How to Crochet a Rainbow Daisy Flower Keychain: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve been scrolling through craft videos lately, chances are you’ve stumbled across the most adorable little crocheted keychains — tiny rainbow daisy flowers dangling from bags, keys, and zipper pulls. These miniature blooms are having a serious moment, and for good reason. They’re colorful, quick to make, and incredibly satisfying to finish. Whether you’re a beginner just getting comfortable with your hook or an experienced crocheter looking for a fun stash-busting project, this rainbow daisy flower keychain is exactly the kind of pattern that hooks you (pun intended) and keeps you making them in every color combination you can dream up.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from the materials you’ll need to gather, to reading the pattern, to assembling your finished flower into a wearable accessory. By the end, you’ll have a gorgeous little keychain ready to clip onto your bag, gift to a friend, or sell at your next craft fair. Let’s get into it.

Why the Rainbow Daisy Flower Keychain Is So Popular Right Now

Part of what makes this project so appealing is how versatile it is. The daisy silhouette is universally charming — it reads as cheerful and handmade without looking naive or childish. When you introduce rainbow colors, you get something that feels fresh, modern, and a little bit nostalgic all at once. It’s the kind of accessory that prompts strangers to ask where you bought it, and there’s nothing more satisfying than saying “I made it.”

From a crocheter’s perspective, these keychains check every box for an ideal small project. They use minimal yarn — perfect for using up scraps — they work up in under an hour once you’ve got the pattern down, and they require only basic stitches. If you can chain, slip stitch, single crochet, and double crochet, you have everything you need technically. The magic is in how those simple stitches combine to create those iconic rounded petals.

They’re also enormously popular as gifts and as items to sell. A set of three or four rainbow daisy keychains makes a thoughtful, personal gift. At craft markets, small crocheted accessories tend to sell extremely well because the price point is accessible and the visual appeal is immediate. If you’ve been thinking about turning your crochet hobby into a small side income, this is a fantastic project to start with.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you sit down with your hook, take a few minutes to gather your supplies. Having everything ready before you start makes the process much smoother, especially since you’ll be switching colors frequently.

Yarn: You’ll want a lightweight cotton yarn in DK or sport weight for the best results. Cotton gives the petals a crisp, defined shape and holds its structure well as a keychain that will get regular handling. For the rainbow effect, you’ll need at least six colors — the classic rainbow progression works beautifully: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. You can absolutely use more colors or choose a different palette entirely. Pastel rainbows, jewel tones, and earthy tones all look stunning. The amounts are tiny, so this is a perfect scrap yarn project.

Hook: A 2.5mm to 3.5mm crochet hook is the typical range for this project, depending on your yarn weight and personal tension. If your flower is coming out too loose and floppy, go down a hook size. If your work feels stiff and the yarn is straining, go up a size. Most people find a 3mm hook to be a good middle ground with DK cotton.

Keychain hardware: You’ll need a split ring or lobster clasp keychain ring — the kind you’d find at a craft supply store or online. These usually come in packs of ten or twenty, which is helpful since you’ll likely want to make more than one.

Tapestry needle: For weaving in your ends. With a color-change project like this, you’ll have quite a few tails to deal with, so keep your needle nearby.

Scissors: A small, sharp pair works best for snipping close to the work when you cut yarn.

Optional: Stitch markers, especially if you’re newer to crocheting in the round. They help you keep track of where your rounds begin and end.

Understanding the Stitch Abbreviations

This pattern uses standard US crochet terminology. Here’s a quick reference before you dive into the instructions:

ch — chain stitch. The foundation of most crochet work, made by pulling a loop through the loop on your hook.

sl st — slip stitch. A joining stitch with no height, used here to close rounds and attach petals.

sc — single crochet. A short, tight stitch that creates a dense fabric. One of the most fundamental stitches in crochet.

dc — double crochet. Taller than a single crochet, made by yarning over before inserting your hook. This stitch forms the body of each petal.

tr — treble (or triple) crochet. Even taller than a double crochet, made by yarning over twice before inserting your hook. Used to give petals their rounded, full shape.

MR — magic ring (also called magic circle or adjustable ring). This technique lets you start crocheting in the round with a closed center, which is much cleaner than starting with a chain loop. If you haven’t used it before, there are many excellent video tutorials available that walk through it in slow motion — it’s worth learning because it genuinely makes a difference in how neat your flower center looks.

The Pattern: Rainbow Daisy Flower Keychain

This pattern creates one flower approximately 6–7cm (about 2.5 inches) in diameter when worked in DK weight cotton with a 3mm hook. The flower is worked in continuous rounds for the center and then individual petals are worked separately around that center.

Part One: The Flower Center

Start with your first color — this will be the center of your daisy. Yellow is the classic choice and really does look beautiful, but feel free to use white, gold, or any color that calls to you.

Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring. Sl st to the first sc to join. (6 stitches)

Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 sc into each stitch around. Sl st to join. (12 stitches)

Round 3: Ch 1. Sc 1, then 2 sc into the next stitch. Repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (18 stitches)

Fasten off, leaving a tail long enough to weave in. Your center should be a small, tight circle. If it’s cupping up or curling, don’t worry — this is normal and the petals will help it lie flat. You can also block it lightly with a damp cloth and your fingers once the whole flower is assembled.

Part Two: The Petals

This is where the rainbow magic happens. You’ll work 6 petals, each in a different color, directly into the stitches of Round 3. Each petal is worked individually, and you’ll attach a new color for each one.

Join your first petal color (let’s say red, to start the rainbow) to any stitch in Round 3 with a sl st.

Petal: Ch 3 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc into the same stitch. Work 2 tr into the next stitch. Work 3 tr into the next stitch. Work 2 tr into the next stitch. Work 3 dc into the next stitch. Sl st into the next stitch to close the petal base.

Fasten off, leaving a tail to weave in.

Join your next petal color (orange) to the next available stitch and repeat the petal instructions above.

Continue in this way for all six petals, working through your rainbow colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet. Each petal uses three stitches as its base and arches upward and outward to create that classic daisy petal shape.

Once all six petals are worked, you’ll have a full circle of rounded, slightly overlapping petals surrounding your solid center. At this point, weave in all your yarn ends carefully using your tapestry needle. Tuck the ends into the wrong side of the work so nothing is visible from the front.

Part Three: Attaching the Keychain

This step is simple but important — done well, it makes your keychain look polished and professional.

Cut a length of yarn approximately 15–20cm long. This can be any color from your rainbow, or you can use a coordinating neutral if you prefer. Fold it in half so you have two equal strands. Thread both ends through your tapestry needle.

Insert the needle through the back of the flower center, near the top. Pull through until you have a small loop on the back side. Thread the keychain ring through this loop, then pass your needle and yarn through the loop (like a lark’s head knot) and pull snug. This creates a secure attachment that won’t pull free with regular use.

Tie a double knot close to the flower, then weave in the remaining tails through the center stitches to hide them. Give it a gentle tug to test the security of the attachment before you clip it onto anything.

Tips for Getting Beautiful Results

The difference between a keychain that looks homemade and one that looks like it came from a boutique is often in the small details. Here are the things that make the biggest difference.

Consistent tension is the single most important factor. If your tension is too loose, the petals will look floppy and the center may have visible gaps. If it’s too tight, the fabric will feel stiff and the petals may not fan out naturally. Work a test swatch if you’re unsure, or simply make your first flower and assess how it looks before adjusting your hook size.

Weaving in ends thoroughly makes a huge difference in the finished look. It’s tempting to rush this step, but taking an extra few minutes to weave each tail through multiple stitches in different directions will prevent them from working their way loose over time. Cotton yarn in particular has a tendency to unravel if ends aren’t secured properly.

Blocking your flower before attaching the keychain ring can help it lie flat and look its best. Simply dampen the flower with a little water, lay it on a flat surface, arrange the petals evenly with your fingers, and let it dry completely before assembling. This step is optional but does make a noticeable difference in the final appearance.

Starting with a firm magic ring gives you a clean, closed center without any gaps. If you find magic rings tricky, practice a few times on scrap yarn until you get the feel for it. Once it clicks, you’ll use this technique constantly.

Color Combination Ideas to Try

Once you’ve made your first traditional rainbow daisy, you’ll find yourself wanting to experiment with different color stories. Here are some combinations that work beautifully.

A pastel rainbow using soft lavender, baby pink, pale yellow, mint green, sky blue, and lilac gives the same multicolor effect with a much softer, more delicate feeling. This version is especially popular as a gift for new parents or anyone who loves a gentle aesthetic.

A sunset palette using terracotta, burnt orange, gold, dusty rose, and warm burgundy creates something that feels autumnal and sophisticated — perfect if you want a handmade accessory that reads as grown-up.

A monochromatic version using six shades of the same color, from very light to very dark, is a more subtle take that looks elegant and intentional. Try this with blues, from pale aqua through to deep navy, for something that feels both cohesive and interesting up close.

A contrasting center where the center circle is worked in black and the petals are worked in bright neons creates a graphic, bold look that photographs incredibly well and stands out on a market table.

Making Multiple Keychains: Efficient Tips

If you’re making a batch for gifts or to sell, a few workflow tweaks will make the process much faster and less fiddly.

Work all your centers first in one session, then do all the petals in a second session. Assembly-line crocheting this way means you’re not constantly stopping to switch between parts of the pattern, and it’s easier to keep your tension consistent when you’re repeating the same sequence.

Wind small lengths of each color yarn onto cardboard bobbins or clothespins so you’re not unwinding full skeins every time you need just a few yards of a color. This keeps your workspace tidy and speeds up color changes considerably.

Pre-cut your keychain attachment yarn and have your hardware laid out before you sit down to do the final assembly. Having everything within reach means you can finish a whole batch in a single sitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a complete beginner make this pattern? Yes, with some patience. The stitches used — single crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet — are all fundamental techniques that beginners learn early. The trickiest parts are the magic ring and the treble crochet stitch, both of which have excellent video tutorials available online. If you’ve crocheted a few small projects before, this should feel very manageable.

What if I want bigger or smaller petals? You can adjust the size by going up or down in yarn weight and hook size. Using a bulkier yarn will give you a larger, chunkier flower. Going to a fingering weight cotton and a 2mm hook will give you something tiny and delicate. The stitch count stays the same — only the yarn and hook change.

How do I make the flower stiffer so it holds its shape better? A light application of fabric starch, sprayed on and allowed to dry flat, will help the petals hold their form. You can also use a small amount of fabric stiffener, which is available at most craft stores. This is especially helpful if you’re making keychains to sell, as it helps them photograph well and look their best over time.

Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton? You can, though the results will be slightly different. Acrylic yarn has more stretch and drape, which can make the petals look softer and less defined. If you do use acrylic, choose a smooth, non-fuzzy variety so the stitch definition stays clear. Cotton is still the recommended choice for keychains specifically because it handles repeated use better.

Sharing Your Makes

One of the best parts of finishing a project like this is sharing it. If you make a rainbow daisy flower keychain using this pattern, consider posting your photo with a crochet hashtag — the handmade community online is incredibly encouraging, and you might inspire someone else to pick up their hook for the first time. Making small accessories like this and sharing the process in short video clips or reels has also become a wonderful way to build a following if you’re interested in the creative content side of things.

Whether you make one for yourself, a dozen for gifts, or a whole market table full of them in every color of the rainbow, this little daisy is one of those patterns that earns a permanent place in your crochet repertoire. It’s joyful, fast, and endlessly adaptable — exactly the kind of project that reminds you why you fell in love with crochet in the first place.

Happy hooking.