Easy Crochet Halloween Pumpkin Keychain: Free Pattern

These miniature pumpkins fit right in your palm and bring a touch of autumn to your keys, bags, or backpack throughout October. Crafted with simple orange cotton yarn and a bit of dark green for the stem, this project provides a satisfying, quick win for anyone between longer crochet tasks. Beginners will find the repetitive nature of the stitches meditative, as they quickly transform a flat circle into a plump, three-dimensional gourd. You will master the process of working in the round and gathering the sides to get that signature ribbed texture without using complex techniques.

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Why This Project Is Worth Making

The Classic Crochet Granny Square Tote is a staple project for those who enjoy combining functional utility with vintage charm. This bag relies on traditional motifs to create a sturdy, geometric structure that holds its shape well even when filled with groceries or craft supplies. Because it is constructed from individual squares joined together, you can work on one component at a time, making it an excellent carry-along project for your commute or quiet evenings at home. It uses basic stitches that work up quickly, and the modular nature of the design means you can easily customize the final size by adding or removing squares. The finished tote provides a generous interior capacity while maintaining a lightweight feel.

I finished this tote in just one weekend and it has become my go-to bag for the farmer’s market because the construction is so much stronger than I expected.

— Sarah, hobbyist maker

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Approximate Time: 8 to 10 hours
• Construction: 13 individual classic granny squares joined using the whip stitch, finished with a double crochet border and two simple shoulder straps.
• Finished Dimensions & Sizing: 14 inches wide by 14 inches high (excluding straps); strap length is 22 inches.

Materials & Supplies Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (#4), 100% cotton yarn, approximately 600 yards total. Cotton is recommended for its lack of stretch and durability in bag construction.
• Hook Size: 5.0 mm (US H-8) to create a firm gauge that prevents holes in the fabric.
• Notions needed: Yarn needle for weaving ends, stitch markers, and scissors.
• Safe yarn substitutions: Acrylic yarn is a soft alternative, though it may stretch more under weight; a cotton-acrylic blend offers the best balance of structure and softness.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch: chain
• st: stitch
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• dc: double crochet
• dc-cluster: 3 dc in the same space
• magic ring: a circular starting method

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Granny Square (Make 13)

Each square is worked in continuous rounds without turning.

1. Rnd 1: Start with a magic ring, ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, *3 dc in ring, ch 2; repeat from * twice more, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (12 dc, 4 ch-2 spaces)
2. Rnd 2: Sl st into next 2 dc and into first ch-2 space, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same space, *ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next ch-2 space; repeat from * twice more, ch 1, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (24 dc, 8 ch-1 spaces, 4 ch-2 spaces)
3. Rnd 3: Sl st into next 2 dc and into corner ch-2 space, ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc in same corner, *ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 space, ch 1, (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in corner space; repeat from * twice more, ch 1, 3 dc in ch-1 space, ch 1, sl st to top of beg ch 3. (36 dc, 12 ch-1 spaces, 4 ch-2 spaces)
4. Rnd 4: Work as Rnd 3, adding a 3 dc cluster into each side ch-1 space. (48 dc, 16 ch-1 spaces, 4 ch-2 spaces)

Assembly

Arrange 5 squares for the front panel, 5 for the back panel, and 3 for the base and sides. Use a tapestry needle and a length of yarn to whip stitch the squares together through the back loops only. Join the base squares to the center of the front and back panels, then sew the side edges together to form the bag shape.

Straps and Finishing

1. Attach yarn to the top corner of the bag opening. Ch 70, then sl st to the opposite side of the same bag panel.
2. Work 1 row of sc back across the chain to reinforce the strap.
3. Repeat for the second strap on the opposite side of the bag.
4. Finish by working one final round of sc evenly around the entire top edge of the bag, including the straps, to create a clean border.

Care & Washing Instructions

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water using a mild detergent to prevent fiber degradation.
• Lay the bag flat on a towel to air dry, reshaping it while damp to ensure it retains its square dimensions.
• Avoid using a tumble dryer, as high heat can shrink cotton and weaken the integrity of the seams.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Maintain consistent tension throughout each square, as uneven tension will cause the squares to have different sizes, making the assembly process difficult.
• Use a stitch marker at the start of each round to keep track of your chain counts, especially when moving between corners and side clusters.
• Weave in your ends securely by running the yarn tail through the backs of the stitches in multiple directions, rather than just trimming close to the knot.
• Adjust the bag size by adding one extra round to each square, but remember that this will increase your total yarn requirement by approximately 15 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a larger hook size for this project?

Using a larger hook will result in a larger, looser bag with gaps between stitches. For a sturdy tote, stick to the recommended 5.0 mm hook size.

Is this project suitable for absolute beginners?

Yes, the pattern only requires basic dc and sc stitches, making it a perfect project for practicing these fundamental techniques in a structured, manageable way.

How do I adjust the strap length?

Simply add or subtract chains during the strap foundation step. Ensure both straps have the same number of chains for symmetry.

Am I allowed to sell bags made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this design, provided you credit the pattern designer in your product listings.

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Seeing these little gourds dangle from your gear adds a festive, handmade touch to your daily routine that feels genuinely personal. You might try using velvet yarn for a softer, plush texture or switch to a metallic thread to give them a modern, spooky shimmer. Please share a photo of your finished work online so others can see how your color choices turned out. Browse the rest of the blog for more seasonal projects and patterns to fill your upcoming afternoons with more small, creative tasks.