Overview & Inspiration
Say hello to your new favorite stash-busting project! This adorable keychain-sized crochet chicken is a quick, charming amigurumi piece that makes a wonderful handmade gift or a fun bag charm.
Measuring about 7 to 9 cm tall, it relies on basic crochet techniques like the magic ring, single crochet, increases, and decreases, making it accessible even for adventurous beginners.
Materials & Tools Checklist
- DK or sport-weight cotton yarn (20-30g in main body color)
- Small amounts of red yarn for the comb and wattle
- Small amounts of orange or yellow yarn for the beak and feet
- Contrasting yarn for wings (optional)
- 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm crochet hook
- Polyester fiberfill
- Yarn needle and scissors
- Removable stitch marker
- Metal keychain ring with a short chain or loop
- Small safety eyes or black yarn for embroidery
Pattern Stitches & Abbreviations
- MR: Magic ring
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single crochet
- inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- dec: Decrease (join two stitches into one)
- sl st: Slip stitch
- st: Stitch
- FO: Fasten off
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Round 1: Make an MR and crochet 6 sc into the ring. Pull tail firmly to close.
- Round 2: Work inc in each st around (12 st).
- Round 3: Repeat (1 sc, inc) six times (18 st). Place stitch marker in the first st of every round.
- Round 4: Repeat (2 sc, inc) six times (24 st).
- Round 5: Repeat (3 sc, inc) six times (30 st).
- Rounds 6–10: Work 30 sc around.
- Round 11: Repeat (3 sc, dec) six times (24 st).
- Round 12: Crochet 24 sc around.
- Round 13: Repeat (2 sc, dec) six times (18 st). Begin adding polyester fiberfill.
- Round 14: Work 18 sc around.
- Round 15: Repeat (1 sc, dec) six times (12 st). Add more stuffing and shape gently.
- Round 16: Work 6 dec around (6 st). FO with a long tail, thread through front loops, pull to close, and weave in ends.
- Wings (Make 2): Make an MR, 6 sc. Next round: inc around (12 st). Crochet one more round of 12 sc, flatten, and FO with a long sewing tail.
- Comb: Attach red yarn near top of head, ch 3, and sl st into the same space to form small loops.
Assembly & Finishing
Position the wings on the sides of the chicken body and sew securely in place. Add your embroidered or safety eyes, attach the beak, and securely fasten your metal keychain ring to the top of the head.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Keep your crochet tension firm so the polyester stuffing does not peek through the stitches.
- Use invisible decreases to ensure a smooth, professional amigurumi finish.
- Embroider the eyes with black yarn if you are gifting this to younger children to avoid choking hazards.