Small, sturdy straps are the perfect way to keep keys, passes, and badges under control, and they’re also brilliant scrap-busting projects. These twelve Crochet key fob wristlets and lanyard ideas range from ultra-beginner strips to textured stitches and beaded badge necklaces. Most use only a few yards of cotton or cord, so you can experiment with color and hardware without a big yarn commitment. Make a couple to toss in bags, gift to friends, or sell at markets—once you’ve finished one, it’s hard to stop.
Peach Orange Denim-Friendly Wristlet Keychain
The Peach Orange Denim-Friendly Wristlet Keychain from Bella Coco is a neat, dense strap designed to clip straight onto your keys or bag. It’s worked in Paintbox Cotton DK using a peachy orange shade that pops beautifully against denim, with a compact stitch combo that doesn’t stretch out. You only need six stitches around the hardware, then repeat a single row until you reach the length you like. It’s simple, polished, and easy to lengthen into a neck strap, making this an ideal everyday Bella Coco Crochet.
Supplies:
- Yarn: DK-weight 100% cotton (Paintbox Cotton DK in Peach Orange)
- Hook: 3.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Keychain attachment with flat ring
- Notions: Darning needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: Slim but sturdy fabric that looks especially good clipped to jeans or a denim tote.
Easy Every Day Textured Wristlet Keychain
The Easy Every Day Textured Wristlet Keychain from Pretty Darn Adorable uses simple stitches to create a woven, squishy strap you can make in under an hour. It’s written for worsted cotton and shows off beautifully in soft green, beige, grey, pink, and white, with silver lobster clasps. Adjust length to wear snug on your wrist or shorter as a key fob, and follow the notes to turn the same strip into a full lanyard. It’s a perfect batch project for gifts, markets, or stocking stuffers Pretty Darn Adorable.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight cotton yarn in assorted colors
- Hook: 4.0 mm crochet hook
- Notions: Lobster clasp keychain hardware
- Notions: Tapestry needle
- Notions: Measuring tape
Why it’s great: One small, textured pattern that easily morphs from key fob to lanyard.
Beginner Keychain Wristlet Stash-Buster
The Beginner Keychain Wristlet Stash-Buster from Cozy Nooks Designs is written as a very first crochet project: just chains and single crochet in worsted cotton. The pattern uses Lion Brand Pima Cotton in Dragonfly teal, Spice rust, and Mineral Yellow, and only 16 yards per strap, so it’s perfect for leftovers. Work a narrow strip, fold, and sew securely around a lobster clasp. You’ll get a tidy, everyday-friendly strap that’s ideal for keys or zipper pulls and a relaxing, confidence-building Cozy Nooks Designs.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight Pima cotton (Dragonfly, Spice, Mineral Yellow)
- Hook: 4.0 mm crochet hook (US G)
- Notions: Lobster claw clasp
- Notions: Tapestry needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: True absolute-beginner pattern that still produces a clean, giftable wristlet.
Red Everyday Crochet Key Strap
The Red Everyday Crochet Key Strap from Amelia Makes is a simple single-crochet strip that becomes a sturdy wrist loop once you slip on a swivel hook and seam the ends. It’s pictured in bright red DK yarn as a flat, rectangular strap about an inch wide—easy to spot in a busy bag. The pattern includes gauge, sizing notes, and a full video tutorial. Adjust the row count to make it longer for a looser wrist fit or shorter as a compact key fob Amelia Makes.
Supplies:
- Yarn: DK-weight yarn, solid red or similar
- Hook: 3.5 mm crochet hook (US E)
- Notions: Swivel hook
- Notions: Tapestry needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: Classic single-crochet strap with clear instructions and a bold red sample you can copy.
Treble Stitch Easy Crochet Wristlet Keychain
The Treble Stitch Easy Crochet Wristlet Keychain from Tender Warm Creations uses only treble crochet, so it grows long and loopy in no time. You chain, work one row of tall stitches in worsted Dishie cotton, then fold and sew around a keychain clasp. The result is a slim, airy strap about 6″ long when folded, perfect if you like a slightly looser wrist fit. It’s a great way to practice taller stitches while making something you’ll use daily Tender Warm Creations.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight cotton (e.g., Dishie cotton)
- Hook: 3.75 mm–4.0 mm crochet hook (US F/G)
- Notions: Keychain clasp
- Notions: Yarn needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: Uses one tall stitch for maximum speed and a lightweight, drapey strap.
Christmas-Gift Crochet Wristlet Keychain
The Christmas-Gift Crochet Wristlet Keychain from Creating Me is designed as a stocking stuffer: worsted cotton “I Love This Cotton” worked into a three-row textured strip using single crochet, hdc, dc, and slip stitches. You chain 43, work the pattern rows, slide on a 1″ lobster clasp key ring, and seam the ends together. The result is a slim, tidy loop you can make in any color to match stockings, gift wrap, or favorite bags—a quick, satisfying make-ahead Creating Me.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight cotton (e.g., I Love This Cotton)
- Hook: 4.0 mm crochet hook (US G)
- Notions: 1″ lobster clasp key ring
- Notions: Yarn needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: Short, textured strip that looks fancy but is easy enough for TV crochet and gift production.
Summer ‘ I-Cord Crochet Wristlet
The Summer ’22 I-Cord Crochet Wristlet by Yarnth3ory is a sleek rope-style wristlet worked using the crochet i-cord technique. It uses 3 mm cord for a firm, rounded strap that feels more like a soft rope than fabric, finished with a lobster clasp. Once you get the i-cord rhythm, each strap takes about 10–15 minutes, making it perfect for markets or coordinating with bags. Change the length to create short fobs, mid-length wristlets, or clip-on bag handles yarnTh3ory.
Supplies:
- Yarn: 3 mm cotton or polyester cord
- Hook: Size suitable for cord (often 4.5–5.0 mm)
- Notions: Lobster clasp
- Notions: Yarn needle or tapestry needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: Minimalist rope look that’s incredibly fast and sturdy for everyday use.
Wheat Stitch Keychain & Lanyard Set
The Wheat Stitch Keychain & Lanyard Set from Briana K Designs uses her signature Wheat Stitch for a cozy, grain-like texture that looks great in solid or heathered cotton. The pattern includes sizing notes for short key fobs, wristlets, and full lanyards, all built from the same simple repeat. Work it in craft cotton in earthy greens, golds, or neutrals, and you’ll get a textured strap that feels substantial but not bulky. It’s ideal for gift sets: one keychain plus a matching badge lanyard Briana K Designs.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight cotton yarn in your choice of color
- Hook: 4.0 mm crochet hook (or recommended)
- Notions: Keychain clips or swivel hooks
- Notions: Scissors
- Notions: Yarn needle
Why it’s great: One stitch pattern, three lengths—match your keys, badge, and bags in one go.
Star Stitch Crochet Lanyard & Wristlet
The Star Stitch Crochet Lanyard & Wristlet from The Pigeon’s Nest uses the star stitch on both sides of a strap, finished with a raised edge created by slip stitching around the chain. It’s written as a neck lanyard but easily adapted to shorter wristlets and key fobs by changing the starting chain (multiples of two). Cotton yarn keeps the texture crisp and prevents overstretching. Once you’ve nailed the first row of stars, the rest of the piece is mesmerizingly repetitive The Pigeon’s Nest.
Supplies:
- Yarn: DK or worsted-weight cotton
- Hook: Size suitable for yarn (often 3.5–4.0 mm)
- Notions: D-ring or swivel clasp
- Notions: Yarn needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: All-over star texture that looks polished in solids and is easy to resize.
Creekside Cotton Crochet Lanyard
The Creekside Cotton Crochet Lanyard from Winding Road Crochet is a textured strap worked in worsted cotton “I Love This Cotton” in Parchment, Antique Gold, and Olive. It’s written for both wrist and neck lengths, using a repeating (sc, dc) pattern that creates a sturdy, slightly raised texture. Folded construction locks a swivel clasp in place with a sewn square of stitches. You can shorten it for key fobs, or keep it long for work badges or cruise cards, making it a highly adaptable Winding Road Crochet.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Worsted-weight 100% cotton in Parchment, Antique Gold, Olive
- Hook: 4.0 mm crochet hook (US G)
- Notions: Swivel clasp hook
- Notions: Yarn needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: Includes yardage and sizing for both wrist and neck lengths, using soft cotton colors.
Tulip Glow Crochet Lanyard
The Tulip Glow Crochet Lanyard from Wilmade uses the tulip stitch for a vintage-style strap that really shines when worked in glow-in-the-dark yarn. The stitch pattern creates tiny flower-like clusters down the length of the lanyard, perfect for conferences, amusement parks, or teacher badges. Make it in pale mint glow yarn or regular cotton for everyday wear. The pattern includes a video and notes for attaching your chosen hardware, so you can customize the final length easily Wilmade.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Fingering or sport-weight glow-in-the-dark or regular cotton yarn
- Hook: Size recommended for yarn (often 3.0–3.5 mm)
- Notions: Lanyard clip or swivel clasp
- Notions: Yarn needle
- Notions: Scissors
Why it’s great: Pretty tulip texture with the option to literally glow in low light.
Beaded Badge Necklace Crochet Lanyard
The Beaded Badge Necklace Crochet Lanyard from Celtic Knot Crochet is an elegant alternative to a standard fabric strap, worked in size 10 cotton thread with glass beads added as you go. The finished necklace-style lanyard clips to a badge holder and is shown in shades of green and lilac with matching beads. It uses beaded chain stitches and 2-tr cluster stitches, plus a small hook for threading beads. It’s more advanced but ideal for dressier work events or choir rehearsals Celtic Knot Crochet.
Supplies:
- Yarn: Size 10 cotton crochet thread (green, lilac, or similar)
- Hook: 1.5 mm steel crochet hook (or recommended)
- Notions: Small glass beads
- Notions: Badge clips or lanyard clips
- Notions: Embroidery needle
Why it’s great: Turns a practical badge holder into jewelry with sparkling beadwork.
Conclusion
Pick one strap that matches how you actually carry your keys or badge—a slim cotton wristlet, a colorful market-style loop, or a pretty tulip or beaded lanyard. These Crochet key fob wristlets and lanyards use tiny amounts of yarn but add real convenience to your everyday routine. Once you’ve made your favorite, save this list and come back whenever you need quick gifts, teacher presents, or craft-fair fillers.
FAQs
1. What yarns work best for crochet key fob wristlets and lanyards?
Cotton is usually best: it’s strong, has very little stretch, and holds up well to friction from keys and clips. For beaded styles, size 10 thread works nicely. You can use acrylic, but it can fuzz more quickly on heavily used straps.
2. Can I machine wash crochet wristlets and lanyards?
Most cotton and acrylic straps can go in a mesh bag on a gentle cycle with cool water. Remove any detachable hardware first if possible. Lay flat to dry so the fabric doesn’t twist, and reshape the strap while it’s damp.
3. How do I adjust the length of a strap or lanyard?
Length is all about the starting chain or row count. For longer lanyards, chain more; for short key fobs, chain fewer. Try the strip around your wrist or neck before fastening off so you can add or subtract a few rows as needed.
4. Are there safer fibers for straps worn on the body or in warm weather?
Cotton and cotton blends are ideal: breathable against skin and less likely to feel sticky in heat. Avoid very stretchy, fuzzy yarns for neck lanyards, as they can feel bulky or trap heat. For glow-in-the-dark yarns, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
5. What joins and edgings help these pieces last?
For durability, seam the folded ends with tight whip stitch or backstitch using the same yarn as the strap. Around edges, single crochet or slip stitch borders keep things firm. Sew around hardware more than once, especially if the strap will carry heavy keys.
6. How much yarn do I need for one wristlet or lanyard?
Many wristlets take 10–25 yards of worsted cotton; lanyards usually need 40–60 yards, depending on width and thickness. Thread-based or beaded designs use very little fiber but more beads. Most of these projects are perfect for scraps and partial balls.
7. Any tips for photographing these small accessories?
Lay the strap flat in a gentle curve or loop on a clean surface, and shoot in bright natural light. Add simple props—keys, a tote bag, or a badge holder—to show scale. For textured stitches, take a close-up at a slight angle so shadows highlight the Crochet texture.
8. How do I prevent twisting or stretching over time?
Work with a slightly smaller hook than usual to keep the fabric dense. Avoid very loose tension, especially for long lanyards. When you seam the ends, check that the strap isn’t twisted before securing. If a strap does stretch, a quick handwash and flat drying can help it bounce back a bit.