Soft cotton yarn creates a gentle drape in this children’s sweater that sits lightly on the shoulders for all-day comfort. The design features a simple construction that relies on basic stitches to achieve a clean look, making it a reliable choice for anyone new to garment construction. You will learn how to build the shape through straightforward increases and how to join pieces without creating bulky seams. This cardigan handles daily wear well and washes up quickly in the machine, giving you a functional item that looks polished and feels cozy during those chilly mornings at the playground.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This crochet strawberry keychain is a quick, rewarding project that utilizes very small amounts of yarn, making it an ideal choice for cleaning out your scrap basket. The construction relies on simple amigurumi techniques, specifically working in continuous rounds to create a seamless, sturdy finish. Because it requires minimal stuffing, it remains lightweight enough to hang from a set of keys or a backpack zipper without feeling cumbersome. It serves as a classic introduction to shaping 3D objects through basic increases and decreases.

I managed to finish three of these little strawberries in a single afternoon while listening to a podcast. The instructions are very easy to follow and the finished size is exactly what I wanted for a bag charm.

— Sarah, amigurumi enthusiast

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Construction: Amigurumi-style, worked in continuous spiral rounds
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 2 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) cotton yarn. You will need approximately 10 yards of red and 5 yards of green. Cotton is preferred for durability and stitch definition.
Hook Size: 3.5 mm (E-4) for a tight, dense fabric that prevents stuffing from showing through the gaps.
Notions: Fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle for weaving ends, stitch marker, and a metal keyring.
Safe Yarn Substitutions: Acrylic worsted yarn can be used as a budget-friendly alternative. Note that acrylic is slightly softer and may stretch more than cotton over time.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR = magic ring
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
inc = 2 sc in the same stitch (increase)
dec = invisible decrease (insert hook into front loops of the next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook)
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/stitches

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Strawberry Body

Work in continuous rounds. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: (1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 4-7: Sc in each st around (18 sts).
Rnd 8: (1 sc, dec) repeat 6 times (12 sts).
Rnd 9: Dec 6 times (6 sts).

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Stuff the strawberry firmly with fiberfill before closing the hole with your needle.

Strawberry Leaf Top

Using green yarn, work the topper separately to sew onto the red base.

Rnd 1: Start 6 sc in a MR (6 sts).
Rnd 2: (Ch 3, skip the ch, sl st into next st, 1 sc in the next st) repeat 3 times to create small leaf points.

Fasten off and leave a long tail. Sew the leaf piece securely to the center top of the strawberry. Attach your keyring to the top of the leaf assembly using a piece of sturdy yarn or a jump ring.

Care & Washing Instructions

Hand wash in cold water using a mild detergent to prevent the internal stuffing from shifting or clumping.
Lay flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight to air dry completely.
Gently reshape the strawberry with your hands if it becomes compressed during travel or storage.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintaining consistent tension is essential when working amigurumi. If your stitches are too loose, the stuffing will poke through; consider going down a hook size if you notice visible gaps between your stitches. Always move your stitch marker at the end of every round so you do not lose your place in the pattern. When closing the final round, pull your yarn tail tightly to hide the hole completely, but avoid snapping the yarn. If you decide to make a larger strawberry, remember that doubling the diameter will roughly quadruple the amount of stuffing needed and significantly increase the time required for each round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different yarn weight for this project?

Yes, you can use any weight yarn, but you must match your hook size to the yarn weight to keep the stitches tight. A thinner yarn will result in a smaller strawberry, while thicker yarn will produce a larger final item.

Is this project appropriate for someone who has never crocheted before?

This pattern is suitable for beginners who have mastered basic chains and single crochet stitches. Working in a magic ring is the only specialized technique required, and it can be practiced on scrap yarn before starting the actual project.

How do I keep the stuffing from coming out of the finished keychain?

The key is to work with a hook size smaller than the yarn label recommends. This keeps your stitches tight. Ensure the final round is pulled closed securely and the end is woven back into the center of the strawberry several times.

Am I allowed to sell keychains made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell items you create yourself from this design. Please check if your local craft fair or online platform requires you to credit the designer in your product listings.

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Seeing your handmade cardigan come together with its neat rows and sturdy neckline brings a sense of accomplishment that simple store-bought items cannot match. Try using a blend of bamboo and cotton for a smoother drape or add contrasting wooden buttons to change the entire personality of the garment. I enjoy seeing your unique color choices, so please share a photo of your finished piece on social media. You can find more free patterns and tutorials for your next project right here on the blog.