Every crocheter needs a few go-to patterns for those days when you want a finished project fast. This little panda is mine. It is soft, tiny, and completely no-sew, so you can go from a ball of yarn to a cuddly keychain in one relaxed evening.
The ears, arms, and legs are all crocheted straight onto the body, which means no awkward sewing and no wobbly limbs. A small grey band between the head and the body gives it a cute scarf-like detail. Clip it to a bag, a backpack, or your keys and it instantly adds a bit of charm.
About the Pattern
- No-sew (only the bottom opening gets closed)
- Beginner-friendly
- Works up in about 25 minutes once you know the steps
- Great for using up leftover yarn
- Made to be a keychain or bag charm
- Free written pattern
Ways to Use Your Panda
- Keychain or bag charm: attach a small keyring and clip it to a purse, backpack, or zipper pull.
- Small gift: a sweet handmade present for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or the holidays.
- Party favors: make a little group of pandas for a kids’ party or a classroom.
- Easter egg surprise: a cute non-candy treat to hide inside plastic eggs.
- Pocket comfort toy: small enough to carry around for a bit of comfort.
- Craft fair item: quick, affordable to make, and popular with buyers.
Yarn Recommendations
This pattern uses super bulky (weight 6) chenille yarn in cream and grey. Chenille gives a plush, velvety finish and helps the small shape keep its form. Any bulky yarn will work, but the result will feel a little firmer. For a smaller panda, use thinner yarn with a smaller hook.
Color ideas: brown and beige for a teddy bear, pink and white for a pastel version, or classic black and white for a more traditional panda.
MINI PANDA KEYCHAIN
Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern
Terms of Use: You are welcome to sell finished items made from this pattern, as long as you credit this website and link back to this post. Please do not copy, translate, or republish the pattern text, and do not resell the pattern itself.
Pattern Information
Finished size: about 3 inches (7.5 cm) tall with super bulky yarn
Skill level: Beginner. You should know how to make a slip knot, chain, single crochet, increase, decrease, and change colors.
Abbreviations (US terms):
- ch = chain
- sc = single crochet
- inc = increase (2 sc in the same stitch)
- dec = decrease (sc 2 stitches together)
- YO = yarn over
- FLO = front loop only
- FO = fasten off
- st(s) = stitch(es)
Materials:
- Super bulky (6) chenille yarn in cream and grey
- 5 mm crochet hook
- 6–8 mm black safety eyes (x2)
- Black thread or yarn for the mouth
- Polyester fiberfill
- Scissors and a yarn needle
- Small keyring with a clasp
HEAD & BODY
Start with cream yarn.
R1: Ch 2. Work 6 sc into the 2nd chain from the hook. (6)
R2: Inc in each st around. (12)
R3: (Sc in next st, inc in next st) x 6. (18)
R4–R6: Sc in each st around. (18)
Insert the safety eyes between R4 and R5, about 5 stitches apart.
R7: (Sc in next st, dec) x 6. (12)
Switch to grey yarn.
R8: Sc in the FLO of each st around. (12)
Switch to cream yarn.
R9–R10: Sc in each st around. (12)
Stuff the head and body firmly.
R11: Dec around. (6)
FO, leaving a tail. Use it to close the opening.
EARS (x2)
- Attach grey yarn to a st in R3, on the top of the head.
- (YO, insert hook into the st, YO, pull up a loop) x 3. YO and pull through all 7 loops on the hook.
- FO and weave the ends into the head.
- Repeat on the other side, leaving about 4 stitches between the ears.
ARMS (x2)
- Attach grey yarn to a st in R9, just under the grey band, at the side of the body.
- (YO, insert hook into the st, YO, pull up a loop) x 4. YO and pull through all 9 loops on the hook.
- FO and weave the ends inside the body.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
LEGS (x2)
Work the legs like the arms, but attach the grey yarn to a st in R11, close to the bottom. Repeat the (YO, insert hook into the st, YO, pull up a loop) step 5 times instead of 4, then YO and pull through all 11 loops on the hook. Keep the legs close together so the panda sits upright.
FINISHING
- Check that the body is stuffed well, then close the bottom opening.
- Embroider a small X-shaped mouth below the eyes with black thread. No nose is needed for this look.
- Attach a keyring to the top of the head, between the ears.
- Trim any loose ends. Your panda is done!
Thank you so much for stopping by, and happy crocheting! If you make your own panda, I would love to see it, so feel free to share a photo in the comments.
FAQ
Can I make this panda without safety eyes?
Yes. Embroider small black eyes with yarn or thread instead, which is the safest option for babies and toddlers.
What yarn works best for a no-sew panda?
Super bulky chenille gives the softest, most compact result, but any bulky yarn works.
How do I make the panda bigger?
Use a thicker yarn and a larger hook, or add one extra round of plain single crochet before the first decrease round.
How do I attach the keyring?
Thread a small loop of yarn through the top of the head between the ears, then attach the keyring to it. You can also pass a jump ring through a stitch and secure it with a couple of tight knots inside the head.
Can I sell the finished pandas?
Yes, as long as you credit the designer and link back to this post.