1 decrease, repeated 8 times. (16 stitches total)

Begin stuffing the body firmly with fiberfill.

18. Round 22: Decrease 8 times to close the body. (8 stitches total)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail. Using a tapestry needle, draw the tail through the front loops of the last round and pull tight to close. Secure with a knot and hide the thread inside the body.

Monkey Keychain Creating the Arms

Make two identical arms:

1. Round 1: Start with light beige yarn and create 5 single crochets in a magic ring. (5 stitches total)
2. Round 2: Work 5 single crochets around. (5 stitches total)

Switch to your main color yarn. Leave approximately 4 inches of the light beige yarn (you’ll use this to close the hand later). Continue by creating a chain of 15 stitches for the arm. Cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for attaching to the body.

To complete each hand: Thread a tapestry needle with the light beige yarn tail and pass through all front loops of Round 2. Pull tight to close, knot securely, and hide the tail inside the hand.

Attach the arms between Rounds 15-16 of the body.

Monkey Keychain Forming the Legs

Make two identical legs:

1. Round 1: Begin with light beige yarn and create 6 single crochets in a magic ring. (6 stitches total)
2. Round 2: Work 6 single crochets around. (6 stitches total)

Switch to your main color yarn. Leave approximately 4 inches of the light beige yarn (you’ll use this to close the foot later). Continue by creating a chain of 10 stitches for the leg. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching to the body.

To complete each foot: Thread a tapestry needle with the light beige yarn tail and pass through all front loops of Round 2. Pull tight to close, knot securely, and hide the tail inside the foot.

Attach the legs between Rounds 20-21 of the body.

Adding Ears for Character

Make two identical ears:

1. Round 1: Using light beige yarn, work 6 half double crochets in a magic ring (6 stitches total). Do not join the magic ring. Instead, chain 1 for turning.
2. Round 2: Turn your work and create 6 single crochets. (6 stitches total)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for attaching to the head. Position the ears between Rounds 6-10 of the head.

Creating the Tail

The tail adds balance and character to your monkey:

1. Using your main color yarn, create a loop between Rounds 20-21 on the back of the body.
2. Chain 10 stitches (or more if you prefer a longer tail).
3. Cut the yarn and secure the end (fabric glue can help reinforce this connection).

Adding Facial Details

The mouth and tongue bring your monkey to life:

1. For the tongue: Attach red yarn to the face, make a chain of 3, then work slip stitches in the second and third chains from the hook. Fasten off and secure the ends inside the head.
2. For the mouth: Using black yarn (consider splitting 4-ply yarn into 2-ply for finer detail), embroider a simple curved mouth beneath the tongue.

Monkey Keychain Finishing Touches

Take a moment to adjust any elements that need repositioning. Gently fluff the stuffing if needed to achieve the perfect shape. If you’re creating this as a keychain, attach a small metal ring or chain to the top of the head.

Customization Options

While this pattern creates an adorable classic monkey, consider these variations:

• Change the main color for different monkey species
• Add small fabric patches for a playful, patchwork monkey
• Embroider additional facial features for more expression
• Create tiny bananas from yellow yarn as accessories
• Add a tiny hat or bow for extra personality

Caring for Your Amigurumi Creation

To keep your monkey keychain looking its best:

• Spot clean with mild soap and water as needed
• Allow to air dry completely
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
• Reinforce any loose threads periodically

Why Amigurumi Continues to Charm Crafters

The appeal of creating miniature crochet animals like this monkey extends beyond the finished product. The process itself offers a meditative crafting experience that many find deeply satisfying. The portable nature of these projects makes them perfect for crafting on the go, while the relatively quick completion provides that wonderful sense of accomplishment.

This monkey keychain pattern exemplifies why amigurumi remains popular: it combines basic crochet techniques into a character full of personality. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a thoughtful handmade gift, this little monkey is sure to bring smiles wherever it goes.

The beauty of amigurumi lies in attention to small details—the expression in the eyes, the curve of the tail, the positioning of the ears—all contribute to creating a character that feels alive despite its small size. As you work through this pattern, you’ll develop precision in your crochet skills that transfers to other projects.

Check this out :Crochet Polar Bear Amigurumi Tutorial with Bow Complete Pattern

The Satisfaction of Handmade Creations

Completing this monkey keychain offers more than just a cute accessory—it provides the deep satisfaction that comes from creating something with your own hands. In our increasingly digital world, there’s something wonderfully grounding about working with yarn and hook to bring a character to life, stitch by stitch.

Each time you or your gift recipient uses this keychain, it serves as a reminder of the care and creativity that went into its making. Unlike mass-produced items, your handcrafted monkey carries the unique imprint of its maker, making it truly one-of-a-kind.

Whether this is your first amigurumi project or your fiftieth, we hope you enjoy the process of creating this charming monkey companion. Remember that each stitch brings you closer to the finished creation, and even the most experienced crocheters began with their very first project.

Happy crocheting!