This crochet paint palette keychain is a perfect blend of creative flair and utility. Shaped like a circular painter’s palette, it features six vibrant yarn blobs that mimic paint dabs—pink, yellow, purple, green, blue, and white. Each color is carefully placed evenly around the edge, capturing the essence of an artist’s tool in miniature form. The slightly raised texture of the yarn dabs creates a tactile, 3D effect, while an adorable crocheted paintbrush adds extra charm. Finished with a durable round keyring, it’s a stylish accessory for bags, keys, or zippers.
Crochet Paint Palette Keychain
Inspired by the timeless charm of traditional painting tools, this crochet keychain pays homage to the world of artistry in a whimsical way. With its playful design, it’s perfect for celebrating moments that call for creativity, such as art festivals, back-to-school excitement, or even as a craft fair collectible. Its autumnal tones make it great as a cozy seasonal accessory, while its unique design makes it a year-round favorite.
Ideas for Gifting & Extra Uses
The crochet paint palette keychain is an ideal gift for art enthusiasts, teachers, or anyone with a love for unique handmade accessories. It also makes for a delightful item to add to artist-themed gift packages or goodie bags. Beyond serving as a keychain, it can be repurposed as a zipper pull for backpacks, pencil cases, or even as a decorative charm for studio spaces.
Credit: Gail Cabreira
Step By Step Pattern
Materials
To crochet your paint palette keychain, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Yarn:
- Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
- Beige or light brown (for the palette base)
- Assorted colors (red, blue, green, yellow, etc., for the “paint blobs”)
- Optional: Black yarn for outlining or adding details.
- Worsted weight yarn in the following colors:
- Crochet Hook: Size G/4.0 mm or H/5.0 mm.
- Keychain Hardware: Split ring or lobster clasp.
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends and attaching details.
- Stuffing (optional): If you want to make the paint palette slightly puffy.
- Scissors: For cutting yarn.
Pattern Instructions
The Base (Paint Palette)
- Start with a Magic Circle:
- Work 6 single crochets (sc) into a magic circle. Pull the circle tight. (6 sts)
- Round 2: Increase in every stitch around (2 sc in each stitch). (12 sts)
- Round 3: 1 sc, increase in next stitch – repeat around. (18 sts)
- Round 4: 2 sc, increase in next stitch – repeat around. (24 sts)
- Round 5: 3 sc, increase in next stitch – repeat around. (30 sts)
- Round 6: 4 sc, increase in next stitch – repeat around. (36 sts)
- Use slip stitches to smooth the edge if needed. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing (if attaching to keychain).
The Thumb Hole (Optional)
- Make a magic circle and work 6 sc into it (as in the base).
- Continue increasing in the round, but stop at Round 3 (18 sts).
- Attach it to the edge of the palette and secure.
The Paint Blobs
- Choose your paint blob colors (e.g., red, yellow, green, blue).
- For each color:
- Create a Magic Circle.
- Work 5-6 sc into the circle and pull tight, or simply crochet a flat mini circle.
- Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing onto the palette.
Repeat this process for as many paint blobs as you like, arranging them in a semi-circle or random pattern on the palette.
Assembly
- Use your tapestry needle to sew the paint blobs onto the palette securely.
- If you made a thumb hole, attach it to the desired spot.
- Add stuffing or leave flat, depending on your preference.
- Attach a keyring to the palette using yarn or a split ring to finish the keychain.
Final Touches
- Use a small amount of black yarn or embroidery thread to outline parts of the palette or add decorative lines.
- Optional: Lightly steam block the palette to flatten edges.
Pattern Question
Q: How small should I make the paint spots to keep the palette balanced?
A: Keep the paint spots proportional to the palette base. Around 1-1.5 cm in diameter works well for a balanced and cohesive look.
