There’s something irresistibly sweet about a pocket-sized kitten that fits right in your palm. If you’ve been searching for a mini crochet kitten pattern that’s adorable, quick to make, and absolutely perfect for gifts or craft fairs, this little kitty is going to steal your heart.
This pattern works up beautifully with just a bit of yarn, and the finished size (7–8 cm) is ideal for keychains, backpacks, and cute handmade accessories. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into amigurumi or an experienced maker preparing stock for your next market, this kitten will become one of your go-to favorites.
Let’s bring this tiny friend to life!
🧶 Materials You’ll Need
To crochet this sweet kitten keychain, gather these materials before you start:
-
Amigurumi yarn or sport-weight cotton/acrylic yarn — main color + white for snout
-
2.0 mm crochet hook (or size needed for tight stitches)
-
8 mm safety eyes
-
Polyester fiberfill
-
Tapestry needle
-
Stitch marker
-
Scissors
-
Keychain ring
-
Thin yarn or embroidery thread (black or brown)
-
Optional: pins for positioning facial features
🔤 Abbreviations (US Terms)
-
MR — magic ring
-
ch — chain
-
sc — single crochet
-
inc — increase (2 sc in same stitch)
-
dec — decrease (sc2tog)
-
sl st — slip stitch
-
FLO — front loop only
-
BLO — back loop only
🧸 Mini crochet kitten pattern – Full Instructions
HEAD & BODY
Worked from bottom to top.
Row 1
ch 7
Starting in 2nd chain from hook:
5 sc, 2 sc in last ch.
Turn to work on the opposite side of the chain:
5 sc.
(12 sts)
Row 2
inc, inc, 3 sc, inc × 3, 3 sc, inc
(18 sts)
Row 3
sc around
(18 sts)
Row 4
(inc, sc) × 2, 3 sc, (inc, sc) × 3, 3 sc, (inc, sc)
(24 sts)
Row 5
(inc, sc) × 2
6 sc
(inc, sc) × 3
6 sc
(inc, sc)
(30 sts)
Row 6
(inc, 2 sc) × 2
6 sc
(inc, 2 sc) × 3
6 sc
(inc, 2 sc)
(36 sts)
Rows 7–11
sc around
(36 sts each row)
Insert the Safety Eyes
-
Position eyes between rows 7 and 8
-
Space them 5 stitches apart
-
Use a needle to open holes if needed
-
Attach washers securely
Row 12
(dec, 4 sc) × 6
(30 sts)
Row 13
(dec, 3 sc) × 6
(24 sts)
Row 14
(dec, 2 sc) × 6
(18 sts)
Stuff the head firmly and evenly.
Row 15
(dec, sc) × 6
(12 sts)
Add more stuffing.
Row 16
6 dec
(6 sts)
Fasten off, leaving a tail.
Close the hole by weaving through the front loops of the remaining stitches.
EARS (make 2)
Row 1
6 sc in MR
(6 sts)
Row 2
(inc, sc) × 3
(9 sts)
Row 3
sc around
(9 sts)
Row 4
(inc, 2 sc) × 3
(12 sts)
Row 5
(inc, 3 sc) × 3
(15 sts)
Fasten off and leave a long tail.
SNOUT (white)
Row 1
6 sc in MR
(6 sts)
Row 2
inc in each stitch
(12 sts)
Row 3
2 sc,
triple inc × 2,
4 sc,
triple inc × 2,
2 sc
(20 sts)
Row 4
sc around
(20 sts)
Row 5
dec, 16 sc, dec
(18 sts)
sl st to finish.
Leave a long tail.
🧵 Embroidering the Details
Nose
Using thin black thread:
-
Bring needle from back to front
-
Stitch a small vertical oval
-
Add a short vertical line beneath it
-
Secure thread on the back
Attach Snout
-
Count 6 rows up from the bottom of the head
-
Center snout between the eyes
-
Sew around, leaving a small opening
-
Add a bit of stuffing
-
Close and secure
Mouth
Using thin black thread:
-
Insert needle under snout
-
Bring out between rounds 3 and 4
-
Embroider a tiny “V” shape
-
Repeat for definition
-
Hide thread inside
Forehead Markings (optional)
Add small vertical lines above the eyes using white yarn for a gentle, expressive touch.
Whiskers
Using thin black thread:
-
Begin one row below the eyes
-
Start about 3 stitches outward
-
Embroider three short diagonal whiskers
-
Repeat on the opposite side
Attach Ears
Position ears:
-
6 stitches away from the eyes horizontally
-
1 row above the eye line
-
Slight upward curve for extra cuteness
Sew and hide tails.
Keychain Loop
-
Insert yarn into the top center of the head
-
Tie a firm knot inside
-
Loop yarn through the keychain ring 2–3 times
-
Knot securely and hide remaining yarn inside
✨ Your Kitten Keychain Is Ready!
You now have the sweetest portable kitten, ready to hang on keys, backpacks, bags, or gift to someone special. This mini crochet kitten pattern looks adorable in any color — try grey tabby, pastel pink, yellow calico, or classic black and white.
🧡 Pattern Notes
-
For crisp shaping, keep your stitches tight.
-
Polyester stuffing gives a softer, chubbier finish.
-
Safety eyes can be swapped for embroidered ones for baby-safe gifts.
-
For craft fairs, these sell wonderfully in sets of different colors.
🌈 Tips & Variations
-
Calico Style: Add small patches of brown and orange.
-
Kawaii Style: Embroider rosy cheeks for extra sweetness.
-
Fluffy Version: Use brushed yarn or soft velvet yarn.
-
Charms: Add a tiny bell or ribbon—super cute for gifts.
❓ FAQ (Schema Style)
Q: Is this mini crochet kitten pattern beginner-friendly?
Yes! The shaping is simple, and the assembly is straightforward.
Q: Can I use thicker yarn?
Yes—your kitten will simply turn out larger.
Q: How long does it take to make?
Most crocheters finish one in about 1–1.5 hours.
Q: Is the keychain loop secure?
Yes, if tied firmly. You can also sew it in for extra strength.
Q: Can I customize the facial expression?
Absolutely—embroidery makes each kitten unique and full of personality.
- Strawberry Amigurumi Keychain – Easy & Free Crochet Pattern for Beginners
- Easy Crochet Heart Amigurumi – Free Pattern for a Sweet Handmade Gift
- Mini Crochet Bear Pattern – Free Mini Mochi Amigurumi Bear Tutorial
I hope this mini crochet kitten pattern brings as much joy to you as it does to everyone who sees the finished piece. These tiny kittens are lovable, quick to make, and nearly impossible to stop at just one.
If you enjoyed this pattern, please spread the love!
👉 Share this pattern with your crochet friends and brighten their day with a tiny kitten!
