Introduction
Say hello to the cutest little ocean buddy you’ll ever hook! This jellyfish keychain packs a whole lot of charm into one tiny project: a squishy single-crochet bell, super-curly tentacles made with a fun bobble chain stitch, and a ruffly double-crochet frill. Set aside three to five hours and you’ll have a finished jellyfish.
Know your way around working in the round, increases, and decreases? Then you’re ready for this one. Never tried the tentacle technique? No worries — I’ll guide you through it step by step.
Finished, it measures roughly 3.5 inches across the bell and 8 inches long including the tentacles — just right for dangling from a bag, a zipper pull, or your keys. Ready? Let’s make one!
Why This Jellyfish Keychain Pattern Works So Well
Clever construction is what makes this project sing. The bell is worked in continuous rounds from the top down — no seaming, no fiddling with joins at the end of every round. You’ll add stuffing little by little while the bell takes shape, then secure the keychain hardware before the final rounds close things up. A frilly white border around the opening finishes it off.
And the tentacles? Oh, they’re the best part! Little bumpy segments, one bobble chain after another — and each tentacle curls up all by itself. Magic!
The bell fades softly from teal to mint to white, and the tentacles swirl those colors together — so dreamy and underwater.
Materials You Will Need
Have everything gathered before you start for smooth, happy stitching.
Yarn:
- Color A (Medium teal or turquoise): approximately 25 yards or 23 meters
- Color B (Light mint or pale aqua): approximately 15 yards or 14 meters
- Color C (White): approximately 20 yards or 18 meters
Hook: US size B-1 / 2.25 mm crochet hook, or the size needed to match gauge
Notions:
- Polyfill stuffing, a small amount
- One keychain split ring with a short chain, approximately 1.25 inches or 3 cm total length
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Stitch marker
Yarn Suggestions
Grab a cotton or cotton-blend yarn in fingering to light DK weight. I reach for cotton here — it keeps the dome nicely rounded and the stitches crisp.
Three options I love:
- DMC Natura Just Cotton (50 g / 169 yds): Use Turquoise for Color A, Green Smoke for Color B, and Blanc for Color C.
- Scheepjes Catona (50 g / 125 yds): this mercerized cotton has a slight sheen that makes the oceanic colors glow. Use Cyan for Color A, Chrystaline for Color B, and White for Color C.
- Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK (50 g / 137 yds): a budget-friendly pick with great stitch clarity. Use Kingfisher Blue for Color A, Misty Teal for Color B, and Paper White for Color C.
Skip very stretchy fibers like wool or acrylic blends for the bell — they can make the dome lose its rounded shape over time.
Gauge
8 single crochet stitches and 9 rounds = 1 inch / 2.5 cm worked in continuous rounds with a US B-1 / 2.25 mm hook.
To check your gauge, work a flat circle through Round 5 of the bell instructions. After Round 5, the diameter should measure approximately 1.75 inches or 4.5 cm.
If your swatch is too big, try a smaller hook. If it is too small, go up a hook size.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
Here’s every abbreviation in plain English. If you’re newer to crochet, give this section a careful read first.
- ch = chain: Wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook. This creates one chain stitch.
- sl st = slip stitch: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one motion.
- sc = single crochet: Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops.
- sc2tog = single crochet two together (invisible decrease): Insert hook in front loop only of first stitch, insert hook in front loop only of next stitch, yarn over and draw through both loops, yarn over and draw through remaining two loops. This decrease is nearly invisible.
- dc = double crochet: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook), yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through remaining two loops.
- tr = treble crochet: Yarn over twice, insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on hook), [yarn over and pull through two loops] three times.
- MR = magic ring: An adjustable loop that allows you to pull the center closed tightly.
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- sp = space
- BLO = back loop only
- FLO = front loop only
- rnd = round
- rep = repeat
- approx = approximately
- rem = remaining
- RS = right side (the outside of the dome)
- WS = wrong side (the inside of the dome)
- yo = yarn over
Special Stitches
This pattern uses two special techniques — and I promise both are easier than they sound!
Bobble Chain Stitch (for tentacles)
For the tentacles we’ll use a stitch I call the bobble chain — it makes bumpy little cords that curl. Here’s the scoop:
Step 1: Chain 4.
Step 2: In the very first chain made (the chain four stitches back from your hook), work 1 dc. Yarn over and pull through all loops on hook to close.
Step 3: You now have one bobble sitting on a chain stem. The spiral happens because each bobble sits on a little extra chain — physics does the rest!
Add more units for a longer, curlier tentacle.
Ruffle Shell Stitch (for the frill)
Work 5 dc into a single stitch. Worked around the full round, the stitch fan opens up into a ruffly edge.
Picot Edging (along frill border)
Step 1: Slip stitch into next stitch.
Step 2: Chain 3.
Step 3: Slip stitch into the first of those 3 chains.
Step 4: Slip stitch into the next stitch on the working round.
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 across.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
Before you start, here’s my best advice — skim these tips and you’ll skip the head-scratching.
- The bell is worked in continuous rounds. Do not join at the end of each round unless specifically instructed. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round and move it up as you work.
- The gradient effect on the bell is achieved by changing yarn color every two rounds. Carry unused yarns loosely up the inside of the dome rather than cutting and rejoining. This minimizes ends to weave in later.
- Color sequence for the bell: Begin with Color A (teal), switch to Color B (mint) every two rounds, return to Color A every two rounds. The bell should show roughly three teal bands and two mint bands visible from outside.
- All color changes are made on the last yarn over of the final stitch of the round before the new color begins.
- The tentacles are worked separately and attached after the bell is assembled. The curling direction of each tentacle is a natural result of the bobble chain stitch and cannot be forced. This is the intended effect.
- Attach the keychain hardware through the tight center loop at the crown of the bell before adding stuffing.
- Stuff the bell firmly so the dome holds its hemisphere shape. The bottom opening remains open to accommodate the tentacle attachment.
- The ruffled frill is worked into the front loops of the final round of the bell, leaving the back loops free. The tentacles are then sewn through those same back loops.
Step by Step Instructions
The Bell (worked in continuous rounds, top down)
Rnd 1: Using Color A, make a MR, work 6 sc into ring, pull ring closed. (6 sc)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around. (12 sc)
Rnd 3: [Sc in 1 st, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (18 sc)
Rnd 4: Change to Color B on last yo of Rnd 3 final st. [Sc in 2 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (24 sc)
Rnd 5: [Sc in 3 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (30 sc)
Rnd 6: Change to Color A on last yo of Rnd 5 final st. [Sc in 4 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (36 sc)
Rnd 7: [Sc in 5 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (42 sc)
Rnd 8: Change to Color B on last yo of Rnd 7 final st. [Sc in 6 sts, 2 sc in next st] 6 times. (48 sc)
Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 10: Change to Color A on last yo of Rnd 9 final st. Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 11: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 12: Change to Color B on last yo of Rnd 11 final st. Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 13: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 14: Change to Color A on last yo of Rnd 13 final st. Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Rnd 15: Sc in each st around. (48 sc)
Before continuing, attach the keychain hardware. Thread the split ring through the center loop of the magic ring at the crown. If the ring slips, use a short length of Color A to whipstitch around the bar of the ring and through the crown loop several times, then knot securely.
Now begin stuffing the bell gradually as you work the next rounds.
Rnd 16: Change to Color B on last yo of Rnd 15 final st. [Sc in 6 sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (42 sc)
Rnd 17: [Sc in 5 sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (36 sc)
Add remaining stuffing now so the dome is firm before the opening closes further.
Rnd 18: Change to Color A on last yo of Rnd 17 final st. [Sc in 4 sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (30 sc)
Rnd 19: [Sc in 3 sts, sc2tog] 6 times. (24 sc)
Checkpoint: After Round 19, your bell should measure approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm across the widest point and approximately 2 inches / 5 cm tall from crown to current opening. If your piece is larger, try a smaller hook or tighter tension. If smaller, try a larger hook.
Do not fasten off. Continue to the frill.
The Frill (worked into the front loops of Round 19)
Before working the frill, change to Color C (white).
Working into the FLO of each st of Round 19 only:
Rnd 20 (Frill base): Join Color C with a sl st into any FLO, ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each FLO around, sl st to first sc to join this round. (24 sc)
Rnd 21 (Ruffle round): Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 4 more dc in same st (first ruffle shell complete), [work 5 dc in next st] 23 times, sl st to top of beginning ch-3 to join. (120 dc total, 24 shells of 5 dc)
Rnd 22 (Picot edging): Using Color A, join with a sl st into the top of any dc. Work picot edging as follows: [sl st in next dc, ch 3, sl st in first of those 3 chs, sl st in next dc] around. Continue until all 120 dc have been edged. Fasten off and weave in end.
Skip the blocking on the frill — it flares out from the bell’s base all by itself.
The Tentacles (make 8 total)
Make 3 tentacles in Color A (teal), 3 tentacles in Color B (mint), and 2 tentacles in Color C (white). This creates the mixed color cascade visible in the finished piece.
Each tentacle uses the Bobble Chain Stitch described in Special Stitches.
Short tentacles (make 4, one of each color plus one extra Color A):
Work 18 bobble chain units. This produces a tentacle approximately 3 inches / 7.5 cm long when relaxed and curled.
Long tentacles (make 4, one of each color plus one extra Color B):
Work 28 bobble chain units. This produces a tentacle approximately 4.5 inches / 11.5 cm long when relaxed and curled.
To start each tentacle: Make a slip knot, ch 1 to secure, then begin the bobble chain sequence immediately. Leave a tail of approximately 6 inches / 15 cm at the start of each tentacle for attachment.
To end each tentacle: After the final bobble unit, cut yarn leaving a 4 inch / 10 cm tail, pull tail through the last loop to fasten off. Tuck the end tail back through several bobbles to hide it.
Tentacle Attachment
Hold the bell with the frill facing down and the crown facing up. The back loops of Round 19 (left exposed when you worked the frill into the front loops) form a ring of 24 loops at the base of the bell.
Divide the 24 back loops into 8 groups of 3 loops each.
Thread the starting tail of each tentacle onto a yarn needle. Insert the needle under the 3 back loops of one group from outside to inside, wrap around twice, then knot securely on the inside of the bell. Pull snugly so the tentacle hangs straight down.
Attach one tentacle to each group of 3 loops, working evenly around the base. Alternate colors as you go: teal, mint, white, teal, teal, mint, mint, white. Curled up, the blended colors swirl into a lovely underwater effect.
After all 8 tentacles are attached, weave in all remaining tails on the inside of the bell.
Size Customization Tips
To make a larger jellyfish ornament rather than a keychain, use DK or worsted weight yarn with a correspondingly larger hook (US E-4 / 3.5 mm for DK, US G-6 / 4 mm for worsted). Continue adding increase rounds following the established pattern of adding 6 stitches per round until the bell reaches the desired diameter, then work straight rounds to build height, then decrease. Increase the number of tentacle bobble units proportionally. A worsted weight version will finish at approximately 5 to 6 inches / 13 to 15 cm diameter.
To make a smaller version for an earring or pendant, use size 10 crochet thread and a steel hook size 7 / 1.65 mm. Reduce the bell by stopping increases at Round 5 (30 sc), working 4 straight rounds, then decreasing back. Make tentacles with only 10 to 12 bobble units each.
Finishing and Blocking
Cotton yarn does not require aggressive blocking. Once all ends are woven in, lightly mist the bell with water, gently coax it into a smooth hemisphere, and allow to dry on a flat surface with the dome facing up.
Do not wet block the tentacles. The moisture may temporarily relax the curl. If tentacles lose curl after washing, allow them to air dry hanging vertically and the spiral will return.
Trim all tails close to the fabric after weaving in. Do not leave any tails longer than 0.25 inch / 0.5 cm inside the bell.
Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with a small amount of mild soap. Do not wring or twist. Press gently between two clean towels to remove excess water. Hang to dry vertically so tentacles retain their curl direction. Do not machine wash or tumble dry. Do not iron. Store hanging or laid flat in a dry location away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
You Did It!
Your little jellyfish is ready to swim off into the world — clip it on your keys and enjoy the compliments!
