Easy Crochet Train Keychain Pattern (Free Granny Square Train Appliqué)

Looking for an easy crochet train pattern that's quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for using up yarn scraps? This adorable crochet train keychain is made using simple granny squares and basic stitches, making it a fun project for beginners and experienced crocheters.

Want to know the inspo behind it? :)

My little one came home from school with a handmade paper train craft that she was incredibly proud of. Before I could even admire it properly, she asked, "Mom, can you make this in crochet?"

How could I possibly say no? :)

Instead of recreating it as a large plush toy, I turned her simple school craft into a cute crochet keychain. It took just a handful of granny squares, two tiny wheels, and a little imagination to transform her artwork into something she can carry wherever she goes.

If you're looking for a unique crochet keychain, a train appliqué for a blanket, or even a cute embellishment for a backpack, this free crochet pattern is a great place to start.

Why You'll Love This Crochet Train

✔ Beginner-friendly project

✔ Uses small amounts of leftover yarn

✔ Finished in under an hour

✔ Perfect as a keychain, bag charm, or appliqué

✔ Great gift for train-loving kids

✔ An excellent scrap yarn project

Materials

• Yellow yarn

• Purple yarn

• White yarn

• Black yarn

• 4.5 mm crochet hook

• Yarn needle

• Scissors

• Keychain clasp (optional)

  
  

Crochet Abbreviations

• MR – Magic Ring

• Ch – Chain

• SC – Single Crochet

• DC – Double Crochet

• Sl St – Slip Stitch

  
  

Finished Size

Approximately 8–10 cm (3–4 inches) wide, depending on the yarn and hook used.

How to Crochet a Train Keychain

Step 1 – Crochet the Train Body

Using yellow yarn, crochet a classic 4-round granny square.

Fasten off.

Granny square step-by-step tutorial:-

Granny Square Tutorial

Join the yellow yarn again, chain 3, and work one complete round of double crochet on top of the square to make it a rectangle.

This forms the main body of the train.

Step 2 – Crochet the Engine Front

Using yellow yarn, crochet one round of a granny square.

Work one round of single crochet evenly around the square.

Fasten off.

This smaller square becomes the front engine.

Step 3 – Crochet the Driver's Cabin

Using purple yarn, make another one-round granny square.

Without changing colour, crochet one round of double crochet on top to make it a rectangle.

Fasten off.

This slightly larger piece becomes the cabin.

Then crochet 2 rounds of granny square and add one row of double crochet on top to make it a rectangle. This goes to the middle of the yellow base.

Step 4 – Crochet the Chimney

Join purple yarn to the top of the cabin.

Row 1

Chain 3.

Work a small row of double crochet (2 stitches wide).

Turn.

Row 2

Chain 3.

Fasten off.

This creates the train's chimney.

Step 5 – Crochet the Wheels (Make Two)

Centre

Using white yarn,

Make a Magic Ring.

Work 6 single crochet into the ring.

Pull the ring closed.

Fasten off.

Outer Wheel

Join black yarn.

Work 2 double crochets into each stitch around.

(12 DC)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Repeat for the second wheel. I used a 2.5mm hook for the first wheel to make it smaller.

Assemble Your Crochet Train

Lay out the pieces before sewing.

1. Place the large yellow granny square as the base.

2. Sew the smaller yellow square to the front.

3. Position the purple cabin slightly overlapping the larger square.

4. Attach the chimney to the top of the cabin.

5. Sew the two wheels along the bottom edge.

6. Attach a keychain clasp to one corner.

Weave in all the loose ends.

Your crochet train keychain is complete!

Ways to Use Your Crochet Train

One of my favourite things about this project is how versatile it is. Besides making a keychain, you can also use it as:

• A backpack charm

• A zipper pull

• A baby blanket appliqué

• Nursery wall décor

• A quiet book embellishment

• A handmade gift topper

• A bookmark decoration

• A fridge magnet (just glue a magnet to the back)

  
  

Tips for the Best Results

• Cotton yarn gives crisp stitch definition.

• Acrylic yarn creates a softer, puffier train.

• Blocking the granny squares before assembly gives a neater finish. You can also use starch to stiffen the work.

• Stitch tightly so the wheels hold their shape.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is this crochet train suitable for beginners?

Yes! If you know how to make granny squares, single crochet, and double crochet, you'll find this pattern easy to follow.

2. Can I make a larger train?

Absolutely. Use thicker yarn and a larger hook, or increase the size of the granny squares.

3. Can I use this as an appliqué?

Yes. Simply omit the keychain clasp and sew the finished train onto blankets, bags, sweaters, or cushions.

4. What yarn works best?

Cotton yarn gives the cleanest look, but acrylic yarn works beautifully too.

More Scrap Yarn Crochet Ideas

If you enjoyed making this train, you might also like creating:

• Cars

• Airplanes

• Boats

• Tractors

• Hot air balloons

• Flowers

• Butterflies

• Tiny granny square keychains

  
  

They're all wonderful stash-busting projects that can be finished in an evening.

Sometimes the most meaningful crochet projects don't begin with a pattern. They begin with a child's imagination.

This little train started as a simple school craft and became a keepsake that now travels everywhere with us. It's a reminder that crochet has a beautiful way of preserving memories.

If you make your own version of this crochet train keychain, I'd love to see it. Feel free to experiment with different colours, add tiny embroidered windows, or even create an entire train with multiple carriages.

Happy crocheting! 🚂🧶