Want bright citrus charm with layered color and playful tassel? Crochet two matching fruit discs, join them around pearl detail, and finish with sturdy hanging loop.
Sunny citrus colors turn this crochet keychain into tiny fruit-inspired accessory with plenty of visual detail. Light yellow, orange, and cream shades create layered slice effect, while tassel and pearl add movement below compact circular shape. Crochet texture stays simple enough to let color changes carry much of finished look.
One useful feature of this pattern is its double-sided design: two matching discs are crocheted separately, then joined around tassel attachment before hanging loop is secured at top. Along way, you’ll work controlled increases, color changes, outer rind, whipstitching, and finishing details that can also suit lime or grapefruit variations.
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn: 4-ply cotton yarn in matching citrus colors, such as light yellow, orange, and cream/off-white
- Crochet Hook: 2.5 mm crochet hook
- Embellishment: 1 large white pearl/bead per keychain
- Tools: Tapestry needle and scissors
Pattern Abbreviations & Terminology
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- ch: Chain stitch
- sl st: Slip stitch
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Increase – 2 sc in same stitch
- (…): Repeat instructions inside parentheses for specified number of times
Before You Begin
Finished citrus disc measures approximately 4.5–5 cm in diameter, excluding tassel and hanging loop. Light yellow, orange, and cream create citrus-slice appearance, while green shades can turn same design into lime-inspired version. Pink, yellow, and white can also suggest grapefruit.
You will make two identical circular pieces before joining them back-to-back. One piece needs long yarn tail from Round 5 for sewing, so keep this detail in mind when finishing second disc.
Step-by-Step Crochet Citrus Slice Keychain Process
Build First Citrus Disc from Center Outward
Each citrus half begins with small light-yellow center and gradually expands through increases. Work first disc completely, then repeat same five-round sequence for second disc.
Round 1 – Light Yellow: Start with MR, work 6 sc directly into ring, pull tail tightly to close center, and fasten off [6 sts].
Round 2 – Light Yellow: Join light yellow yarn with sl st, ch 1, work 2 sc in each stitch around, join with sl st, ch 1, and fasten off [12 sts].
Round 3 – Orange: Join orange yarn to outer loop, ch 2, then work (1 sc, 1 ch) in each stitch around. Join with sl st, ch 1, and work 1 sc into same space [12 sc + 12 ch spaces].
Round 4 – Orange: Work 2 sc in each stitch around, finish with sl st, fasten off, and neatly weave starting and ending tails into back [24 sts].
Round 5 – Light Yellow/Cream: Join light yellow or cream yarn with ch 1 and work 1 sc into same stitch. Continue with 1 sc in each stitch around outer edge, finish with sl st, and fasten off. Leave long tail on one disc for sewing [24 sts].
What to Check After Round 4
Circle should lie reasonably flat before outer rind is added. If increases are misplaced, edge may ripple or cup. Confirm 24 stitches before moving into cream outer round.
Make Matching Second Disc
Repeat Rounds 1–5 using same color sequence and stitch counts.
Important: Leave long sewing tail on one of two finished pieces. This tail will later join both citrus halves around their outer edges.
Before Assembly:
Place both discs together and compare their size, color placement, and outer edge. Matching circles will make final slice look even from both sides.
Prepare Tassel and Pearl Detail
The tassel sits beneath citrus slice, with pearl bead threaded onto its hanging string before halves are sewn together.
Tassel: Cut approximately 30 pieces of 4-ply yarn, each 20 cm long. Bundle strands evenly, fold bundle in half, and tie separate yarn piece tightly around upper section to form tassel head. Trim lower ends evenly with scissors.
Pearl: Take remaining hanging string attached to tassel top and thread it through center hole of white pearl bead.
Why This Happens Before Sewing
Tassel string needs to sit between two citrus layers while seam is still open. Positioning it afterward would require reopening finished edge, so check placement before completing whipstitching.
Join Both Citrus Layers Around Tassel
Place two crocheted citrus discs back-to-back, keeping matching outer edges aligned.
Using tapestry needle and long yarn tail, whipstitch around outer edges. Before closing final section, position tassel’s hanging string with attached pearl securely between both layers at bottom.
Continue whipstitching until discs are joined securely, then weave in remaining tail.
Seam Check
Work slowly around curved edge so stitches remain evenly spaced. Keep both circular edges aligned rather than pulling yarn so tightly that outer rind becomes puckered.
Add Top Hanging Loop
Create sturdy loop using separate yarn chain.
Hanging Loop: Make slip knot and chain 35 stitches. Fasten off, then securely sew both ends of chain loop to top center edge of citrus circle.
Check Loop Placement
Both ends should be attached at top center with enough stitching to hold chain securely. Keep loop centered over citrus disc so keychain hangs upright instead of tilting sideways.
Finish and Secure Loose Ends
Use tapestry needle to weave remaining loose yarn ends securely into interior of citrus piece. Trim excess once tails are safely tucked away.
Final Shape Check:
Look at both sides of citrus slice, inspect outer cream rind, test top hanging loop, and gently check tassel attachment. Pearl should remain secured on tassel string without interfering with citrus seam.
For alternate fruit versions, swap citrus colors for bright greens and lime shades, or use pink, yellow, and white for grapefruit-inspired styling. Omitting tassel also leaves double-sided citrus disc suitable for coaster, appliqué, or zipper-pull use.
Your crochet citrus slice keychain is ready to use or gift, with layered fruit colors, cream rind, pearl-accented tassel, and long hanging loop.
