Introduction

If you love small, quick knitting projects, this one’s for you! 🐱 In this tutorial, we’ll make cute knitted cat keychains that are perfect as gifts, bag charms, or personal accessories. Each cat is small enough to fit in your hand and can be customized with different yarn colors, stripes, embroidered faces, and even tiny scarves.

This project is beginner-friendly: the main body is knitted in the round (or flat, if preferred) and then stuffed. The details—ears, tail, and scarf—are simple additions that bring the cats to life. Since it’s a small project, it’s also a great way to use up yarn scraps from other projects.

By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have your own little cat keychain and the skills to knit a whole family of them in any colors you like.

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Materials Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make one knitted cat keychain:

• Yarn:
  1. Light worsted weight (DK) or sport yarn works best.
  2. Colors: choose a main color for the cat (gray, white, brown, ginger, etc.), a contrasting color for the scarf, and small amounts of black and pink yarn for embroidery (eyes, whiskers, nose).
• Knitting Needles:
  1. Size US 3 (3.25 mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) for knitting in the round.
  2. Alternatively, size US 3 straight needles if knitting flat.
• Tools:
  1. Yarn needle (for sewing and embroidery).
  2. Small scissors.
  3. Stitch marker (if working in the round).
  4. Keychain ring.
  5. Small crochet hook (optional, for adding the keychain loop).
• Stuffing:
  1. Polyester fiberfill or scrap yarn.

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Abbreviations & Techniques

• CO = cast on
• BO = bind off
• k = knit
• p = purl
• kfb = knit front and back (increase)
• k2tog = knit two together (decrease)
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rnd(s) = round(s)
• garter stitch = knit every row (if working flat)
• stockinette stitch = knit all sts in the round (or knit RS, purl WS if flat)

Techniques used in this pattern:

• Knitting in the round (or knitting flat and seaming).
• Basic increases and decreases.
• Embroidery for facial features.
• Attaching small accessories (scarf and keychain loop).

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Pattern Instructions

We’ll knit the body and head in one piece, then add the ears, tail, scarf, and face embroidery.

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Step 1: Body & Head

Using main color yarn:

If knitting in the round (recommended):

1. CO 12 sts and divide evenly on 3 DPNs. Join in the round, place marker.
2. Rnd 1–2: Knit all sts. (12 sts)
3. Rnd 3: [kfb] around. (24 sts)
4. Rnd 4–14: Knit all sts. (24 sts)

➡ This section forms the body of the cat.

5. Rnd 15: [k2tog] around. (12 sts)
6. Stuff lightly with fiberfill.

➡ Now we shape the head:

7. Rnd 16: [kfb] around. (24 sts)
8. Rnd 17–22: Knit all sts. (24 sts)
9. Rnd 23: [k2tog] around. (12 sts)
10. Rnd 24: [k2tog] around. (6 sts)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining stitches, and pull tight to close. Secure.

If knitting flat (alternative):

• CO 12 sts. Work stockinette, increasing and decreasing as above. Sew seam after stuffing.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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Step 2: Ears (Make 2)

CO 6 sts with main color yarn.

• Row 1: Knit all.
• Row 2: k2tog, k2, k2tog. (4 sts)
• Row 3: Knit all.
• Row 4: k2tog twice. (2 sts)
• Row 5: Knit 2tog. (1 st)

Cut yarn, leaving a tail for sewing. Attach ears to the top corners of the head.

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Step 3: Tail

CO 5 sts.

• Work i-cord for about 3 inches.
• BO and sew to bottom of body.

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Step 4: Scarf

CO 40 sts with contrast yarn.

• Work garter stitch (knit every row) for 4 rows.
• BO and weave in ends.
• Tie around cat’s neck.

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Step 5: Face Embroidery

Using yarn needle and black yarn:

• Stitch two small eyes (horizontal dashes).
• Stitch three whiskers on each side.

Using pink yarn:

• Add a small nose between eyes.
• Optionally, add a tiny mouth with a curved stitch.

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Step 6: Keychain Loop

• With a crochet hook or yarn needle, make a small loop at the top of the head.
• Attach keychain ring through the loop securely.

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Assembly & Finishing

1. Make sure all seams are closed and stuffing is evenly distributed.
2. Attach ears, tail, and scarf.
3. Add embroidered face details.
4. Secure keychain ring.
5. Trim any loose threads.

Congratulations—your cat keychain is ready! 🎉

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Optional Tips & Variations

• Different Cat Breeds: Use different yarn colors to create tabby, tuxedo, calico, or Siamese cats. Add stripes or patches with duplicate stitch.
• Bigger or Smaller Cats: Adjust by using thicker yarn and larger needles (for a plush toy) or thinner yarn (for mini charms).
• Accessories: Instead of a scarf, knit a bow tie, add a tiny hat, or crochet a flower.
• Child-Safe Version: Instead of keychain hardware, use it as a small plush toy. Embroider all details instead of using beads or buttons.
• Holiday Cats: Knit scarves in red and green for Christmas, or pastel shades for Easter.
• Personalized Gifts: Make cats that match your friends’ real pets as keychain gifts.

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Beginner Troubleshooting

• Cat looks too lumpy? Use smaller needles to create a tighter fabric so stuffing doesn’t show through.
• Head and body not distinct? Make sure to pull yarn tight after decreasing at the neck to separate shapes.
• Scarf too long or short? Adjust stitch count when casting on.
• Keychain not secure? Double-thread the loop and sew it firmly into the head before attaching the ring.

📌Thank you for reading the article.

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Conclusion

This Knitted Cat Keychain project is a fun, quick, and rewarding way to practice small-scale knitting while creating something practical and adorable. Each cat takes just a small amount of yarn and can be personalized endlessly with colors and accessories.

Knit one for yourself, make a set for your friends, or create a whole family of cats in different breeds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter looking for a relaxing project, these little keychains are guaranteed to make you smile. 🐾