Make a charming little ocean-inspired accessory with this free jellyfish keychain crochet pattern. The design combines a single-crochet bell, curly tentacles made with a special bobble chain stitch, and a delicate double-crochet shell frill. It takes about three to five hours to complete.
If you know how to crochet in the round and are comfortable with basic increases and decreases, you have the skills to make this jellyfish.
The bobble chain technique may be unfamiliar, but the instructions below explain it step by step.
The finished keychain measures about 3.5 inches across the bell and 8 inches long, including the tentacles.
Clip it onto a bag, use it as a zipper pull, or attach it to your keys. Here’s how to crochet your own.
Why You’ll Love This Jellyfish Keychain Pattern
The construction keeps this small crochet project manageable. Work the bell from the crown down in continuous rounds, so there is no seaming and no need to join each round. Add stuffing as the dome takes shape, attach the keychain hardware before closing the bell, and finish the opening with a frilly white border.
The tentacles give the jellyfish its character. Each is made with a bobble chain stitch that forms textured segments and curls on its own. There’s no need to block or shape the strands by hand—the stitch naturally creates a spiral.
Three yarn colors—medium teal, light mint, and crisp white—give the bell its striped gradient and add color variation to the tentacles. Together, they create the soft underwater palette shown in the finished design.
Materials for the Crochet Jellyfish
Gather your supplies before you begin so everything is within reach as you work.
Yarn:
• Color A (medium teal or turquoise): approximately 25 yards or 23 meters
• Color B (light mint or pale aqua): approximately 15 yards or 14 meters
• Color C (white): approximately 20 yards or 18 meters
Hook: US size B-1 / 2.25 mm crochet hook, or the size needed to match gauge
Notions:
•A small amount of polyfill stuffing
•One keychain split ring with a short chain, approximately 1.25 inches or 3 cm total length
•Yarn needle for weaving in ends
•Scissors
•Stitch marker
Yarn Suggestions
Choose cotton or a cotton-blend yarn in fingering to light DK weight. Cotton helps the bell keep its shape and gives the stitches a neat, defined finish.
These yarns are suitable options:
1. DMC Natura Just Cotton (50 g / 169 yds): Use Turquoise for Color A, Green Smoke for Color B, and Blanc for Color C.
2. Scheepjes Catona (50 g / 125 yds): This mercerized cotton has a slight sheen that complements the ocean-inspired colors. Use Cyan for Color A, Chrystaline for Color B, and White for Color C.
3. Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (50 g / 137 yds): An affordable yarn with clear stitch definition. Use Kingfisher Blue for Color A, Misty Teal for Color B, and Paper White for Color C.
Avoid highly stretchy fibers such as wool or acrylic blends for the bell, as the dome may gradually lose its rounded shape.
Gauge
8 single crochet stitches and 9 rounds = 1 inch / 2.5 cm worked in continuous rounds with a US B-1 / 2.25 mm hook.
To check gauge, crochet a flat circle through Round 5 of the bell instructions. At the end of Round 5, it should measure approximately 1.75 inches or 4.5 cm in diameter.
If the swatch is too large, switch to a smaller hook. If it is too small, try a larger hook.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Review these abbreviations before starting, especially if you are newer to crochet.
• ch = chain: Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. This creates one chain stitch.
• sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion.
• sc = single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.
• sc2tog = single crochet two together (invisible decrease): Insert hook in front loop only of first stitch, insert hook in front loop only of next stitch, yarn over and draw through both loops, yarn over and draw through remaining two loops. This decrease is nearly invisible.
• dc = double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops.
• tr = treble crochet: Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on hook), [yarn over and pull through two loops] three times.
• MR = magic ring: An adjustable loop that allows you to pull the center closed tightly.
• pm = place marker
• sm = slip marker
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sp = space
• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• rnd = round
• rep = repeat
• approx = approximately
• rem = remaining
• RS = right side (the outside of the dome)
• WS = wrong side (the inside of the dome)
• yo = yarn over
Special Stitches
This jellyfish pattern uses two simple techniques to create the distinctive tentacles and frilled edge.
Bobble Chain Stitch (for tentacles)
Use this stitch to make the bumpy, curly cords for the tentacles:
1- Chain 4g
2- In the very first chain made (the chain four stitches back from your hook), work 1 dc. Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook to close.
3- You now have one bobble sitting on a chain stem. The excess chain and bobble naturally cause the cord to spiral.
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 to make the desired length. More units create a longer, curlier tentacle.
Ruffle Shell Stitch (for the frill)
Work 5 dc into a single stitch. This fan-shaped group spreads out and forms a ruffle when repeated around a round.
Picot Edging (along frill border)
1- Slip stitch into next stitch.
2- Chain 3.
3- Slip stitch into the first of those 3 chains.
4- Slip stitch into the next stitch on the working round.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 across.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
A few construction details are worth knowing before you start crocheting:
• Work the bell in continuous rounds. Do not join at the end of each round unless the instructions specifically say to. Place a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.
• Create the bell’s gradient by changing yarn color every two rounds. Carry the unused colors loosely up the inside of the dome instead of cutting and rejoining, which reduces the number of ends to weave in.
• Bell color sequence: Begin with Color A (teal), switch to Color B (mint) every two rounds, then return to Color A every two rounds. The finished bell should show roughly three teal bands and two mint bands from the outside.
• Make each color change on the final yarn over of the last stitch in the round before the new color begins.
• Crochet the tentacles separately and attach them after assembling the bell. Their curl comes naturally from the bobble chain stitch and cannot be controlled; this is part of the intended look.
• Before adding stuffing, attach the keychain hardware through the tight center loop at the crown of the bell.
• Stuff the bell firmly to help it hold a hemispherical shape. Keep the bottom opening clear for attaching the tentacles.
• Work the ruffled frill into the front loops of the final bell round, leaving the back loops exposed. Sew the tentacles through those same back loops.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The Bell (worked in continuous rounds, top down)
Rnd 1: Using Color A, make a MR, work 6 sc into ring, pull ring closed. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: [Sc in 1 st, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Change to Color B on last yo of Rnd 3 final st. [Sc in 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (24 sc)
Rnd 5: [Sc in 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (30 sc)
Rnd 6: Change to Color A on last yo of Rnd 5 final st. [Sc in 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (36 sc)
Rnd 7: [Sc in 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (42 sc)
Rnd 8: Change to Color B on last yo of Rnd 7 final st. [Sc in 6 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (48 sc)
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 10: Change to Color A on last yo of Rnd 9 final st. Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 11: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 12: Change to Color B on last yo of Rnd 11 final st. Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 13: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 14: Change to Color A on last yo of Rnd 13 final st. Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 15: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Before moving on, attach the keychain hardware. Thread the split ring through the center loop of the magic ring at the crown. If the ring slips, use a short length of Color A to whipstitch around the bar of the ring and through the crown loop several times, then knot securely.
Start adding stuffing gradually as you crochet the next rounds.
Rnd 16: Change to Color B on last yo of Rnd 15 final st. [Sc in 6 sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (42 sc)
Rnd 17: [Sc in 5 sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (36 sc)
Add the rest of the stuffing now, while the opening is still large enough to reach inside. The dome should feel firm.
Rnd 18: Change to Color A on last yo of Rnd 17 final st. [Sc in 4 sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (30 sc)
Rnd 19: [Sc in 3 sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (24 sc)
Checkpoint: At the end of Round 19, the bell should measure approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm across its widest point and approximately 2 inches / 5 cm tall from crown to current opening. If it is larger, use a smaller hook or tighten your tension. If it is smaller, use a larger hook.
Do not fasten off; continue to the frill.
The Frill (worked into the front loops of Round 19)
Before crocheting the frill, change to Color C (white).
Work into the FLO of each st of Round 19 only:
Rnd 20 (Frill base): Join Color C with a sl st into any FLO, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each FLO around, sl st to first sc to join this round. (24 sc)
Rnd 21 (Ruffle round): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 4 more dc in same st (first ruffle shell complete), [work 5 dc in next st] 23 times, sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. (120 dc total, 24 shells of 5 dc)
Rnd 22 (Picot edging): Using Color A, join with a sl st into the top of any dc. Work picot edging as follows: [sl st in next dc, ch 3, sl st in first of those 3 chs, sl st in next dc] around. Continue until all 120 dc have been edged. Fasten off and weave in end.
The frill will flare outward naturally from the base of the bell.
The Tentacles (make 8 total)
Make 3 tentacles in Color A (teal), 3 tentacles in Color B (mint), and 2 tentacles in Color C (white). This combination creates the colorful cascade shown in the finished keychain.
Make each tentacle using the Bobble Chain Stitch described above.
Short tentacles (make 4, one of each color plus one extra Color A):
Work 18 bobble chain units. This produces a tentacle approximately 3 inches / 7.5 cm long when relaxed and curled.
Long tentacles (make 4, one of each color plus one extra Color B):
Work 28 bobble chain units. This produces a tentacle approximately 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm long when relaxed and curled.
To start each tentacle: Make a slip knot, ch 1 to secure, then begin the bobble chain sequence immediately. Leave a tail of approximately 6 inches / 15 cm at the start of each tentacle for attachment.
To end each tentacle: After the final bobble unit, cut yarn leaving a 4 inch / 10 cm tail, pull tail through the last loop to fasten off. Tuck the end tail back through several bobbles to hide it.
Attaching the Tentacles
Hold the bell with the frill facing down and the crown facing up. The back loops of Round 19, left exposed when you worked the frill into the front loops, form a ring of 24 loops at the base of the bell.
Divide the 24 back loops into 8 groups of 3 loops each.
Thread the starting tail of each tentacle onto a yarn needle. Insert the needle under the 3 back loops of one group from outside to inside, wrap around twice, then knot securely on the inside of the bell. Pull snugly so the tentacle hangs straight down.
Attach one tentacle to each group of 3 loops, spacing them evenly around the base. Alternate colors as you go: teal, mint, white, teal, teal, mint, mint, white. This arrangement creates the mixed, swirling look once the tentacles curl.
When all 8 tentacles are attached, weave in the remaining tails on the inside of the bell.
Jellyfish Keychain Size Customization
To make a larger jellyfish ornament rather than a keychain, use DK or worsted weight yarn with a suitably larger hook (US E-4 / 3.5 mm for DK, US G-6 / 4 mm for worsted). Continue adding increase rounds using the established pattern of adding 6 stitches per round until the bell reaches the diameter you want. Then work straight rounds to build the height before decreasing. Increase the number of bobble chain units in the tentacles in proportion to the larger bell. A worsted weight version will finish at approximately 5 to 6 inches / 13 to 15 cm diameter.
For a smaller earring or pendant, use size 10 crochet thread and a steel hook size 7 / 1.65 mm. Reduce the bell by stopping increases at Round 5 (30 sc), working 4 straight rounds, then decreasing back. Make each tentacle with only 10 to 12 bobble units.
Finishing and Blocking
Cotton yarn does not need intensive blocking. After weaving in all ends, lightly mist the bell with water, shape it gently into a smooth hemisphere, and let it dry on a flat surface with the dome facing up.
Avoid wet blocking the tentacles, since moisture can loosen their curl temporarily. If the curls relax after washing, hang the jellyfish to air dry vertically and the spiral shape will return.
After weaving in the ends, trim the tails close to the fabric. Do not leave any tails longer than 0.25 inch / 0.5 cm inside the bell.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with a little mild soap. Do not wring or twist the piece. Press it gently between two clean towels to remove extra water, then hang it vertically to dry so the tentacles keep their curl. Do not machine wash, tumble dry, or iron. Store it hanging or lying flat in a dry place away from direct sunlight to help prevent the colors from fading.
You Did It!
Thank you for making this jellyfish keychain crochet pattern with me. I hope you’re pleased with your little ocean creature. If you crochet one, I’d love to see it—share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag me so I can check out your finished jellyfish.
If you enjoyed the pattern, save it to Pinterest for later or pass it along to a friend who loves crochet. Leave a comment below if you have a question or simply want to say hello. Happy crocheting!
0 Comments