Crochet Bow Keychain Pattern (Free + Easy Bag Charm)

A little crochet bow is one of those things that makes a plain set of keys feel like yours.

This bow keychain is built from the exact same puffy bow I already share as a hair tie pattern.

You make one puffy bow, skip the hair tie, and add a small ring or clip instead.

It clips onto keys, a backpack zipper, or a bag strap, and it is small enough to finish in an afternoon. That also makes it one of the fastest little gifts and craft-fair sellers you can hook up.

Quick Info

Skill level	Beginner
Finished size	Bow about 8-10 cm wide
Time	About 20-30 minutes
Stitches used	ch, dc, hdc, BLO

If you can chain and double crochet in rows, you can make this. The bow is just two simple pieces, and the keychain part is a single ring at the end.

Materials

• Milk cotton yarn (4-ply), any color
• 3 mm crochet hook
• Tapestry needle and scissors
• 1 split key ring (about 25 mm), or a swivel lobster clasp if you want to clip it on and off a bag
• Optional: a pearl or a couple of small beads for the tail

The flat lay above shows the base supplies. For a keychain you just add the ring or clasp, which come in cheap multipacks from any craft store.

One 50g ball of cotton makes several bows, so this is a perfect way to use up small leftovers.

Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• hdc = half double crochet
• BLO = back loop only
• R = row

Make the Bow: Piece 1 (Main Bow)

1. R1: ch 40, dc in the 3rd ch from hook and across [38], ch 2, turn.
2. R2: working in BLO, dc across [38], ch 2, turn.
3. R3 to R5: repeat R2.

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for assembly.

Tip: BLO means you only go into the back loop of each stitch. That is what gives the bow its puffy, ridged texture. Working both loops leaves it flat.

Tip: leave at least 12 inches of tail. You use this same yarn to wrap the center, so a short tail means joining new yarn and an extra knot to hide.

Piece 2 (Center Wrap)

1. R1: ch 20, hdc in the 2nd ch from hook and across [19], ch 1, turn.
2. R2: working in BLO, hdc across [19], ch 1, turn.
3. R3: repeat R2.

Fasten off and weave in the ends. This little strip becomes the knot in the middle of the bow.

Shape the Bow

1. Fold Piece 1 in half lengthwise.
2. Sew the two short edges together to form a loop.
3. Turn it right side out so the seam sits hidden inside.

Tip: turning the seam inside is just like turning a sock right side out. Once you pinch and wrap the center, the seam disappears completely.

1. Pinch the center of the loop until it bundles into a tight bow shape.
2. Wrap the long tail tightly around the middle a few times.
3. Slip Piece 2 under the center and keep wrapping around both together, then knot at the back.

Tip: the first two or three wraps are what set the shape. Hold the center pinched firmly until those are snug, then the rest is just reinforcement.

Do not trim the tail yet. You use it in the next step to attach the ring, so leave it hanging at the back for now.

Turn It Into a Keychain

This is where the keychain differs from the hair tie. Instead of wrapping in an elastic, you add a ring. There are three easy ways to do it, depending on the look you want.

Option 1: Ring straight at the back (flat and neat)

This sits the bow flush against your keys.

1. Thread the leftover tail onto your tapestry needle.
2. Pass it through the back of the center wrap and around a split key ring two or three times.
3. Knot securely against the back of the bow, then run the tail back through the center a few times and snip.

Option 2: Little chain dangle (bow hangs down)

This gives the bow a short drop so it swings, which looks great on a bag.

1. With matching yarn, ch 10 to 12 and slip stitch into the first chain to make a loop.
2. Sew one side of the loop firmly to the back of the bow center.
3. Slide a split ring through the top of the loop. For a “bow and pearl” look, thread a pearl or bead onto the chain before you close the ring.

Option 3: Swivel clasp (clips on and off a bag)

Use this if you want a bag charm you can move between bags and backpacks.

1. Attach the bow to a small split ring using Option 1 or 2.
2. Clip a swivel lobster clasp onto that ring.
3. The swivel lets the bow spin freely so it never twists on the strap.

Tip: always use a split ring, the double-loop kind, not a single open jump ring. A jump ring can work itself open and drop your keys.

Pick Your Colors

Because a keychain uses so little yarn, it is worth making a few at once in different colors.

• Soft neutrals like cream, tan, and black read as grown-up and go with any bag.
• Brights like blue, pink, or lilac are easy to spot at the bottom of a bag.
• Black and white together is a popular coquette look, especially with a pearl on the tail.

Tips for a Keychain That Lasts

• Wrap the center tightly. A keychain gets tugged far more than a hair tie, so a firm center wrap is what keeps the bow from loosening.
• Stiffen it if you like. A light mist of fabric stiffener helps the bow hold its shape through daily use in a pocket or bag.
• Anchor the ring through the wrap. Attaching it to the tight center, not a single loose stitch, is what keeps it from pulling free.
• Make a matching set. One bow keychain plus the same bow as a hair tie makes a sweet little paired gift.
• Batch them for markets. They cost pennies in yarn, work up in under half an hour, and sell fast at craft fairs.

FAQ

What hardware do I need for a bow keychain?

Just one split key ring, about 25 mm. If you want to clip it on and off a bag, add a swivel lobster clasp. Both come in cheap multipacks.

Will it hold up on a set of keys?

Yes, as long as the center is wrapped tightly and the ring is anchored through that wrap. Milk cotton is sturdy, and a light fabric stiffener adds extra staying power for everyday use.

Can I clip it to a backpack or bag instead?

Absolutely. Use the swivel clasp option so it becomes a bag charm you can move between bags. The swivel also stops the bow from twisting on the strap.

Can I add beads or a pearl?

Yes. Thread a pearl or a few small beads onto the little chain dangle before you close the ring. A single pearl on a black or white bow is the classic coquette look.

What yarn is best?

A 4-ply milk cotton holds a crisp bow shape and does not fray much when cut. Any similar cotton or cotton blend works. Avoid very soft acrylics, which can go floppy.

Is this beginner-friendly?

Very. The bow is two simple pieces in basic stitches, and attaching the ring is a few wraps and a knot. It is a great first keychain project.

One Bow, So Many Uses

The best part of this little bow is how far one pattern stretches.

Add a ring and it is a keychain, string a few together and it is a bow garland, or wrap in an elastic and it is a puffy hair tie.

If you want more little clip-on makes, browse the rest of the keychains and charms patterns, like the tiny turtle keychain.

A finished bow also fits inside the crochet mini pouch with room to spare, which is the easiest way I know to hand one over as a gift.

If you make one, save this pattern on Pinterest so you can find it again, and tag a friend who clips something cute to every bag they own.

Still deciding what to make? My roundup of crochet keychain ideas lines up ten free patterns by skill level and how long each one takes. If it is specifically a bow you are after, crochet bow patterns does the same for ten free bows.