Joined Wave Squares Crochet Keychain Free Pattern
Introduction
This little keychain is a perfect first taste of join-as-you-go crochet. Three tiny squares, each with a teal center and a coral border, are joined side by side into a charming vintage-inspired strip that looks like something straight out of a 1970s craft book. At just 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) per square, it works up in minutes from scraps of sport-weight linen blend, and the coral scalloped edging gives it a soft, handmade finish. Clip it to your keys, a tote bag, or a zipper pull, and enjoy a small, satisfying project that feels light and crisp in the hand.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Sport weight (CYC 2) linen blend. Approximately 10 yards teal and 8 yards coral total.
- Hook: 3.0 mm (US D/3).
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, one metal split ring (key ring), blocking pins and mat.
- Finished size: Approximately 4 inches (10 cm) long including the ring, and 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) wide.
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- beg – beginning
- RS – right side
- [ ] – repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
Each finished square measures 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) across after blocking. Work one square first and measure it; if it is larger, go down a hook size, and if smaller, go up a hook size.
Tips Before You Start
- Keep your tension even and slightly firm so the small squares hold their shape and the joins lie flat.
- Linen blend can feel stiff at first; it softens beautifully after blocking, so don't skip that step.
- When joining squares, always hold them right sides together so the sc seam sits neatly on the back.
- Count your stitches at the end of each round; the small counts make mistakes easy to spot and fix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Square 1 (make 1)
With teal, ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring.
R1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, [ch 2, 3 dc in ring] 3 times, ch 2, join with sl st to top of beg ch-3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
R2: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 dc, [2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in next 3 dc] 3 times, 2 sc in last ch-2 sp, join with sl st to first sc (20 sc). Fasten off teal.
R3: Join coral with sl st in any sc, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 4 sc, [2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc] 3 times, 2 sc in last sc, join with sl st to first sc (24 sc). Fasten off coral.
Square 2 (join to Square 1)
Work R1–R2 the same as Square 1.
R3: Join coral with sl st in any sc, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (24 sc). Do not fasten off.
Joining: Hold Square 2 and Square 1 with RS together. Working through both layers, sc in each st across one side (6 sc). Fasten off coral.
Square 3 (join to Square 2)
Work R1–R2 the same as Square 1.
R3: Join coral with sl st in any sc, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, join with sl st to first sc (24 sc). Do not fasten off.
Joining: Hold Square 3 and Square 2 with RS together. Working through both layers, sc in each st across one side (6 sc). Fasten off coral.
Edging
Join teal with sl st in any corner of the joined squares, ch 1, sc evenly around the entire outer edge, working 3 sc in each corner, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off teal.
Scallop Border
Join coral with sl st in any sc, ch 1, [skip 1 sc, 5 dc in next sc, skip 1 sc, sl st in next sc] around, adjusting at corners to keep scallops flat, join with sl st to first sl st. Fasten off coral.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting the keychain and pinning it flat to shape, letting it dry completely. Attach the split ring to the top corner of the middle square through a corner space.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the teal and coral for any two-color pairing, or make each square a different color for a scrappy look.
- Add a tiny bead or charm to the bottom corner of the middle square for extra vintage charm.
- Work the squares in cotton for a sturdier keychain that holds up well to daily use.
