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Can Tab Cat: Crochet Keychain or Appliqué
A quick and charming crochet cat worked around a can tab, perfect for a keychain or appliqué.
Materials
- Worsted weight (Category 4) acrylic or cotton yarn, approximately 10 yards (9 meters)
- 3.5 mm (US E/4) crochet hook
- 6mm safety eyes (optional, for keychain)
- Embroidery floss for features (if not using safety eyes)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
- One clean aluminum can pop tab
Abbreviations
- ch: chain
- sc: single crochet
- inc: single crochet increase (2 sc in one stitch)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- sl st: slip stitch
- Rnd: Round
Pattern Instructions
Foundation
Begin by holding your can tab. You will be crocheting directly around the top hole of the can tab.
Body
Rnd 1: Insert hook into the larger opening of the can tab, sc 6 directly around the metal tab. Sl st to first sc to join. (6 sts) Rnd 2: Ch 1, inc in each st around. Sl st to first sc to join. (12 sts) Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc in next st, inc in next st) 6 times. Sl st to first sc to join. (18 sts) Rnd 4: Ch 1, (sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st) 6 times. Sl st to first sc to join. (24 sts) Rnd 5: Ch 1, (sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st) 6 times. Sl st to first sc to join. (30 sts) Rnd 6: Ch 1, (sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st) 6 times. Sl st to first sc to join. (36 sts)
Assembly / Finishing
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave in the starting tail. If using safety eyes, attach them between Rnd 3 and Rnd 4, about 4-5 stitches apart. With embroidery floss and a yarn needle, embroider a nose and mouth. Use the long tail to sew the cat to another surface (if using as an appliqué) or to attach a keychain ring. Weave in any remaining ends securely.
Tips
- The can tab provides a sturdy base and helps maintain the shape of the cat's head.
- Adjust the number of rounds to make a larger cat if desired, continuing with the established increase pattern.
- For a cleaner look, use an invisible join when finishing off your rounds.
- Crochet a gauge swatch to ensure your finished cat matches your expectations. While the stitch counts are verified, size can vary with tension and yarn choice.
Pattern by YarnCro · yarncro.com