The Orchard Charm Apple Keychain: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Tiny, Textured Fruit

Crochet Your Own Orchard Charm Apple Keychain

Bring a touch of orchard charm to your keys with this adorable, miniature crochet apple keychain. This free pattern is perfect for beginners and experienced crocheters alike, using basic amigurumi techniques to create a realistic, textured fruit. The finished apple is small, soft, and features a delicate leaf and stem, making it a delightful accessory or a thoughtful handmade gift. With clear, step-by-step instructions, you'll have your own tiny apple in no time.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton yarn in red (main color), small amount of green (leaf), and brown (stem).
• Hook: 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
• Gauge: Gauge is not critical for this project, but aim for a tight tension to prevent stuffing from showing. Approximately 4 sc = 1 inch.
• Other: Fiberfill stuffing, yarn needle, scissors, keychain ring or lobster clasp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

• MR = magic ring
• sc = single crochet
• inc = increase (2 sc in same stitch)
• dec = decrease (sc 2 together)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sl st = slip stitch
• ch = chain
• hdc = half double crochet

Apple Body (make 1, in red)

Round 1: Make a magic ring, then work 6 single crochet into the ring. Pull the ring closed tightly. (6 sts)

Round 2: Increase in each stitch around. (12 sts)

Round 3: *Single crochet in the next stitch, increase in the next stitch; repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Single crochet in the next 2 stitches, increase in the next stitch; repeat from * around. (24 sts)

Round 5: *Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, increase in the next stitch; repeat from * around. (30 sts)

Rounds 6-9: Single crochet in each stitch around for 4 rounds. (30 sts each round)

Round 10: *Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, decrease (sc 2 together); repeat from * around. (24 sts)

Round 11: *Single crochet in the next 2 stitches, decrease; repeat from * around. (18 sts)

Round 12: *Single crochet in the next stitch, decrease; repeat from * around. (12 sts)

Stuff the apple firmly with fiberfill. Make sure the stuffing is evenly distributed and the apple feels plump.

Round 13: Decrease around (sc 2 together 6 times). (6 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (about 8 inches). Thread the tail onto a yarn needle. Weave the needle through the front loops only of the remaining 6 stitches. Pull the tail tight to close the hole completely. Weave the end securely into the apple body and trim.

Leaf (make 1, in green)

Chain 6 stitches. Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook: work a slip stitch, then a single crochet, then a half double crochet, then a single crochet, and finally a slip stitch in the last chain. Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.

Stem (make 1, in brown)

Chain 5 stitches. Starting in the 2nd chain from the hook: work a slip stitch in each chain across. Fasten off, leaving a tail.

Assembly

1. Attach the stem: Using the brown tail, sew the stem to the top center of the apple (the closed end). Make a few small, secure stitches to hold it in place. Weave in the end.
2. Attach the leaf: Using the green tail, sew the leaf to the base of the stem, slightly overlapping the stem. Position the leaf so it curves naturally. Weave in the end.
3. Add the keychain ring: Attach a keychain ring or lobster clasp through the top of the stem. If the stem stitches are too tight, you can crochet a small loop of chain (ch 4, sl st to form a ring) and attach the ring to that loop instead. Weave in all ends securely.

Your Orchard Charm Apple Keychain is complete! Enjoy your tiny, textured fruit accessory.