Crochet Day of the Dead Keychain with Sombrero

Skill Level: Intermediate

Finished Size: Approximately 6 cm (2.4 inches) tall (excluding keychain ring)

Materials:

• Yarn:
  • Sport weight (or DK weight) cotton yarn in:
    • Cream/Off-white (for skull base)
    • Black (for eyes, mustache, hair accents)
    • Small amounts of assorted bright colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink – for decorative details and sombrero trim)
    • Small amount of dark brown (for sombrero base) – Correction: Looking closer at the image, the sombrero base is the same cream as the face. So, “dark brown” should be “cream/off-white” or “natural hemp color” for the sombrero base. Let’s update that to cream/off-white for consistency with the image.
• Hook: 2.0 mm or 2.25 mm (US B/1 or C/2) crochet hook (or hook size to achieve a tight fabric)
• Notions:
  • Polyester fiberfill for stuffing
  • Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and embroidery
  • Stitch marker
  • Keyring with chain
  • Small pliers (optional, for attaching keyring)

Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):

• MR: Magic Ring
• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• inc: increase (2 sc in next stitch)
• dec: decrease (sc2tog – single crochet 2 together)
• sl st: slip stitch
• FO: fasten off
• BLO: back loop only
• FLO: front loop only
• (…) x N: repeat instructions in parentheses N times
• [ ]: total number of stitches at the end of the round

Pattern Notes:

• Work in continuous rounds unless otherwise specified.
• Use a stitch marker to mark the first stitch of each round.
• Stuff firmly as you go.
• Color changes should be made on the last pull-through of the previous stitch.

Pattern Instructions:

Part 1: Head (Cream/Off-white yarn)

1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. [18]
4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24]
5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. [30]
6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. [36]
7. Rnd 7-12: Sc in each st around. (6 rounds) [36]
8. Rnd 13: (4 sc, dec) x 6. [30]
9. Rnd 14: (3 sc, dec) x 6. [24] Start stuffing firmly and continue stuffing as you go.
10. Rnd 15: (2 sc, dec) x 6. [18]
11. Rnd 16: (Sc, dec) x 6. [12]
12. Rnd 17: Dec in each st around. [6]
    • FO, leave a long tail for closing. Thread tail through front loop of remaining 6 stitches and pull tight to close. Weave in end.

Part 2: Sombrero (Cream/Off-white yarn and assorted bright colors)

• Brim (Cream/Off-white yarn):
  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
  2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
  3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. [18]
  4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24]
  5. Rnd 5: (3 sc, inc) x 6. [30]
  6. Rnd 6: (4 sc, inc) x 6. [36]
  7. Rnd 7: (5 sc, inc) x 6. [42]
  8. Rnd 8: (6 sc, inc) x 6. [48]
  9. Rnd 9: Sc in each st around. [48]
  10. Rnd 10: Sl st in each st around to create a neat edge. FO, weave in end.
• Crown (Cream/Off-white yarn):
  1. Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. [6]
  2. Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. [12]
  3. Rnd 3: (Sc, inc) x 6. [18]
  4. Rnd 4: (2 sc, inc) x 6. [24]
  5. Rnd 5 (BLO): Sc in each st around. [24] (This creates the ridge where the brim attaches)
  6. Rnd 6-8: Sc in each st around. (3 rounds) [24]
  7. Rnd 9: (2 sc, dec) x 6. [18]
  8. Rnd 10: (Sc, dec) x 6. [12]
     • FO, leave a long tail for sewing.
• Assembly of Sombrero:
  • Place the brim flat. Position the crown centered on top of the brim, aligning Rnd 5 of the crown with the center of the brim.
  • Using the tail from the crown, sew the crown to the brim, going through the FLO of Rnd 5 of the crown and the stitches of Rnd 9 of the brim. This will ensure a secure attachment. Weave in ends.
• Sombrero Decoration (Assorted bright colors):
  • Using a tapestry needle and small lengths of assorted bright yarns, embroider a zig-zag pattern around the edge of the brim, similar to the image. Alternate colors for a vibrant look.
  • Embroider a small floral or star-like design on the top of the sombrero crown in a contrasting bright color.

Part 3: Assembly and Facial Features

1. Attach Sombrero to Head:
   • Position the sombrero on top of the head, slightly tilted forward as desired.
   • Using the tail from the sombrero crown (if you have one remaining, otherwise use a new piece of cream yarn), sew the sombrero securely to the head. Ensure it’s centered and straight.
2. Facial Details:
   • Eyes (Black yarn):
     • Using black yarn and a tapestry needle, create two large, oval-shaped eyes on the face. Position them symmetrically. Fill them in completely with black stitches.
     • Around each black eye, embroider a ring of bright color (e.g., blue or yellow) to create the “sugar skull” look. You can add small dots of other bright colors within this ring.
   • Nose (Black yarn):
     • Embroider an inverted heart shape or a small upside-down triangle for the nose using black yarn, positioned below and between the eyes.
   • Mouth (Black and Red yarn):
     • Using black yarn, embroider a curved line for the mouth, resembling a wide smile.
     • For the teeth, embroider small vertical lines over the black mouth line using cream/off-white yarn.
     • For the red lip details, use red yarn to embroider a thin line directly above and below the black mouth line, creating the impression of lips.
   • Mustache (Black yarn):
     • Embroider a classic “handlebar” or “pencil” mustache directly above the mouth using black yarn. Make it symmetrical.
   • Cheek Decorations (Assorted bright colors):
     • Using various bright colors, embroider small dots, swirls, or tiny flower shapes on the cheeks and forehead to complete the sugar skull design. Refer to the image for inspiration on placement and design.
3. Keyring Attachment:
   • Locate the center top of the sombrero.
   • Using small pliers, open the keyring loop (if necessary) and thread it through a sturdy stitch on the very top of the sombrero. Close the loop securely.

Finishing:

• Weave in any remaining loose ends.
• Give your Sugar Skull Keychain a gentle reshape if needed.