Crochet Soda Tab Keychains
I went on a Facebook and Pinterest search this morning and guess what? I could NOT find what I was looking for!
Not surprising considering all the information that streams through those two social media sites but still . . . it's a bit irritating. Does anyone remember the Sears Catalog? Okay, if you do, you know what I mean when I say "it was like trying to find something a second time in the Sears Catalog". Those of you that don't have a clue? Well, it's okay, we still love you.
Anyway, back to the point of the post. Someone posted a pic of some really cute key chains made with soda tabs. I've made those before and the pic reminded of that. So that's what you've got today!
Materials:
Stitches used: (American terms)
NOTES:
Make sure the tabs you use have been cleaned and dried thoroughly, you don't want sticky keys. Also, be sure to file down any sharp edges so the thread doesn't get caught or cut.
Begin pattern:
1. Holding two tabs together in a V shape (see image on the right), insert the hook through the opening closest to your thumb and draw up a loop. Secure with a sl st and ch 1.
2. Continue to sc in this opening until it's filled with stitches and the narrow point of the V is covered in yarn. (Approximately 14 stitches)
3. Moving to the first opening at the top of the V, continue to sc in this opening until it's also filled with stitches and the side is covered in yarn. (Approximately 12 stitches)
4. At the crossover of the tabs, place 1 sl st to secure the two tabs together at the top. This extra stitch will help hold the "heart" shape through normal use.
5. Continue with the last opening, making sc stitches until it is filled and the side is covered. (Approximately 12 stitches)
6. Tie off and secure tightly. Weave in any loose ends.
Attaching Jump Rings and Key Ring
Attach 2 jump rings at the apex (pointed part) of the yarn work. Add 2 more jump rings inside the first 2 and close snugly. Attach the key ring to the second set of jump rings, close the second set of jump rings snugly.
I choose to attach the jump rings and key chain at the point of the "heart" shape instead of in the middle. Why? Keys are weighty and yarn, true to it's nature, will stretch. So if the keys are in the middle pulling on the yarn, the shape and appeal of the entire key chain could get lost.
The weight is also an issue if you use only 1 jump ring for attaching. By using 4, the weight is more evenly distributed and less likely to pull out of the yarn or stretch open the jump ring which could result in a loss of keys or the key chain.
ALTERNATE TABS
You can use Monster tabs instead of soda tabs if you like. The only changes are as follows:
1. Secure the shape of the key chain by placing a drop of E-6000 craft glue between the two Monster tabs and let it dry completely.
2. Crochet with a sc stitch in the one opening. (Approximately 14 stitches)
3. Tie off and weave in any loose ends.
Not surprising considering all the information that streams through those two social media sites but still . . . it's a bit irritating. Does anyone remember the Sears Catalog? Okay, if you do, you know what I mean when I say "it was like trying to find something a second time in the Sears Catalog". Those of you that don't have a clue? Well, it's okay, we still love you.
Anyway, back to the point of the post. Someone posted a pic of some really cute key chains made with soda tabs. I've made those before and the pic reminded of that. So that's what you've got today!
Crochet Soda Tab Key Chain Pattern
Materials:
- 2 clean, smooth soda tabs with two holes each
- size E/4 3.50MM crochet hook
- #10 crochet thread or Friendship Bracelet thread
- 4 jump rings
- needle nose jewelry pliers (or your fingers will work)
- key ring
- E-6000 craft glue (optional)
- scissors
- yarn needle for weaving in the ends
Stitches used: (American terms)
- Chain (ch)
- Slip Stitch (sl st)
- Single Crochet (sc)
NOTES:
Make sure the tabs you use have been cleaned and dried thoroughly, you don't want sticky keys. Also, be sure to file down any sharp edges so the thread doesn't get caught or cut.
Begin pattern:1. Holding two tabs together in a V shape (see image on the right), insert the hook through the opening closest to your thumb and draw up a loop. Secure with a sl st and ch 1.
2. Continue to sc in this opening until it's filled with stitches and the narrow point of the V is covered in yarn. (Approximately 14 stitches)
3. Moving to the first opening at the top of the V, continue to sc in this opening until it's also filled with stitches and the side is covered in yarn. (Approximately 12 stitches)
4. At the crossover of the tabs, place 1 sl st to secure the two tabs together at the top. This extra stitch will help hold the "heart" shape through normal use.
5. Continue with the last opening, making sc stitches until it is filled and the side is covered. (Approximately 12 stitches)
6. Tie off and secure tightly. Weave in any loose ends.
Attaching Jump Rings and Key Ring
Attach 2 jump rings at the apex (pointed part) of the yarn work. Add 2 more jump rings inside the first 2 and close snugly. Attach the key ring to the second set of jump rings, close the second set of jump rings snugly.
I choose to attach the jump rings and key chain at the point of the "heart" shape instead of in the middle. Why? Keys are weighty and yarn, true to it's nature, will stretch. So if the keys are in the middle pulling on the yarn, the shape and appeal of the entire key chain could get lost.
The weight is also an issue if you use only 1 jump ring for attaching. By using 4, the weight is more evenly distributed and less likely to pull out of the yarn or stretch open the jump ring which could result in a loss of keys or the key chain.
ALTERNATE TABS
You can use Monster tabs instead of soda tabs if you like. The only changes are as follows:
1. Secure the shape of the key chain by placing a drop of E-6000 craft glue between the two Monster tabs and let it dry completely. 2. Crochet with a sc stitch in the one opening. (Approximately 14 stitches)
3. Tie off and weave in any loose ends.
That's all there is to it. Easy and simple!
I hope you enjoy making a TON of them!
Peace and blessings,
~~Karen~~
