How To Crochet A Waffle Stitch Keychain
Crochet keychains come in so many fun varieties, but I’ve been having a great time lately making a bunch of different fob style versions. And I’m so happy to show you this one that made use of one of my favorite stitches, waffle stitch!
Waffle stitches look and feel amazing. The raised texture is totally distinctive, yet it is one of the more time consuming stitches. Which, if you’re like me, puts you off using it in bigger designs. It’s therefore an awesome one to use for these smaller crochet projects.
Although waffle stitch is an intermediate technique on paper, you can still have a go if you are a confident beginner or someone who just really likes to learn new skills, because each of the aspects of this stitch is accessible to newer crocheters, it’s just the way you put them together that can make them feel like more of a challenge. And one of the lovely things about waffle stitch is how repetitive it is, so once you’ve done a few rows, you’ll be away. All you have to do is keep going for as long as you need to finish the fob!
Equipment
- High percentage cotton DK yarn
- 4mm crochet hook
- Steel yarn needle
- Keychain attachment
I highly recommend using a high cotton yarn for this pattern, because it’s increased durability will make your gorgeous creation likely to last longer. Keychains stand up to a lot of punishment, and potential for mess, so it’s a great idea to also use a yarn that has the potential to be able to be safely washed too.
Keychain attachments are surprisingly inexpensive, I bought mine in bulk from Amazon but I’ve also seen them in several craft stores and home shops. In the UK they are often labelled as keyrings instead, so it’s worth looking up both terms if you are searching for the best deal.
The Stitches
These are the terms, abbreviations and links to the techniques we’ll be using in this pattern. The technique tutorials linked are designed to be completely beginner friendly, with every skill broken down into small composite parts along with lots of demonstrative illustrations.
ch – chain
dc – double crochet
fpdc – double crochet into the front post
1dc x 2 – make one double crochet into each of the next two stitches
1fpdc x 2 – make one front post double crochet into each of the next two stitches
Waffle stitch is a term for the crocheted pattern created through alternating groups of double crochets and front post double crochets. It’s a more time consuming way to crochet than some stitches, but little projects like this are a great way to make good use of it.
Crochet Waffle Stitch Keychain Pattern
Row 1
Make a chain of 35 stitches
Row 2
1dc in the 3rd chain from the hook, then 1dc x 32. Turn.
Row 3
Ch2, 1dc in the next stitch. *1fpdc into the next stitch, then 1dc x 2. Repeat from * until two stitches from the end of the row. Make 1fpdc further, then 1dc into the final stitch. Turn.
Row 4
Ch2. *1dc into the next stitch, then 1fpdc x 2. Repeat from * until two stitches from the end of the row. 1dc x 2 to finish. Turn
Row 5
Ch2, and make 1dc into the first stitch. * 1fpdc, then 1dc x 2. Repeat from * until two stitches from the end, then make 1fpdc into the next stitch and 1dc into the final stitch.
Add Your Keychain
You can now slide your keychain attachment onto your crocheted fabric.
Row 6
Finally, single crochet the two narrow ends of your strip together to join them.
