Make a Cute Crochet shark keychain, Whale & Orca Keychain (3‑in‑1 Free Pattern)
Create your very own small crochet orca keychain, whale plushie, or shark keychain with this easy 3‑in‑1 free crochet pattern.
This beginner‑friendly design uses one simple base shape that you can customize with different colours to make an orca, whale, or shark.
This beginner‑friendly amigurumi pattern lets you create three adorable sea creatures from one simple base
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- Crochet Orca Keychain or small Killer Whale plushie
- Crochet Whale Keychain or small Plushie
- Crochet Shark Keyring or small Plush Toy
Just switch the colours and yarn weight to transform the same pattern into a small keyring, a chunky plush toy, or a mini amigurumi whale.
Looking for more quick makes? Browse all my free crochet keychain patterns.
Why You’ll Love This Pattern
This is one of my favourite quick‑make projects.
I can make several in one evening while watching TV. It’s a brilliant yarn stash‑buster project , and the finished plushies and keychains sell extremely well at craft fairs.
- Make in chunky blanket yarn for a soft plushie
- Make in Double Knit for a mini whale or shark keyring
- Add a keychain to the fin for a cute bag charm
- Perfect for Shark Week, gifts, BEST SELLERS AT markets, or kids
- Minimal sewing (you will surface crochet on the back tail and markings, and you can opt to join as you go for the side fins) meaning the only sewing would be the top dorsal fin into place
My mini frog keychain and tiny chicken keychain are also popular quick‑make projects.
My small orca plushies are always popular, and I have fallen in love with them, especially since moving to the northern coastline of the Scottish Highlands, where we’re lucky enough to see real orcas from the shoreline.
Watching their huge dorsal fins break the surface inspired me to design this little crochet orca for my niece and nephew.
Pattern Overview (Skill Level, Sizing & Yarn Options)
kill Level: Beginner‑friendly Pattern Type: Amigurumi / Keychain / Mini Plush Construction: Worked in the round from a single base shape Variations Included:
- Crochet Orca Keychain or small Killer Whale plushie
- Crochet Whale Keychain or mini whale plush
- Crochet Shark Keyring or small shark plush toy
Finished Size
Your finished size depends on yarn weight:
- Chunky/Blanket yarn: 10–14 cm plush toy
- Aran or 2 strands of DK: 6–8 cm keychain size
- Macramé cord: Firm, durable shark keyring
How the Variations Work
All three sea creatures use the exact same base body pattern. You simply change:
- Colours (grey/white for shark, blue/white for whale, black/white for orca)
- Top fin (omit for whale)
- Side markings (orca spots, shark stripes)
- Yarn weight (keychain vs plush)
This makes the pattern fast, adaptable, and perfect for beginners.
Materials (US Terms)
Yarn Options:
- Chunky / Blanket yarn – for a soft plush toy
- Aran yarn – perfect for a small keychain
- 2 strands of DK held together – lightweight mini keyring size
- Macramé cord – great for a firm, durable shark keyring
Crochet Hook:
- 4.5 mm (for chunky yarn)
- 4 mm (for Aran or DK keychain size)
Notions:
- 6 mm or 8 mm safety eyes (or embroider for young children)
- Polyester stuffing
- Yarn needle (for sewing the top fin + weaving ends)
- Stitch marker
- Keychain hardware (keyring, lobster clasp, or jump ring)
US Crochet Abbreviations Used
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
- tr / trc – treble crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- 2sc – 2 single crochet in same stitch (increase)
- sc2tog – single crochet 2 stitches together (decrease)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- rnd – round
- FO – fasten off
Crochet Shark Keychain/ Plush (Main Version)
The shark version is a brilliant quick‑make gift for shark lovers. It uses the same base pattern as the whale and orca, but worked in grey and white with simple embroidered markings.
This version works beautifully as:
- a small shark keyring
- a mini shark plush toy
- a bag charm
- a market best‑seller
Insert your SHARK image here (Alt text: “crochet shark keychain free pattern”)
Shark Colours
- Main body: Grey
- Belly: White
- Markings: Small black embroidered stripes
- Yarn options:
- Macramé cord (firm, durable keyring)
- Aran or 2 strands of DK (lightweight keychain)
- Plush/chenille yarn (soft mini shark plush)
How to Crochet the Shark Side Fins (Make 2)
You can join these as you go on Round 5 of the body, or sew them on later.
Side Fins Pattern: Ch 4 – sc in 2nd ch from hook – hdc in next ch – dc in last ch Ch 1 Sl st 3 times down the post of the dc to return to the starting chain FO and leave a tail
Set aside until Round 5 of the body and you can join as you go like this image shows
How to Crochet the Shark Top Fin
Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 3 sc into first ch (3)
Rnd 2: 2sc in next st, sc in next, 2sc in next (5)
Rnd 3: 2sc, sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in last (7)
Rnd 4: sc around (7)
Finishing: Fold the fin in half and sew to the top of the shark. Use the tail to secure the keychain ring through the top of the fin.
Shark Body (Base Pattern)
This is the same base used for the whale and orca.
In white: Rnd 1: Ch 2, 7 sc into first ch (7)
Rnd 2: 2sc in each st (14)
Rnd 3: 2sc, sc around (21)
Rnd 4: 2sc, sc 2 around (28) On final stitch, change to grey.
Optional: Join side fins on Round 5 using the 3 slip stitches. See image above
Rnd 5–8: sc around (28) (Add safety eyes between Rnds 7 & 8)
Rnd 9: *sc2tog, sc 2* repeat around (21)
Rnd 10: *sc2tog, sc * repeat around (18) Begin stuffing
Rnd 11: sc2tog around (7) FO and close the opening
How to Crochet the Shark Tail Fins (Make 2)
These are worked using surface crochet directly onto the back of the shark.
Join yarn to the centre back stitch. Ch 4 – sc in 2nd ch from hook – hdc in next – dc in next, ch 2, sl st back into starting point. Sl st into next post stitch. Repeat for second tail fin FO and weave in ends
Shark Markings
Using a small length of black yarn, embroider two simple stripes on each side of the shark. Use your shark image as a guide.
Crochet Whale Keychain (Variation)
The whale version is the simplest of the three and perfect for beginners. It uses the same base body pattern as the shark and orca, but worked in blue and white and you simply omit the top fin.
This version makes a lovely:
- whale keychain
- mini whale plushie
- quick market make
- cute bag charm
Whale Colours
- Main body: Blue
- Belly: White
- Top fin: Omit for whale
- Tail fins: Same as shark/orca
- Yarn options:
- DK or Aran for a small keyring
- Chunky yarn for a soft mini plush
Whale Side Fins (Make 2)
The whale uses the same side fins as the shark and orca.
Side Fins Pattern: Ch 4 – sc in 2nd ch from hook – hdc in next – dc in last Ch 1 Sl st 3 times down the dc post FO and leave a tail
Attach on Round 5 of the body (or sew on later).
Whale Body (Base Pattern)
This is the same base used for the shark and orca.
In white: Rnd 1: Ch 2, 7 sc into first ch (7)
Rnd 2: 2sc in each st (14)
Rnd 3: *2sc, sc* repeat around (21)
Rnd 4: *2sc, sc 2* repeat around (28) On final stitch, change to blue.
Optional: Join side fins on Round 5 using the 3 slip stitches.
Rnd 5–8: sc around (28) (Add safety eyes between Rnds 7 & 8)
Rnd 9: *sc2tog, sc 2 * repeat around (21)
Rnd 10: *sc2tog, sc,* repeat around (18) Begin stuffing
Rnd 11: sc2tog around (7) FO and close the opening
Whale Tail Fins (Make 2)
These are worked using surface crochet directly onto the back of the whale.
Join yarn to the centre back stitch. Ch 4 – sc in 2nd ch from hook – hdc in next – dc in next Sl st back into starting point Sl st into next post stitch Repeat for second tail fin FO and weave in ends
Whale Details
The whale has no top fin and no side markings, making it the cleanest and quickest version.
Crochet Orca Keychain (Variation)
The orca (killer whale) version is the most striking of the three. It uses the same base body pattern as the shark and whale, but worked in black and white with simple embroidered orca eye patches and side spots.
This version makes a gorgeous:
- orca keychain
- mini killer whale plushie
- bag charm
- gift for ocean lovers
Orca Colours
- Main body: Black
- Belly: White
- Eye patch: White
- Side spot: White
- Top fin: Black
- Tail fins: Black
Yarn options:
- DK 2 strands held together or Aran for a small keychain
- Chunky yarn for a soft mini plush
Orca Side Fins (Make 2)
The orca uses the same side fins as the shark and whale.
Side Fins Pattern: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in last st, Ch 1, Sl- st 3 times down the dc post FO and leave a tail
Attach on Round 5 of the body (or sew on later).
Orca Top Fin
Rnd 1: Ch 2, work 3 sc into first ch (3)
Rnd 2: 2sc in next st, sc in next, 2sc in next (5)
Rnd 3: 2sc, sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in last (7)
Rnd 4: sc around (7)
Finishing: Fold the fin in half and sew to the top of the orca. Use the tail to secure the keychain ring through the top of the fin.
Orca Body (Base Pattern)
This is the same base used for the shark and whale.
In white: Rnd 1: Ch 2, 7 sc into first ch (7)
Rnd 2: 2sc in each st (14)
Rnd 3: *2sc, sc * repeat around (21)
Rnd 4: *2sc, sc 2 * repeat around (28) On final stitch, change to black.
Optional: Join side fins on Round 5 using the 3 slip stitches.
Rnd 5–8: sc around (28) (Add safety eyes between Rnds 7 & 8)
Rnd 9: *sc2tog, sc 2 * repeat around (21)
Rnd 10: *sc2tog, sc* repeat around (18) Begin stuffing
Rnd 11: sc2tog around (7) FO and close the opening
Orca Tail Fins (Make 2)
Worked using surface crochet directly onto the back of the orca.
Join yarn to the centre back stitch. Ch 4 – sc in 2nd ch from hook – hdc in next – dc in next, ch2, Sl st back into starting point Sl st into next post stitch Repeat for second tail fin FO and weave in ends
Orca Markings (Eye Patch & Side Spot)
Using a small length of white yarn:
- Add white yarn stripes behind the eyes, or if you prefer a spot, in white ch2, 4sc in 2nd chain from the hook, slst to join and fasten off.
- Use the orca image as a guide to sew more white onto the sides if you want
These simple details instantly transform the base shape into a recognisable killer whale.
Attach Through the Top Fin (Most Popular for shark and orca)
This method works for the shark and orca versions.
- Fold the top fin neatly in half
- Insert the metal keyring directly through the top of the fin
- Add a jump ring if you want extra movement
- Pull the fin back into shape
This gives a cute dangling effect and keeps the plush upright when hanging.
Attach Through a Sewn Loop (All Versions)
Perfect for the whale, which has no top fin.
- Cut a small length of matching yarn
- Sew a tight loop at the top of the body
- Slide the keyring or lobster clasp through the loop
- Secure the loop firmly before trimming ends
Bag Charm / Backpack Buddy Option
Instead of a keyring, you can attach:
- a lobster clasp
- a swivel clasp
- a decorative jump ring
This turns your mini sea creature into a cute zipper pull or bag charm.
Safety Notes
If making for children under 3:
- Avoid safety eyes
- Use embroidered eyes instead
- Ensure all fins and loops are securely attached
I have several fun FREE keychain patterns available on my website
Can beginners make this crochet shark, whale or orca keychain?
Yes! this is a very beginner‑friendly pattern. All three creatures use the same simple base shape, and the fins are small, quick pieces. The whale version is the easiest because it has no top fin and no embroidered markings.
How do I turn this pattern into a plush toy instead of a keychain?
Simply switch to chunky blanket yarn and a larger hook. The pattern stays exactly the same — the thicker yarn creates a soft, squishy plushie. For a firmer plush, stuff slightly more than you would for a keychain.
What yarn works best for crochet keychains?
For small, lightweight keychains, the best options are:
- Aran yarn
- 2 strands of DK held together
- Macramé cord (great for the shark version)
These keep the finished creature small, durable and not too heavy for a keyring.
Can I sell items made from this pattern?
Yes! you are welcome to sell finished items you make from this pattern.
Please credit me as the designer by linking back to this page when possible.
Is this pattern worked in continuous rounds or joined rounds?
The body is worked in continuous rounds (amigurumi style). Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
The Fins and tails are worked by chaining a length and the stitches worked into the chain.
If you love quick makes like this 3‑in‑1 shark, whale and orca keychain, you’ll enjoy these other popular mini crochet keychain patterns:
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