Duquesne University “D” Keychain

Easy Crochet Pattern – Simple Shapes

Skill Level: Easy / Beginner
Finished Size: Approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) tall × 1.75 inches (4.5 cm) wide
Yarn Weight: Worsted (4)

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn (4):
  • Main color (MC): Duquesne Red – approx 20 yd (18 m)
  • Accent color (AC): Duquesne Blue – approx 5 yd (5 m) (optional outline/trim)
• Crochet hook: US E-4 (3.5 mm) — go down 1–2 sizes from yarn label for tight fabric
• Polyester fiberfill stuffing (small amount)
• Yarn needle
• Stitch marker (optional)
• Keychain finding: 1 metal split ring or lobster clasp + 1 small jump ring (or 10 mm key ring)
• Scissors

Gauge

5 sc and 6 rows = 1 inch (2.5 cm) in single crochet, worked tightly.
Gauge is important for a firm keychain that holds its letter shape. Adjust hook size if needed.

Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• inc – increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec – decrease (sc2tog / invisible decrease preferred)
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• RS – right side
• WS – wrong side
• sl st – slip stitch
• FO – fasten off
• [] – total stitch count at end of round/row

Pattern Notes

• Work tightly for clean amigurumi-style fabric so stuffing does not show.
• The letter is a solid block D (no open counter) for easiest beginner construction and durability as a keychain.
• Shaping is worked on one edge only (the curved bowl of the D). The opposite edge remains straight (the stem).
• Make 2 identical panels. One may be flipped when seaming so RS faces outward on both sides.
• Stuff lightly — over-stuffing distorts the letter.
• Inline stitch-count checks are marked with ✓.

Letter D Panel (make 2)

With MC (red), ch 4.

Row 1 (RS): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. [3 sc]
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [3]

Begin curve (all shaping on the curved edge):
Row 3 (RS): Ch 1, turn, sc in next 2 sts, inc in last st. [4] (3 + 1 inc = 4 ✓)
Row 4 (WS): Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc in next 3 sts. [5] (4 + 1 = 5 ✓)
Row 5 (RS): Ch 1, turn, sc in next 4 sts, inc in last st. [6] (5 + 1 = 6 ✓)
Row 6 (WS): Ch 1, turn, inc in first st, sc in next 5 sts. [7] (6 + 1 = 7 ✓)
Row 7 (RS): Ch 1, turn, sc in next 6 sts, inc in last st. [8] (7 + 1 = 8 ✓)

Rows 8–9: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [8]

Begin taper:
Row 10 (WS): Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 6 sts. [7] (8 – 1 = 7 ✓)
Row 11 (RS): Ch 1, turn, sc in next 5 sts, dec. [6] (7 – 1 = 6 ✓)
Row 12 (WS): Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 4 sts. [5] (6 – 1 = 5 ✓)
Row 13 (RS): Ch 1, turn, sc in next 3 sts, dec. [4] (5 – 1 = 4 ✓)
Row 14 (WS): Ch 1, turn, dec, sc in next 2 sts. [3] (4 – 1 = 3 ✓)
Row 15 (RS): Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across. [3]

FO, leaving a 24-inch (60 cm) tail on the second panel only (for seaming). Weave in starting tails on both panels.

Assembly

1. Place panels together with RS facing out (WS together). Align the straight stem edges and curved edges carefully. Pin if desired.
2. Using the long tail and yarn needle, whip stitch (or mattress stitch) through both layers around the entire outer edge, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) opening along the straight stem.
3. Stuff lightly and evenly with fiberfill. Use the blunt end of the hook or a pencil to push small bits into the curve and stem tips. Do not overstuff — the D should stay flat-ish and letter-shaped (about ⅜–½ inch / 1–1.3 cm thick).
4. Close the opening with whip stitch. Weave in end securely.

Optional blue accent (school colors):
With AC (blue), join with sl st at any point on the outer edge. Sl st evenly around the entire perimeter (about 1 sl st per row-end or stitch). FO and weave in ends. This creates a clean collegiate outline.

Keychain Attachment

1. At the top center of the stem (top of the straight edge), use MC or AC to crochet a small hanging loop: join yarn, ch 8, sl st back into the same spot (or 1 st away) to form a loop. FO and weave ends through both panels for strength.
   Alternative: Sew a small metal jump ring directly through both panels at the top center.
2. Open the jump ring or split ring and attach your keychain finding (split ring, lobster clasp, or ready-made key ring). Close firmly.
3. Tug-test the loop/hardware so it will not pull out with normal use.

Finishing

• Weave in any remaining ends.
• Gently reshape the D with your fingers so the stem is straight and the bowl is smoothly curved.
• Optional: steam-block very lightly from the WS (do not crush the stuffing) if the letter needs to relax into shape.

Customization Tips

• Larger display size: Use bulky yarn and a G-6 (4.0 mm) hook; add 2 extra even rows at the widest point and 1 extra inc/dec pair.
• Team flair: Embroider a tiny “DU” or year in blue on the solid face with straight stitches or French knots before seaming.
• No-stuff flat version: Seam panels with no stuffing (or omit second panel and stiffen with fabric stiffener / felt backing) for a slimmer bag charm.
• Color swap: Blue main with red outline also reads as Duquesne.

Enjoy your Duquesne University D keychain!
Perfect for keys, zipper pulls, bag charms, or gifting to Dukes fans.