Table of contents
Looking for a quick and charming crochet project? This mini Totoro keychain is the perfect weekend craft that combines cuteness with functionality. Inspired by the beloved Studio Ghibli character, this tiny amigurumi makes an ideal gift or personal accessory. With its sweet leaf detail and signature grey-and-white coloring, you’ll love how this little forest spirit turns out!
Deisgned by aylawangurumi
Materials You’ll Need
Before you begin crocheting your mini Totoro, gather the following supplies:
Yarn:
- White – YarnArt Jeans 62
- Light Grey – YarnArt Jeans 49
- Dark Grey – YarnArt Jeans 46
- Green – YarnArt Jeans 69
Tools and Notions:
- 2.20 mm crochet hook (Tulip hook recommended)
- Scissors and tapestry needle
- Fiberfill stuffing
- Stitch marker
- 4 mm safety eyes
- Black embroidery thread
Abbreviations Guide
Understanding these common crochet abbreviations will help you follow the pattern seamlessly:
- MR – magic ring
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- inc – increase
- dec – decrease
- bobble – bobble stitch (4 dc into the same stitch)
- slst – slip stitch
- hdc – half double crochet
- dc – double crochet
Pattern Instructions
Body
Use light grey or dark grey color yarn.
- 6 sc in MR (6)
- 6 inc (12)
- (1 sc, 1 inc) x 6 (18)
- (2 sc, 1 inc) x 6 (24)
- (3 sc, 1 inc) x 6 (30)
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- (4 rounds) 30 sc (30)
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- 2 sc, 1 inc, 4 sc, 1 inc, 3 sc, 1 bobble, 1 inc, 2 sc, with white yarn: 2 sc, 1 inc, 2 sc, with grey yarn: 2 sc, 1 inc, 1 bobble, 3 sc, 1 inc, 2 sc (36). Put the safety eyes (between rounds 8 & 9, 5 stitches apart).
- 17 sc, with white yarn: 8 sc, with grey yarn: 11 sc (36)
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- (2 rounds) 16 sc, with white yarn: 10 sc, with grey yarn: 10 sc (36)
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- 17 sc, with white yarn: 8 sc, with grey yarn: 11 sc (36)
- 2 sc, 1 dec, 4 sc, 1 dec, 4 sc, 1 dec, 2 sc, with white yarn: 2 sc, 1 dec, 2 sc, with grey yarn: 2 sc, 1 dec, 4 sc, 1 dec, 2 sc (30)
- (3 sc, 1 dec) x 6 (24)
- (1 sc, 1 dec) x 8 (16)
- 8 dec (8). Weave in the ends (Close the loop). Hide the yarn tail.
Ears (Make 2)
Attach grey color yarn to a stitch between rounds 4 – 5.
Ch 5, from the second loop, 1 sc, 2 hdc, 1 sc. Slst to a stitch between rounds 3 – 4. Crochet ears on both sides. Sew a mouth between rounds 8 – 9, 1 sc wide. Sew belly details onto the white part with grey color yarn.
Leaf
Use green color yarn.
Ch 5, from the second loop, 1 slst, 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 5 dc into the last loop, on the other side: 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc. Slst to the first stitch. Finish off and leave a long tail for sewing.
Assembly Instructions
Once all pieces are complete, it’s time to bring your mini Totoro to life:
- Position the safety eyes between rounds 8 and 9, spacing them 5 stitches apart
- Stuff the body firmly with fiberfill before closing
- Attach the ears on both sides of the head between rounds 3-4 and 4-5
- Embroider a small mouth between rounds 8-9 using black thread, approximately 1 stitch wide
- Use grey yarn to add the characteristic belly details onto the white portion
- Sew the green leaf securely on top of Totoro’s head
Finishing Touches
Your adorable mini Totoro keychain is now complete! Add a keychain ring or lobster clasp to turn it into a functional accessory. This little character makes a wonderful addition to bags, backpacks, or keys, and it’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When made with YarnArt Jeans yarn and a 2.20 mm hook, the finished mini Totoro measures approximately 2-3 inches tall, making it the perfect size for a keychain or bag charm.
Yes, you can use different yarn weights, but remember to adjust your hook size accordingly. Using thicker yarn will create a larger Totoro, while thinner yarn will make it smaller. Always match your hook to your yarn weight for best results.
A bobble stitch is created by working 4 double crochet stitches into the same stitch. This creates the textured belly details that are characteristic of Totoro’s appearance.
Leave a long tail when finishing the leaf piece, then use a tapestry needle to weave the yarn through several stitches on top of Totoro’s head. Weave in the end securely by passing through multiple stitches to ensure it won’t come loose with regular handling.
Conclusion
This mini Totoro keychain pattern is perfect for crocheters of all skill levels who want to create something adorable in just a few hours. The combination of simple stitches and color changes creates a recognizable character that’s both charming and functional. Whether you’re making one for yourself or as a gift for a Studio Ghibli fan, this little forest spirit is sure to delight. Happy crocheting, and don’t forget to share your finished creations with the crafting community!
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