Need a cute crochet pumpkin keychain? This simple ribbed design has a squashed pumpkin shape, leafy green stem, and sturdy finish for everyday use.
Crochet a little pumpkin that you can take with you wherever you go. The crochet pumpkin body is made from a simple ribbed rectangle, then seamed, stuffed, and shaped into the familiar rounded form.
Once the orange pumpkin is finished, a small green stem and leaf add the seasonal detail. The final step attaches a keychain ring securely to the top, turning the finished crochet pumpkin into a useful fall accessory.
Materials Needed
- Pumpkin-colored yarn, approximately 100g
- Green yarn
- Stuffing
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Yarn needle
- Stitch markers
- Keychain ring or other keychain hardware
Crochet the Pumpkin Base
The pumpkin starts as a flat rectangle worked in half double crochet. The important detail here is working the later rows through the back loops only, which creates the raised ridges that give the pumpkin its texture.
Row 1: Start with a slip knot and chain 13. Beginning in the second chain from the hook, work 1 hdc into each chain across for 12 hdc. Chain 1 and turn.
Rows 2–20: Work 12 hdc in the back loops only (BLO). At the end of each row, chain 1 and turn. Continue until you have completed 20 rows.
Finishing the Base: Chain 1 and cut the yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming.
Ribbing Check
Before moving on to assembly, spread the rectangle flat and look across the rows. The back-loop-only stitches should create visible horizontal ridges throughout the piece.
What to Watch For: Keep the stitch count at 12 hdc in every row. Consistent row width will make the short ends line up more neatly when you form the pumpkin body.
Shape the Pumpkin Body
The flat crochet rectangle now becomes the base of the pumpkin. The side seam creates the tube, while the gathered edges give it its rounded shape.
Seam the Sides
Thread the long yarn tail onto your yarn needle. Bring the two short ends of the crochet rectangle together and seam them by sewing through the front and back loops of the edges. This forms a tube.
Turn the work inside out so the seam is hidden on the inside.
Close the Bottom
Weave the needle in and out through the loops along one open edge, working all the way around the opening.
Pull the yarn firmly to gather the edge closed, then tie a knot to secure it.
Why This Step Matters: This gathered edge becomes one end of the pumpkin, so pull it closed enough to hold the stuffing later without leaving a large opening.
Add the Stuffing
Fill the pumpkin with stuffing, working it into the body so the shape becomes nicely rounded.
Avoid leaving empty areas around the edges. The stuffing is what gives the ribbed fabric enough volume to show the pumpkin shape once the second opening is closed.
Close and Shape the Top
Using the same weaving method, pass the needle through the open top edge and pull the yarn tightly to close the opening.
To create the classic squashed pumpkin shape, push the needle straight down through the center to the bottom and then bring it back up. Pull the yarn firmly and secure it.
This center pull draws the two ends inward and gives the pumpkin its flattened, pumpkin-like appearance.
Make the Green Stem and Leaf
The green section combines a small crocheted stem with a simple chained leaf. Work it separately from the pumpkin so it can be positioned neatly over the cinched top.
Round 1: Using green yarn, create a magic ring and chain 1. Work 5 sc into the magic ring, then pull the tail to close the ring tightly.
Round 2: Work 2 sc in each stitch around to increase the size.
Round 3: Work 1 sc in each stitch around.
Round 4: Increase every second stitch by working 2 sc in the first stitch, then 1 sc in the next stitch, and repeat this sequence around.
Round 5: Work 1 sc in each stitch around to straighten out the shape of the stem.
Add the Leaf
From where you finished on the stem, chain 10. Starting in the second chain from the hook, work 1 sc back down the chain in each loop.
Positioning Tip: Let the chain extend away from the stem naturally as you work back along it. This creates the leaf shape without needing a separate crocheted piece.
Finish the Green Piece
Work a few more single crochets around the base of the stem to position and secure the leaf. Finish with a slip stitch and leave a tail for sewing.
Attach the Stem and Leaf
Use the remaining green yarn tail to stitch the base of the stem and leaf securely to the cinched top of the pumpkin.
Take a moment to position the leaf before tightening the stitches. Once the stem is sewn down, the green piece should sit firmly over the gathered center rather than leaning loosely to one side.
Add the Keychain Ring
Attach the keychain ring tightly to the top of the stem. Sew through a few sections of yarn so the hardware is held securely when the pumpkin is carried.
Before You Clip It On: Give the ring a gentle pull to check that the stitches holding it to the stem feel secure. If it shifts noticeably, add a few more passes with the green yarn before trimming the tail.
Your ribbed pumpkin is now ready to hang from a set of keys, a bag, or another favorite everyday item. The small leaf and securely attached ring give the seasonal pumpkin its final practical touch without taking away from its soft, handmade shape.
