purlJam

# Diet Coke Can Keyring

A fun miniature replica of the iconic Diet Coke can, perfect for bags, keys, or as a gift for soda enthusiasts! This quick beginner-friendly project uses basic amigurumi techniques to create a cylindrical shape with the signature red stripe.

**Finished Size**: Approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) tall × 0.75 inches (2 cm) diameter

**Difficulty Level**: Easy

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## MATERIALS

**Yarn**: 
- Worsted weight (4) acrylic or cotton yarn in:
  - Silver/Light Gray (main color - MC): approximately 15 yards
  - Red (contrast color - CC): approximately 5 yards
  - Optional: White for logo detail (small amount)

*Recommended*: Red Heart Super Saver in Silver and Cherry Red, or similar

**Hook**: US E-4 (3.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

**Other Supplies**:
- Fiberfill stuffing (small amount)
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch marker
- Keyring or lobster clasp (1 inch size recommended)
- Optional: White embroidery floss and small needle for logo details

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## GAUGE

5 stitches and 5 rounds = 1 inch in single crochet (worked in continuous rounds)

*Gauge is not critical for this project, but tighter tension creates a neater finish.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
- dec = invisible decrease (insert hook in front loops of next 2 sts, yarn over, pull through both loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- rnd(s) = round(s)
- MC = main color (silver/gray)
- CC = contrast color (red)
- [ ] = total stitch count at end of round

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## PATTERN NOTES

- Can is worked in continuous rounds from bottom to top. Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds.
- Do not join rounds unless specified; work in a spiral.
- When changing colors, complete last stitch of old color until 2 loops remain on hook, yarn over with new color and pull through to complete stitch.
- Carry unused color up inside of work for neat interior.
- Work with tight, even tension for smooth cylindrical shape.
- Stuff lightly to maintain can shape without bulging.

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## INSTRUCTIONS

### Can Body

**Starting with MC (Silver/Gray):**

**Rnd 1**: 6 sc in magic ring. Do not join; place marker in first st. [6]

**Rnd 2**: Inc in each st around. [12]
*Math check: 6 × 2 = 12 ✓*

**Rnd 3**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**Rnd 4**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**Rnd 5**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**Color Change to CC (Red):**

**Rnd 6**: With CC, sc in each st around. [12]
*Note: Complete last st of Rnd 5 with CC to make clean transition. Carry MC yarn inside.*

**Rnd 7**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**Rnd 8**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**Rnd 9**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**Color Change back to MC (Silver/Gray):**

**Rnd 10**: With MC, sc in each st around. [12]
*Note: Complete last st of Rnd 9 with MC. Cut CC leaving 4-inch tail.*

**Rnd 11**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**Rnd 12**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**Rnd 13**: Sc in each st around. [12]

**STUFF LIGHTLY**: Insert small amount of fiberfill. Can should feel firm but not overstuffed. Maintain cylindrical shape.

**Rnd 14**: Dec around. [6]
*Math check: 12 ÷ 2 = 6 ✓*

**Rnd 15**: Dec around. [3]
*Math check: 6 ÷ 2 = 3 ✓*

Fasten off, leaving 8-inch tail. Thread tail through yarn needle and weave through remaining 3 sts. Pull tight to close opening. Weave in securely.

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## FINISHING

### Weaving in Ends
1. Weave in all yarn tails securely on wrong side (inside) of can.
2. Use yarn needle to weave tails through several stitches in different directions for security.
3. Trim excess yarn close to work.

### Attaching Keyring Hardware
1. Thread keyring through top center of can between stitches of Round 15 (closed top).
2. For extra security: Use 8-inch strand of MC yarn doubled. Thread through keyring, then through top of can, tie secure square knot inside can, weave in ends.
3. Alternatively: Insert keyring through stitch before closing top completely in Round 15.

### Optional Logo Details
**For "Diet Coke" Text** (simplified):
- Using white embroidery floss or thin white yarn, embroider "DC" or "Diet" on red stripe section using backstitch or chain stitch.
- Reference photo of actual Diet Coke can for logo placement (centered on red band).

**For Wave Design**:
- Use white embroidery floss to create simple curved line on red section using backstitch.

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## DESIGN VARIATIONS

**Coca-Cola Classic**: Use red as main color with white stripe instead of silver with red stripe.

**Sprite/7-Up**: Use green and yellow or all green with white details.

**Pepsi**: Use blue as main color with red and white stripes.

**Larger Version**: Increase initial rounds to 18 sts [Rnd 2: inc around to 12, Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around to 18], add 3-4 more length rounds, creates approximately 3.5-inch tall can.

**Mini Version**: Keep at 6 sts for entire length (skip Round 2), creates tiny 1-inch charm.

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

- Spot clean with damp cloth if needed
- If using acrylic yarn, can be gently hand washed and air dried
- Remove keyring hardware before washing

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Can is cone-shaped instead of cylindrical**: Check that you're maintaining exactly 12 sts in each round. Recount frequently. Tension may be too loose.

**Color change looks messy**: Make sure to complete last stitch of previous color WITH new color (yarn over with new color for final pull-through). Carry unused yarn inside work.

**Top won't close neatly**: Ensure you're using invisible decrease method. Stuff before closing, but not too firmly. Pull closing tail very tight.

**Stuffing shows through stitches**: Work with tighter tension. You may need to go down a hook size (try 3.25mm).

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## SKILL BUILDING

This pattern helps you practice:
- Working in continuous rounds (amigurumi technique)
- Maintaining even tension for smooth fabric
- Clean color changes in the round
- Shaping with increases and decreases
- Proper stuffing technique

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**Pattern designed for easy, beginner-friendly construction. Perfect quick project for practicing amigurumi basics!**

*Estimated time: 45-60 minutes*

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**Assembly Summary Check**:
- Total rounds: 15 ✓
- Bottom closure: Magic ring closed ✓
- Increase round: Round 2 only (6→12) ✓
- Body rounds at 12 sts: Rounds 3-13 (11 rounds) ✓
- Decrease rounds: Rounds 14-15 (12→6→3) ✓
- Color blocks: Silver rounds 1-5, Red rounds 6-9, Silver rounds 10-15 ✓