Crochet Penguin Fishing Amigurumi Keychain: Free Pattern & Tutorial

Introduction to the Fishing Penguin Crochet Keychain

Note: This pattern uses US crochet terminology. UK/Commonwealth terms: sc = dc, hdc = htr, dc = tr, tr = dtr.

This charming penguin crochet keychain features an adorable little penguin out on a fishing adventure, complete with a tiny felt or crocheted fishing rod and a small fish. Combining the irresistible cuteness of penguins with a fun storytelling element, this project is a wonderful accessory for your keys, backpack, or purse. It is a quick and engaging project that makes a delightful handmade gift for animal lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike.

Creating small amigurumi keychains is a highly satisfying way to practice shaping and sewing in miniature. In this detailed, step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the materials needed, stitch abbreviations, round-by-round instructions for the penguin body, and details on how to assemble all the tiny accessories. Let’s get started on this pocket-sized adventure!

Materials and Tools Needed

To make your fishing penguin keychain, gather the following materials. Since it is small, it’s perfect for using up scrap yarn:

Yarn: Sport weight cotton yarn in dark blue or black (for the main body), white (for the face/belly), yellow or orange (for the beak and feet), and a small amount of grey or brown (for the fishing rod).
Crochet Hook: Size 2.0 mm or 2.25 mm. A small hook is essential to keep the stitches tight so that no stuffing shows through.
Eyes: 5 mm or 6 mm black safety eyes.
Fiberfill: A small amount of polyester stuffing.
Metal Keychain Ring: With a small chain.
Tapestry Needle & Scissors: For assembly and finishing.
Toothpick or Craft Wire: To act as the tiny fishing rod.

Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)

Familiarize yourself with these standard stitch terms before starting:

MR: Magic Ring
ch: Chain stitch
sc: Single crochet
inc: Increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
dec: Decrease (invisible single crochet decrease)
sl st: Slip stitch

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Part 1: The Penguin Body (Head and Torso)

The body is worked in one continuous piece from the top of the head down to the base.

Round 1: Using dark blue or black yarn, work 6 sc in a Magic Ring. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around (inc x 6). (12 sts)

Round 3: Work (1 sc, inc) six times. (18 sts)

Round 4: Work (2 sc, inc) six times. (24 sts)

Round 5: Work (3 sc, inc) six times. (30 sts)

Round 6-10: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (30 sts for five rounds)

Round 11: Work (3 sc, dec) six times. (24 sts). Insert safety eyes between rounds 7 and 8, leaving about 5 stitches open between them.

Round 12: Work (2 sc, dec) six times. (18 sts). Stuff the head firmly.

Round 13: Work (2 sc, inc) six times. (24 sts)

Round 14-17: Work 1 sc in each stitch around. (24 sts for four rounds)

Round 18: Work (2 sc, dec) six times. (18 sts)

Round 19: Work (1 sc, dec) six times. (12 sts). Stuff the body firmly.

Round 20: Work 6 dec. Fasten off and weave in the end to close the opening.

Part 2: Face and Belly Panel

This white panel gives the penguin its classic look.

Row 1: Using white yarn, chain 5. Start in second chain from hook and work 4 sc. Chain 1, turn. (4 sts)

Row 2: Work 1 inc, 2 sc, 1 inc. Chain 1, turn. (6 sts)

Row 3-6: Work 1 sc in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn. (6 sts)

Row 7: Work 1 dec, 2 sc, 1 dec. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Position this panel on the front of the penguin body, framing the safety eyes, and sew it in place.

Part 3: Wings and Beak

Wings (Make 2): Using dark blue or black yarn, chain 5. Work 1 sl st, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 sc back down the chain. Fasten off, leaving a tail. Sew the wings to the sides of the body.

Beak: Using orange yarn, chain 2. Work 1 sc in the second chain. Fasten off and sew between the eyes.

Part 4: The Tiny Fish and Rod

Tiny Fish: Using a bright color (like red or orange), chain 4. In the second chain from hook work: 1 sl st, 1 sc, 1 sl st. To make the tail fin, chain 2, slip stitch back into the last stitch. Fasten off.

Fishing Rod: Cut a wooden toothpick to about 1.5 inches. Wrap brown yarn or thread around it, securing it with glue. Tie a small piece of sewing thread to the tip of the rod, and tie the other end to the tiny fish.

Assembly and Keychain Attachment

Sew the beak and belly panel to the face.
Sew the wings to the sides of the penguin. One wing should point slightly forward to “hold” the fishing rod.
Glue the toothpick fishing rod under one of the penguin’s wings. Use a tiny drop of fabric glue to hold it secure.
Thread your metal keychain loop through the top of the penguin’s head. Sew a few reinforcement stitches around the loop attachment point to make sure it doesn’t pull loose.
Weave in all remaining yarn tails through the body and trim closely.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Clean Seams: When sewing the white belly panel to the dark body, use small, hidden running stitches so that the dark yarn does not show through the white borders.
Secure Keychain: Always attach the keychain ring to a double strand of yarn that is anchored deep within the head stuffing to prevent it from tearing the crochet stitches.