Never dig through the bottom of your bag for lip balm again! This quick project is a snug little tube of cotton with a flat bottom, a pretty white scallop edge, and a sturdy keyring clasp so it clips right to your keys, backpack, or tote strap.
Mini Crochet Lip Balm Holder Keychain – Free Stocking Stuffer Pattern
Quick Facts
- Skill level: Beginner
- Finished size: Fits a standard lip balm (approx. 2.75 in / 7 cm long, 0.75 in / 2 cm diameter)
- Yarn: Sport to DK weight cotton yarn in Pink and White
- Hook: 2.5 mm crochet hook (US C/2 or B/1)
- Stitches used: ch, sc, inc, BLO, dc, sl st
- Time to make: 20 minutes
Size customization tips are included further down in the article.
What Makes This Lip Balm Holder Special
- Flat bottom: Built using a magic ring and back loop only (BLO) round to create a crisp 90-degree corner that holds a standard tube upright.
- Textured tube: Worked in continuous rounds of tight single crochet stitches for a clean, professional finish.
- Delicate scallop edge: Features a quick two-color transition to white with skipping and double crochet fans for a polished look.
- Secure clasp strap: A compact strap worked in rows and securely looped through a metal keyring clasp.
Skill Level
- Basic crochet knowledge (magic ring, working in rounds, single crochet, double crochet)
- Ability to follow a short pattern sequence
- Basic yarn weaving skills for finishing
You will have this little holder finished in no time!
Finished Measurements
- Width: 0.75 in / 2 cm diameter
- Height: 2.75 in / 7 cm (excluding strap)
- Strap length: 2 in / 5 cm folded
Materials You Will Need
| Material | Type / Color | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Yarn | Pink | Approx. 15 yards (14 meters) |
| Cotton Yarn | White | Approx. 5 yards (5 meters) |
| Crochet Hook | 2.5 mm | Metal or ergonomic handle |
| Keyring Clasp | Metal | Swivel lobster clasp with split ring |
| Yarn Needle | Steel | Tapestry needle for weaving ends |
Yarn Suggestions
| Yarn Line | Weight | Skein Yardage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 | Fingering / Sport | 186 yds / 170 m per 50g | Splendid stitch definition |
| Schachenmayr Catania | Sport | 137 yds / 125 m per 50g | Holds shape exceptionally well |
| Knit Picks CotLin | DK | 123 yds / 112 m per 50g | Slightly softer feel |
⚠️ Note: Avoid stretchy acrylic or fuzzy novelty yarns for this project. 100% cotton yarn provides the stiffness and structure needed to grip a lip balm tube securely.
Gauge
- Gauge: 10 sc and 11 rows = 1 in / 2.5 cm using a 2.5 mm hook.
- Circle Gauge: Rnds 1 to 3 of the flat bottom should measure approximately 0.75 in / 2 cm across.
Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Term (US) |
|---|---|
| ch | Chain |
| sc | Single crochet |
| inc | Increase (2 sc in the same stitch) |
| BLO | Back loop only |
| dc | Double crochet |
| sl st | Slip stitch |
| sk | Skip |
| MR | Magic ring |
| st(s) | Stitch(es) |
| Rnd(s) | Round(s) |
| Row(s) | Row(s) |
UK / Commonwealth Translation: sc = double crochet (dc); hdc = half treble (htr); dc = treble (tr).
Special Stitches Explained
- Magic Ring (MR): Wrap the yarn around your index finger twice to create a loop, insert your hook under both strands, pull up a loop, and chain 1 to secure. Work your first round of stitches directly into the ring.
- Back Loop Only (BLO): Insert your hook under the back loop only of the designated stitch, leaving the front loop free to create a ridge line.
- Scallop Edge: (sk 1 st, work 5 dc into the next st, sk 1 st, sl st into the next st) repeated around the top edge.
Pattern Instructions
Pattern Notes:
* The main tube is worked in continuous spiral rounds without joining. Use a stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round.
* Fasten off securely and weave in all yarn tails as you go.
Section 1: Lip Balm Body (Pink, make 1)
- Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR (6 sc)
- Rnd 2: inc x6 (12 sc)
- Rnd 3: BLO sc around (12 sc)
- Rnds 4 to 12: sc in each st around (12 sc)
- Fasten off Pink, leaving a short tail.
✅ Checkpoint: At the end of Rnd 12, your piece should measure about 2.25 in / 5.5 cm tall with a flat, squared-off base.
Section 2: Scallop Edge (White, make 1)
- Join White yarn to any stitch on the top edge of the tube.
- Edge Rnd: (sk 1 st, 5 dc in next st, sk 1 st, sl st in next st) repeat around the top edge (3 scallops total).
- Fasten off White and weave in ends securely.
Section 3: Clasp Strap (Pink, make 1)
- Row 1: Ch 5, starting in 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across (4 sc). Turn.
- Rows 2 to 12: Ch 1, sc in each st across (4 sc). Turn.
- Fasten off Pink, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Assembly
- Slide the open end of the Clasp Strap through the loop on the keyring clasp.
- Fold the strap in half lengthwise so that Row 1 meets Row 12.
- Use the long tail and yarn needle to whipstitch the short ends of the strap together securely to the top edge of the lip balm holder (anchored right below the white scallop edge).
- Weave in all remaining ends. Slip your favorite standard lip balm into the tube!
Size Customization Tips
- Taller balm: Add 1 or 2 extra straight rounds between Rnd 4 and Rnd 12 if your lip balm is longer than standard size.
- Thicker container: Start with 8 sc in the MR instead of 6, and increase by 8 stitches in Rnd 2, adjusting the BLO and straight rounds accordingly.
Care Instructions
- Spot clean gently with a damp cloth and mild soap.
- If machine washing is necessary, place inside a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cool cycle, reshape while damp, and air dry flat.
FAQ
Can I use acrylic yarn instead of cotton?
While you can, acrylic tends to stretch out over time and won’t grip the lip balm tube as securely as 100% cotton. Cotton provides the best structure.
How do I attach the keyring securely?
Thread the strap through the metal loop before sewing the strap ends together. Make sure to sew through all thicknesses of the folded strap and anchor it firmly into the top rounds of the holder.
Is this safe to give as a gift for young children?
This item contains small metal hardware (the keyring clasp), so it is best suited for older kids, teens, and adults. If gifting to a younger child, omit the metal clasp entirely.
Happy Crocheting!
I hope you love making this quick and handy lip balm keychain! It makes a wonderful stocking stuffer, craft fair item, or quick gift for friends. Be sure to save this pattern on Pinterest and leave a comment below sharing what colors you used for yours!
📄 Your free PDF pattern