Free Crochet Basketball Keychain Pattern + Video Tutorial

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Make a mini crochet basketball keychain with this free pattern and video tutorial! A fun handmade gift for basketball fans or a sporty backpack charm.

Looking for a great gift for a basketball player or sports fanatic? This adorable keychain is a perfect small item to tuck into a gift bag or raffle off for a team fundraiser. With my free crochet pattern, crocheters of all skill levels can create their own basketball keychain in no time.

These little keychains make a lovely gift for basketball fans and are a great way to add sporty style to a set of keys. To use it as a handbag or backpack accessory, you could also add a lobster clasp to make a clip-on charm. You could also make several little basketballs and string them together as a garland for a March Madness or NBA Playoffs party. Or combine several types of crochet sports balls together for sports-themed baby nursery decor. The options are almost endless!

Free Crochet Basketball Keychain Pattern

About the Crochet Basketball Keychain Pattern

This quick pattern is a fun way to learn about making a crochet sphere, which will come in handy when making all sorts of amigurumi designs. You’ll just start from the bottom with a magic circle and continue working in continuous rounds until you reach the widest part of the ball. Next, you’ll make simple decreases until the top of the ball and close it off. Then, there’s just the sewing of the lines and attaching a keyring and you’re done.

But you’re not on your own! Those who are visual learners will appreciate the included video tutorial, which provides step-by-step instructions to help you complete the free pattern. So even a beginner can gain the skills and resources needed to design and make your very own basketball key ring, that you can use to show your loyalty to your team, all year long.

Customizing Your Basketball Keychain

The best thing about this keychain is that it’s easy to customize to make a one-of-a-kind gift. You could make a traditional orange basketball with black lines, as pictured here. Or you could even choose your favorite yarn colors as a memento of your favorite high school, college, or NBA team.

You can also change the size of this crochet basketball by experimenting with yarn weight and hook size. I used worsted weight yarn and a 3.0 mm crochet hook to make a basketball that’s 1.75 inches in diameter. But for a bigger basketball, you could use super bulky weight to make a super squishy basketball pillow.

However you make them, these basketballs are so much fun and make delightful handmade gifts for the sports lovers in your life. Now let’s get started with this lovely crochet pattern!

Crochet Sports Ball Keychains Made Easy

Crocheting Keychains as last-minute gifts or for craft fairs are always popular and trending.

But crocheting a thoughtful gift for men or kids can be challenging. This collection of sports crochet patterns elevates that as you get 9 cute sports ball keychain patterns for backpacks, including video tutorials with tips for each of the keychain crochet patterns.

Get the PDF of the Basketball Keychain Crochet Pattern

This crochet basketball keychain pattern is also available as an ad-free, printer-friendly PDF digital pattern that you can purchase from Ravelry and Etsy at the links below for only a small fee.

Looking for more simple crochet keychain patterns? Here are some other designs you might like:

So, let me now give you the supplies you need in order to make this adorable project.

How to Crochet a Basketball Keychain

Materials you will need

Premier Anti-Pilling Everyday Yarn (180yd/100g) – worsted (#4) yarn
- Pumpkin (less than 1/4 skein)
Premier Minikins Yarn (158yd/50g) – fine (#2) yarn
- Black (roughly 2 yards)
3.00 mm hook → WeCrochet Dots Hook
Scissors
tapestry needle
Polyfill Stuffing
Keychain Rings
Jewelry Pliers
Stitch marker

Gauge

5 sts x 5 rounds = 1 square inch

Size

1.75 inches in diameter

Stitches used in the pattern

Learn all the basic crochet stitches HERE

st/sts = stitch/stitches
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch
inc = increase
dec = decrease
inv sc dec = invisible single crochet decrease = go through 2 front loops of 2 stitches, pull up a loop, finish like a sc st
Magic ring
inv = invisible join

Crochet Basketball Keychain Video Tutorial

Free Crochet Basketball Keychain Pattern

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Pattern Notes

Pattern is crocheted in continuous rounds. Please use a stitch marker to mark when you move from one round to another.

Basketball Pattern

R1: Magic Ring and add 6 sc, close ring

R2: 2 sc per st

R3: *1 sc, 2 sc in the next st, repeat from * until the end of the round

R4: *1 sc in the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st, repeat from * until the end of the round

R5-8: 1 sc per st

R9: *1 sc in the next 2 sts, 1 inv sc dec in the following st, repeat from * until the end

R10: *1 sc in the next sts, 1 inv sc dec in the following st, repeat from * until the end

Stuff the ball

R11: 1 inv sc all around

Close the hole by sewing through each stitch of the last round

Finishing the basketball

Using black yarn and a tapestry needle, embroider the basketball lines with backstitch. Start by making two lines that go all the way around the ball, crossing at right angles. Then add a curved line on each side to create the classic basketball markings. Keep your stitches snug without pulling so tightly that they dent the ball. Secure the yarn ends and hide them inside the basketball.

To turn your basketball into a keychain, use a separate strand of orange yarn to sew a small, sturdy attachment loop at the top. Pass the yarn through several crochet stitches and repeat to reinforce the loop, then secure and hide the ends inside the ball. Thread your keyring through the loop, or attach a lobster clasp if you’d prefer a clip-on backpack charm. Give the attachment a gentle tug to check that it’s secure.

Your crochet basketball keychain is now finished and ready to use! What will you use it for? As a Gift? For a Backpack? Or as a Quick Project to sell at a Craft Fair Market? I’d love to know! I hope you enjoyed making this cool crochet basketball keychain.

Crochet Basketball Keychain FAQ

Can I make this crochet basketball without a keyring?

Yes! Simply leave off the keyring and attachment loop to make a mini crochet basketball. You can use it as a small decoration or combine it with other crochet sports balls for a sports-themed display.

How do I embroider the basketball lines?

Use black yarn, a tapestry needle, and backstitch. Make two lines that go all the way around the ball and cross at right angles, then add the curved lines on either side. Keep your stitches snug without pulling tightly enough to dent the basketball.

Why is my crochet basketball a different size?

Your yarn, hook size, tension, and stuffing can affect the finished size. My basketball measures approximately 1.75 inches in diameter using the yarn and hook listed in the pattern. Check your gauge if you want a similar size, and use enough stuffing to create a rounded shape without stretching the stitches apart.

How much yarn does one crochet basketball use?

One basketball uses approximately 1/4 skein of orange yarn and roughly 2 yards of black yarn for the embroidered lines. The skein sizes listed in the materials describe the yarn packaging—not the amount needed for one basketball. Allow a little extra yarn for finishing and attaching the keyring.

I’m also always here to support you through this and any other pattern and tutorial. Simply ask in my group and me and other amazing and kind crocheters will help you along.

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