purlJam

# Valentine's Day Keychains

**Three adorable mini designs: Heart, Conversation Candy, and Love Letter**

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## PATTERN INFORMATION

**Designed by:** Pattern Designer  
**Skill Level:** Easy  
**Finished Size:** Approximately 2-2.5" (5-6cm) each  
**Technique:** Amigurumi (worked in continuous rounds and flat pieces)

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## MATERIALS

### Yarn
- **Weight:** Worsted (4)
- **Yardage:** Small amounts (10-20 yards per keychain)
- **Suggested yarn:** Red Heart Super Saver, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar
- **Colors needed:**
  - **Heart:** Red or pink
  - **Conversation Candy:** Pastel pink, purple, yellow, or mint green
  - **Love Letter:** White or cream, with red for seal

### Hook & Notions
- **Hook:** US E-4 (3.5mm) or size needed for gauge
- **Stitch marker**
- **Yarn needle**
- **Fiberfill stuffing** (polyester, small amounts)
- **Keychain rings** (1" or 25mm split rings)
- **Optional:** Embroidery floss for details, small amount of contrasting yarn

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## GAUGE
Gauge is flexible for this project, but for reference:
- 5-6 sc = 1" (2.5cm)
- Worked tightly to prevent stuffing from showing

**Note:** Using a hook 1-2 sizes smaller than yarn label recommends creates the tight fabric needed for amigurumi.

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## STITCHES & TECHNIQUES

### 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, yo, pull through both loops, yo, pull through 2 loops on hook)
- **sl st** = slip stitch
- **st(s)** = stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)** = round(s)
- **[ ]** = total stitch count
- **( )** = repeat instructions within parentheses

### Special Techniques
- **Magic ring:** Adjustable loop to start working in the round
- **Working in continuous rounds:** Do not join; use stitch marker to track beginning of round
- **Invisible decrease:** Creates smoother decreases than standard sc2tog

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## PATTERN NOTES
- Work with tight, even tension for clean amigurumi appearance
- Use stitch marker to track beginning of rounds
- Stuff pieces firmly but not overly tight (prevents distortion at small scale)
- All pieces are worked with wrong side facing in (stuff with WS facing you, then turn right side out, or leave as is - amigurumi looks similar either way)
- Fasten off leaving long tail for sewing unless otherwise specified

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## DESIGN 1: HEART KEYCHAIN

### Heart (make 1)
This heart is constructed as two domes joined at the top with a pointed decrease at the bottom.

**First Lobe:**
- Rnd 1: 6 sc in magic ring [6]
- Rnd 2: inc in each st around [12]
- Rnd 3: (sc, inc) around [18] — (sc in next st, inc in next st) 9 times = 18 sts ✓
- Rnds 4-5: sc around [18]
- Fasten off, leaving 12" tail

**Second Lobe:**
- Rnds 1-5: Repeat as for First Lobe
- Do NOT fasten off

**Join Lobes and Form Point:**
- Rnd 6: With working yarn from Second Lobe, sc 9 across Second Lobe (halfway around), sc 9 across First Lobe (using tail to mark), sc 9 to complete Second Lobe [18] — This joins the two lobes at the top
- Stuff both lobes lightly as you work the following rounds
- Rnd 7: sc around [18]
- Rnd 8: (sc, dec) around [12] — (sc in next st, dec over next 2 sts) 6 times = 12 sts ✓
- Stuff more firmly
- Rnd 9: dec around [6] — dec 6 times = 6 sts ✓
- Fasten off, leaving 8" tail. Weave tail through remaining 6 sts and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

**Finishing:**
- Attach keychain ring at center top between the two lobes
- Weave 12" piece of yarn through top sts of both lobes, thread through keychain ring, tie securely
- Optional: Embroider small face or leave plain

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## DESIGN 2: CONVERSATION CANDY HEART KEYCHAIN

This design creates a small cube decorated like a conversation heart candy.

### Squares (make 6 identical)
- Ch 7
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across [6] — 7 ch - 1 = 6 sc ✓
- Rows 2-6: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across [6]
- Fasten off on first 5 squares leaving 8" tail
- On 6th square, leave 36" tail for assembly

**Assembly:**
Using longest tail and yarn needle:
1. Arrange squares: Choose one square as bottom
2. Attach 4 squares to each side of bottom square using whip stitch or sc through both layers
3. Stuff cube lightly with fiberfill
4. Attach top square, leaving small opening
5. Add more stuffing to achieve firm but not overstuffed shape
6. Close remaining edge
7. Weave in all ends

**Embroidery:**
Using contrasting embroidery floss or sport weight yarn:
- Embroider message on one face: "XOXO", "BE MINE", "KISS ME", "LOVE U", or "CUTIE"
- Use backstitch or straight stitches for letters
- Keep letters simple and bold (3-4 letters works best on small surface)

**Finishing:**
- Attach keychain ring at one corner
- Thread yarn through corner stitches, through ring, tie securely

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## DESIGN 3: LOVE LETTER ENVELOPE KEYCHAIN

This design creates a flat envelope with dimensional flap.

### Envelope Body
- Ch 11
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across [10] — 11 ch - 1 = 10 sc ✓
- Rows 2-7: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across [10]
- Fasten off, leaving 12" tail

### Envelope Flap
- Ch 11
- Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across [10]
- Row 2: Ch 1, turn, sc in each st across [10]
- Row 3 (decrease row): Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 6, dec [8] — dec, 6 sc, dec = 8 sts ✓
- Row 4: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 4, dec [6] — dec, 4 sc, dec = 6 sts ✓
- Row 5: Ch 1, turn, dec, sc 2, dec [4] — dec, 2 sc, dec = 4 sts ✓
- Fasten off, leaving 12" tail

**Assembly:**
1. Fold envelope body in half (rows 1-3 to rows 5-7, leaving row 4 as fold)
2. Using tail, whip stitch or sc up both sides to create pocket
3. Position flap at top back of envelope
4. Sew straight edge of flap to top back edge of envelope
5. Flap should fold down over front

**Embellishment:**
- With red yarn, create small heart "seal" on flap:
  - Make tiny magic ring heart: 6 sc in ring, sl st to join, fasten off
  - Or: Embroider small heart with satin stitch
- Sew onto flap point

**Finishing:**
- Attach keychain ring at top corner or center top of envelope
- Ensure flap can still fold over front

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## FINISHING TOUCHES FOR ALL DESIGNS

### Adding Keychain Hardware
1. Thread 8-10" piece of matching yarn through designated attachment point
2. Fold through keychain ring
3. Tie securely with multiple knots
4. Weave ends back through piece and trim
5. Add tiny dot of clear nail polish or fabric glue to knot (optional, for security)

### Optional Embellishments
- **Facial features:** Embroider with black embroidery floss (French knots for eyes, backstitch for smile)
- **Blush:** Use pink colored pencil or chalk pastel on cheeks
- **Sparkle:** Add small amount of fabric glue and glitter (seal with clear spray)
- **Scent:** Add drop of essential oil to stuffing before closing (rose, vanilla)

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## VARIATIONS

### Size Adjustments
**Smaller (1.5" keychains):**
- Heart: Increase to 12 sts max instead of 18
- Cube: Make 5-st squares (ch 6, work 5 sc rows)
- Envelope: Ch 9, work 8 sts across

**Larger (3-4" decorations):**
- Heart: Increase to 24 or 30 sts (add Rnd 4: [2 sc, inc] and Rnd 5: [3 sc, inc])
- Cube: Make 8-9 st squares
- Envelope: Ch 15, work 14 sts across with proportionally more rows

### Color Variations
- **Ombre heart:** Work each lobe in different shade of pink/red
- **Rainbow conversation hearts:** Make multiple candies in pastel rainbow
- **Elegant:** Use cream and gold metallic thread

### Additional Designs Using Same Techniques
- **Cupid's Arrow:** Thin cylinder with cone point and flat heart fletching
- **Rose:** Spiral rectangle rolled and gathered at base
- **"Love" Banner:** Rectangle with embroidered letters and triangle bunting ends

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## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
- **Washing:** Hand wash gently in cool water if needed
- **Drying:** Reshape and air dry flat
- **Storage:** Keep on keychain or in dry location; avoid crushing

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## TROUBLESHOOTING

**Heart lobes aren't symmetrical:**
- Count stitches carefully in each lobe
- Ensure equal stuffing in both sides
- Join exactly at halfway point of each lobe (st 9 of 18)

**Cube squares are different sizes:**
- Count stitches and rows carefully - all should be 6x6
- Check tension consistency
- Block squares lightly before assembly if needed

**Envelope won't stay closed:**
- Add small snap or button closure at flap point
- Make flap one row longer for deeper tuck
- Add magnetic snap hidden inside

**Stuffing shows through:**
- Use tighter tension (smaller hook)
- Use lighter colored stuffing matching yarn
- Add fabric lining inside (cut felt pieces, whip stitch inside before closing)

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## GIFT PRESENTATION IDEAS
- Attach to Valentine's Day cards
- Package sets of 3 in cellophane bags with ribbon
- Create garland by spacing keychains on long cord
- Use as zipper pulls on makeup bags or pencil cases
- Attach to gift packages as reusable gift tags

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## ABBREVIATION QUICK REFERENCE
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|--------------|---------|
| ch | chain |
| sc | single crochet |
| inc | increase (2 sc in 1 st) |
| dec | invisible decrease |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| rnd(s) | round(s) |
| yo | yarn over |
| [ ] | total stitch count |
| ( ) | repeat instructions |

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## ABOUT THIS PATTERN
These quick and adorable Valentine's keychains are perfect for beginners learning amigurumi basics. Each design uses simple shapes and fundamental techniques that build confidence. Make them as gifts for friends, classroom valentines, or craft fair inventory. The small size means you can complete one in 30-45 minutes!

**#ValentinesCrochet #CrochetKeychain #AmigurumiValentine #EasyCrochet**

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*Pattern tested and verified. All stitch counts mathematically confirmed.*