May Free Pattern: Thread Cord Ribbon Keychain

May is a month that feels soft, light, and a little playful.

As the days grow brighter and everything begins to feel more open, we wanted to share a small project that is sweet, simple, and easy to enjoy. This month’s free pattern is a ribbon keychain made from a crochet thread cord, tied into a bow and finished with a key ring.

It is a quick project, but the rounded texture of the cord gives the finished ribbon a lovely handmade presence.

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About This Pattern

Beginner-friendly
Small and quick to finish
Written instructions only
A lovely way to use leftover cotton yarn

This project is simple, but it has a soft and charming result. Once the cord is made, tying it into a bow feels like the final little touch that brings everything together.

Materials

Yarn: Annie 100% Cotton Yarn
Hook: JP 5/0 crochet hook
Key ring or clasp: 1
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Finished Size

Ribbon width: approx. 8–10 cm
Cord length before tying: approx. 45–47 cm

Size may vary depending on your tension & the length of the yarn you choose.

Before You Begin

This thread cord is worked using two yarn strands from the same ball.

The thumb-side strand is connected to the yarn length you prepare before starting.
For this project, measure out 140 cm of yarn first.

The index-finger-side strand remains connected to the yarn ball.

Hold the 140 cm strand on your thumb side, and the yarn-ball strand on your index finger side.

Instructions

1. Crochet the Thread Cord

As you would for a chain stitch foundation, rotate the hook once to make a loop.

Hold the base of the loop with your fingers. Yarn over and pull the yarn through the loop.

After pulling the yarn through, gently tighten the loop.

Bring the thumb-side strand over the hook from front to back.

Hold the loop with your fingers.

Yarn over the index-finger-side strand, then pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

You have completed the first stitch of the thread cord.

Again, bring the thumb-side strand over the hook from front to back.Yarn over the index-finger-side strand, and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

The second stitch is complete.

Continue in the same way until the cord reaches the required length.

For this project, crochet until the cord measures approximately 45–47 cm.

Cut the yarn, pull the end through the final loop, and tighten to secure.

2. Tie the Cord into a Ribbon in a Key Ring Part

Tie the finished cord to a key ring part into a bow, adjusting the left and right sides so they are balanced.

Shape the loops and tails of the bow with your fingers.

If the center knot feels loose, wrap one yarn end around the center a few times and tie it securely on the back.

Finishing

Gently shape the bow loops with your fingers.

Because cotton yarn holds its shape well, avoid pressing the ribbon too flat. Just adjust the knot and balance the two sides.

Tips

Keep the thumb-side strand at an even tension to make the cord thickness consistent.

Before tying the bow, smooth out any twists in the cord with your fingers.

Secure the key ring firmly to the back of the center knot so the ribbon keeps its shape while in use.

Pattern Note

Thread cord is a simple technique that creates a beautiful, dimensional cord with very little yarn.

It is perfect for using leftover cotton yarn and makes a charming little gift or accessory.

Even though the project is small, it has a lovely presence once finished. A simple bow can become a playful detail for your keys, bag, or a small handmade gift for someone else.

A Small Handmade Accent

Sometimes the smallest projects are the ones that bring the most delight.

This ribbon keychain is light, quick, and easy to enjoy, but still carries that soft handmade feeling that makes everyday objects feel a little more personal.

We hope it brings a small, cheerful moment to your May.