Sunny Citrus Slice Crochet Keychain Free Pattern

Sunny Citrus Slice Crochet Keychain: A Beginner's Delight

Brighten your keys, bag, or zipper pulls with this cheerful crocheted citrus slice keychain! This quick and satisfying project is perfect for beginners looking to practice working in the round and learning the magic ring technique. The vibrant yellow center, crisp white pith, and textured orange rind create a realistic, juicy look that's sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it. Whether you're making a gift for a friend or treating yourself, this adorable accessory works up in just a couple of hours and uses minimal yarn—making it an ideal stash-buster project.

With its simple single crochet stitches and clear increases, this pattern is wonderfully forgiving and easy to follow. You'll be amazed at how professional your finished keychain looks, and you'll want to make one in every color combination imaginable!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth crafting session:

• Yarn: Worsted weight cotton yarn in three colors—yellow (for the fruit center), white (for the pith), and orange (for the rind). Cotton yarn is ideal because it holds its shape well and has a nice, crisp stitch definition. You'll need only small amounts of each color—approximately 20 yards of yellow, 10 yards of white, and 15 yards of orange.
• Crochet Hook: 3.5 mm (E) crochet hook. This hook size works perfectly with worsted weight yarn to create a firm, dense fabric that won't stretch out of shape.
• Yarn Needle: A tapestry needle with a large eye for weaving in ends and sewing the segments onto the circle.
• Keychain Ring: A small metal keychain ring (approximately 1 inch in diameter) to attach to the finished piece.
• Scissors: Sharp scissors for cutting yarn.
• Stitch Marker (optional): Helpful for keeping track of your rounds, especially when working in a spiral.

Gauge: 4 single crochet stitches = 1 inch. While gauge isn't critical for this project, maintaining a consistent tension will ensure your keychain looks neat and even.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Crocheting the Citrus Base Circle

We'll start by creating the flat circular base of the citrus slice using yellow yarn. This circle will form the juicy center of your fruit.

Round 1: With yellow yarn, make a magic ring. Chain 1 (this does not count as a stitch), then work 6 single crochet (sc) stitches into the ring. Pull the tail tight to close the ring completely. You should now have 6 stitches. (6 sts)

Round 2: Work 2 single crochet stitches into each stitch around. This is called an increase (inc). You'll have 12 stitches total. (12 sts)

Round 3: *Single crochet in the next stitch, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch (increase)*. Repeat from * to * around the circle. This creates a pattern of sc, inc, sc, inc... You'll finish with 18 stitches. (18 sts)

Round 4: *Single crochet in the next 2 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 24 stitches. (24 sts)

Round 5: *Single crochet in the next 3 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 30 stitches. (30 sts)

Round 6: *Single crochet in the next 4 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 36 stitches. (36 sts)

Round 7: *Single crochet in the next 5 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 42 stitches. (42 sts)

Round 8: *Single crochet in the next 6 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 48 stitches. (48 sts)

Round 9: *Single crochet in the next 7 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 54 stitches. (54 sts)

Round 10: *Single crochet in the next 8 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 60 stitches. (60 sts)

Round 11: *Single crochet in the next 9 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 66 stitches. (66 sts)

Round 12: *Single crochet in the next 10 stitches, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 72 stitches. (72 sts)

Fasten off the yellow yarn by cutting it, leaving a 6-inch tail. Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook and tighten. Set this piece aside for now.

Part 2: Adding the White Pith Ring

Now we'll add the white pith layer that gives the citrus slice its realistic appearance. This is worked in the back loops only, which creates a subtle ridge and helps the layers sit nicely.

Round 13: Join the white yarn by making a slip knot and placing it on your hook. Insert your hook into the back loop only of the first stitch of Round 12. Yarn over and pull through, then yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook to complete a single crochet. Continue working single crochet in the back loop only of each stitch around the entire circle. You'll have 72 stitches. (72 sts)

When you reach the end of the round, fasten off the white yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave this tail through the stitches to secure it, or simply leave it to weave in later.

Part 3: Creating the Orange Rind

The final layer is the orange rind, which gives your keychain its vibrant outer edge. Like the white pith, this is worked in the back loops only.

Round 14: Join the orange yarn in the same manner as you did with the white yarn. Insert your hook into the back loop only of the first stitch of Round 13. Work a single crochet, then continue working single crochet in the back loop only of each stitch around the entire circle. You'll have 72 stitches. (72 sts)

Fasten off the orange yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Weave in all loose ends using your yarn needle, being careful to hide them neatly on the back side of the work.

Part 4: Making the Citrus Segments

Now we'll create the eight white triangular segments that give the citrus slice its classic look. These are small, quick pieces that you'll sew onto the yellow center.

Segment Round 1: With white yarn, make a magic ring. Chain 1, then work 6 single crochet stitches into the ring. Pull tight to close. (6 sts)

Segment Round 2: Work 2 single crochet stitches into each stitch around. You'll have 12 stitches. (12 sts)

Segment Round 3: *Single crochet in the next stitch, then 2 single crochet in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * around. You'll have 18 stitches. (18 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail (approximately 12 inches) for sewing. Repeat this process to create a total of 8 segments.

Part 5: Assembling Your Citrus Slice

Now comes the fun part—bringing all the pieces together to create your finished keychain!

Step 1: Position the Segments. Lay your yellow circle flat with the right side facing up. Arrange the 8 white segments evenly around the circle, like the slices of an orange. The pointed end of each segment should point toward the center of the circle, and the wider end should extend toward the white pith ring. Space them evenly—imagine a clock face and place segments at 12, 1:30, 3, 4:30, 6, 7:30, 9, and 10:30 positions.

Step 2: Sew the Segments. Using the long tail from each segment and your yarn needle, sew each segment securely onto the yellow circle. Use small, neat whip stitches along the edges of each segment. Make sure the segments lie flat and are firmly attached. Weave in any loose ends as you go.

Step 3: Embroider the Segment Lines. Thread your yarn needle with orange yarn. Between each pair of white segments, embroider a thin line from the center of the circle outward toward the white pith. To do this, bring the needle up from the back of the work at the center, then make a straight stitch outward to the edge of the segments. Repeat for each of the 8 gaps. This creates the realistic membrane lines you see on a real citrus slice.

Step 4: Attach the Keychain Ring. Position your keychain ring at the top edge of the orange rind. Thread a piece of orange yarn through your needle and insert it from the back of the work through the orange rind, catching the keychain ring. Make several small, secure stitches to firmly attach the ring to the rind. Make sure the ring is centered and can move freely.

Step 5: Final Weaving. Weave in all remaining loose ends on the back of the work. Trim any excess yarn with scissors.

Finishing Touches and Tips

Your Sunny Citrus Slice Crochet Keychain is now complete! Give it a gentle block by pressing it flat with your hands or a warm iron (if using cotton yarn) to help it lay perfectly flat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Keep your tension consistent throughout—this ensures your circle stays flat and doesn't ruffle.
• If your circle starts to ruffle or cup, check your stitch count. You may have missed an increase or added an extra one.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round—this prevents counting errors.
• For a different look, try using lemon yellow and white with a yellow rind, or pink and white for a grapefruit version!

This adorable keychain makes a wonderful gift for fruit lovers, teachers, or anyone who appreciates handmade charm. It's also a fantastic way to use up small amounts of yarn from your stash. Make a whole fruit basket of keychains in different colors—they're quick enough to whip up in an evening!

Happy crocheting, and enjoy your sunny new accessory!