crocheted striped ball keychain and a striped crochet piece (the flat base before forming the ball). I can guide you step-by-step on how to make it!
Here’s how you can create this striped crochet ball keychain
🧶 Materials
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Yarn | 4-ply acrylic or cotton yarn in 4 colors (White, Yellow, Green, Red) |
| Hook | 3.0–3.5 mm crochet hook |
| Stuffing | Polyester fiberfill |
| Needle | Yarn/tapestry needle |
| Scissors | For cutting yarn |
| Keychain ring | Metal keyring and chain |
🧵 Step 1: Making the Striped Base Rectangle
This is worked side to side with alternating colors to create the raised ribbed texture.
Foundation:
- Chain 21 (or any number depending on desired size — this will be the height of your ball before joining).
Row 1 (White):
- Skip the first chain from the hook.
- Single crochet (sc) into each chain across. (20 sc total)
- Chain 1 and turn your work.
Row 2 (White):
- Work 1 sc in the back loop only (BLO) of each stitch across.
- Chain 1 and turn.
🪄 Working in the BLO creates the ridged striped texture.
Row 3–4 (Yellow):
- Change to yellow yarn.
- Work 2 rows of BLO single crochet as before.
- Change color at the end of Row 4 (on the last pull-through, switch to green).
Row 5–6 (Green):
- Work 2 rows of BLO single crochet.
- Change to the next color (white).
Continue this pattern:
Alternate 2 rows of each color (white, yellow, green, red, and repeat).
Keep working until your rectangle is about 15–18 cm long.
The number of stripes determines how many ribs the ball will have.
🪡 Step 2: Forming the Tube
- When your rectangle is done, fold it lengthwise so the stripes run vertically.
- Join the short edges together:
- Either slip stitch along the edge using your hook,
- Or sew it together with a yarn needle.
- You now have a tube with vertical stripes.
🎯 Step 3: Shaping the Ball
- Gather the bottom edge:
- Thread a long yarn tail through a needle.
- Weave the needle in and out along one open end (through each ridge or row).
- Pull tight to close the bottom — tie securely.
- Stuff the tube with fiberfill until it’s firm but round.
- Close the top:
- Weave your needle through the top edge (same way as the bottom).
- Pull tight to close and tie off.
Now you have a striped crochet ball.
🔗 Step 4: Attaching the Keychain
- Insert a metal keyring chain through a few stitches at the top.
- Secure it with a knot or a few strong stitches.
- Weave in any remaining yarn ends.
✨ Finishing Touches
- Roll the ball gently in your hands to shape it evenly.
- Trim any loose yarn.
- You can spray lightly with water and let it dry to set the shape if desired.
💡 Tips for Perfect Results
- Tight stitches make a more defined ribbed texture.
- Even tension ensures the ball closes symmetrically.
- If the ball is too large, reduce the starting chain count (e.g., 15 instead of 21).
- Use a stitch marker if you lose track of rows or color changes.