Learn how to crochet a beautiful goldfish keychain, perfect for beginners, following a step-by-step tutorial for all skill levels. The creator details the process to crochet the fish’s body, tail, fins, and flippers, making it easy to follow along and create a charming keychain. Follow through with us for the complete tutorial to crochet this goldfish!

@ClubCrafteria

Goldfish Keychain Free Crochet Pattern

Materials

• Yarn: Two colors of worsted weight yarn (gold/yellow and contrasting color)
• Hook: 3.5–4.0 mm (E-G) crochet hook (choose size for a firm fabric)
• Stuffing: Small amount of fiberfill
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (for sewing and weaving in ends)
• Stitch marker
• Embroidery thread or felt for eyes (optional: use plastic safety eyes)
• Keyring (optional, for making a keychain)

Key Abbreviations (US Terms)

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

Special Notes

• Use a stitch marker to help track rounds.
• Each round is finished with a sl st and started with ch 1 unless stated otherwise.
• Work tightly for a neat finish and to avoid stuffing leak.
• Adjust color changes and assembly as you prefer.
• Pattern is beginner friendly and assembled in parts.

Step-by-Step Pattern

BODY

Round 1:
Make a magic ring (MR), ch 1, 6 sc into the ring. Pull tight. Join with a sl st to first sc. (6 sts)

Round 2:
Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around (inc). Place a stitch marker in the first sc. Join with a sl st (12 sts)

Round 3:
Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. Join with sl st. (15 sts)

Round 4:
Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. Join with sl st. (18 sts)

Round 5:
Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. Join with sl st. (21 sts)

Round 6:
Ch 1, sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. Join with sl st. (24 sts)

Round 7:
Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (24 sts)

Round 8:
Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st; repeat around. Join with sl st. (30 sts)

Rounds 9–13:
Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (30 sts each round)

(Attach safety eyes or embroider eyes between Rounds 10–11 if desired.)

Begin Decreases

Round 14:
Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, dec; repeat around. Join with sl st. (24 sts)

Round 15:
Ch 1, sc in next 6 sts, dec; repeat around. Join with sl st. (21 sts)

Round 16:
Ch 1, sc in next 5 sts, dec; repeat around. Join with sl st. (18 sts)

Round 17:
Ch 1, sc in next 4 sts, dec; repeat around. Join with sl st. (15 sts)

Round 18:
Ch 1, sc in next 3 sts, dec; repeat around. Join with sl st. (12 sts)

Round 19:
Ch 1, sc in each st around. Join with sl st. (12 sts)

Round 20:
Fasten off, stuff body firmly with fiberfill.

TAIL

Row 1:
Attach yarn to the back of the fish. Ch 15.

Row 2:
Begin in 2nd ch from hook: sc in each ch across (14 sc).
Join tail to body by sl st into the same spot you started the chain from.

Row 3:
Turn, ch 1; working in back loops only, sc in next 13 sts (leave last st unworked). Sl st into next st on the body.

Row 4:
Turn, ch 1; skip first stitch, sc in back loops only in next 12 sts. Sl st to body.
(Repeat as before: each row, skip first/last st to decrease tail width.)

Row 5:
Repeat Row 3 (sc in next 11 back loops only), sl st to body.

Row 6:
Repeat Row 4 (sc in next 10 back loops only), sl st to body.

Continue:
Repeat this process, alternating skipping first/last stitch per row, until the tail is as narrow as desired (~4 sts wide).

Finishing the Tail:
Add smaller tail “rays” for a ruffled look:

• Ch 5, turn, sc in each ch back to base, sl st to tail/body.
• Repeat on desired tail base points.

Fasten off and weave in any ends.

FIN (Dorsal Fin, 1 Piece)

1. Attach yarn to the middle top of the body.
2. Ch 1, sc in same st.
3. In next st, 3 hdc in same st (all in one st).
4. Next st, dc in same st.
5. Next st, 3 hdc in same st (all in one st).
   Save
6. Next st, sc in same st.
7. Fasten off and weave in ends.

FLIPPER (Make 1 or 2 as desired)

1. Attach yarn at the desired spot (underside near the front).
2. Ch 2.
3. dc in same st.
4. Ch 2, sl st in same st.
5. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly & Finishing

• Embroider or attach eyes.
• Attach keyring securely to the top/back of your goldfish.
• Weave in all ends.
• Shape fins and tail as desired.
  Save

Conclusion

This beginner-friendly goldfish keychain is a charming, speedy project that builds confidence in amigurumi basics. Customize colors and size for unique results, and attach to bags, keys, or gift as a handmade token.

Pattern Correction

• Check your stitch counts after every round—accuracy matters for shaping.
• Use a tight gauge to keep stuffing hidden and goldfish sturdy.

Tips

• Use a stitch marker to keep track of rounds, especially as the body grows.
• Stuff firmly, but do not overfill to avoid distorting stitches.
• For eyes, safety eyes, embroidery, or small black beads can all be used.
• Try sparkly or variegated yarn for fancy “goldfish” effects.

Video Guide