[Finished product] Handmade Crochet Manta Ray or Stingray Keychain, Without Keyring

how to Crochet a Manta Ray and a Stingray – crochet tutorial, guides and patterns

Crocheting a Manta Ray and a Stingray for keychains is a cute and fun project! Both sea creatures have slightly different shapes, but you can use similar techniques to create them. Below are step-by-step instructions for each.

Materials Needed:

• Yarn (in two colors):
  • Blue for the Manta Ray.
  • Pink for the Stingray.
• Crochet hook: 2.5mm – 3.5mm (depending on your yarn weight).
• Safety eyes (or black yarn to embroider eyes).
• Polyester fiberfill for stuffing.
• Keychain ring.
• Yarn needle for sewing and weaving in ends.
• Stitch markers.

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Abbreviations:

• ch: Chain
• sc: Single crochet
• inc: Increase (2 sc in one stitch)
• dec: Decrease (sc two stitches together)
• sl st: Slip stitch
• MR: Magic ring
• FO: Fasten off

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1. Crochet a Small Blue Manta Ray

Top Part (Body & Wings)

Round 1:

• Start with a magic ring and sc 6 into the ring (6).

Round 2:

• Inc in each stitch (12).

Round 3:

• 1 sc, inc around (18).

Round 4:

• 2 sc, inc around (24).

Round 5:

• 3 sc, inc around (30).

Round 6-9:

• Sc around (30). This forms the body of the Manta Ray.

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Wings (Make 2)

Wing 1:

• Row 1: Ch 7.
• Row 2: Starting from the second chain from the hook, sc across (6).
• Row 3: 1 sc, inc across (8).
• Row 4: Sc across (8).
• Row 5: Dec once at each end (6).

Fasten off and leave a tail for sewing. Make another wing following the same pattern.

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Bottom Part (Smaller Body)

The bottom part of the manta ray is slightly smaller to give a layered look.

Round 1:

• Start with a magic ring and sc 6 into the ring (6).

Round 2:

• Inc in each stitch (12).

Round 3:

• 1 sc, inc around (18).

Round 4-5:

• Sc around (18). FO and leave a long tail.

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Tail

• Row 1: Ch 12.
• Row 2: Sc back along the chain, fasten off and leave a tail for sewing.

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Assembly:

1. Place the smaller bottom body underneath the larger top body. Attach the wings on each side of the manta ray, slightly angled.
2. Attach the tail to the bottom center of the manta ray.
3. Add safety eyes or embroider the eyes with black yarn.
4. Sew everything securely together, stuff lightly before closing.

Attach the keychain ring to the top of the manta ray.

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2. Crochet a Small Pink Stingray

Body and Tail

Round 1:

• Start with a magic ring and sc 6 into the ring (6).

Round 2:

• Inc in each stitch (12).

Round 3:

• 1 sc, inc around (18).

Round 4:

• 2 sc, inc around (24).

Round 5:

• 3 sc, inc around (30).

Round 6-7:

• Sc around (30). This forms the rounded body of the Stingray.

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Fins (Make 2)

• Row 1: Ch 6.
• Row 2: Sc from the second chain from the hook (5).
• Row 3: 1 sc, inc across (7).
• Row 4: Sc across (7).

FO and leave a tail for sewing. Repeat for the second fin.

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Tail

• Row 1: Ch 15.
• Row 2: Sc back along the chain. FO and leave a tail for sewing.

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Assembly:

1. Attach the fins to both sides of the stingray’s body, near the center.
2. Attach the tail to the back of the body.
3. Add safety eyes or embroider with black yarn for the eyes.
4. Sew all parts together, stuffing lightly before closing.

Attach the keychain ring to the top of the stingray.

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Conclusion:

Now you have a manta ray and a stingray, perfect for keychains! Each is small, lightweight, and cute, making them ideal accessories for bags or keys. Enjoy your new sea creature crochet creations!