Show off playful flair with this Free Crochet Narutomaki Pattern, shaping a fun swirl accent perfect for keychains, decor pieces, or unique gift ideas.
A quiet evening spent with yarn can become a celebration of culinary nostalgia when the beloved ramen topping inspires a delicate accessory. This Free Crochet narutomaki Pattern captures the charm of the classic fish-cake swirl in a way that instantly delights the eye. Its soft pink spiral framed by a ruffled white edge lends a playful accent to everyday life—perfect as a cheerful keychain, a lively bag charm, or an eye-catching appliqué on pouches and hats. Beyond its appealing look, it offers the benefit of being quick to complete, rewarding both seasoned crocheters seeking a speedy project and beginners ready for something fun yet approachable.
Handy Crochet Narutomaki Pattern for Bag Charms
Once this final decorative touch is complete, the piece is ready to shine as a charming embellishment for accessories or décor. Its flat, lightweight nature makes it ideal for keychains, bag charms, or even as part of larger amigurumi scenes.
Compact, stylish, and rich in character, this narutomaki accent offers more than a cute appearance. It’s a project that rewards patience with quick results and leaves you with a piece that sparks smiles wherever it’s displayed. The gentle spiral and whimsical edge celebrate the artistry of crochet while delivering a versatile accessory suited to countless uses.
The tutorial begins with the formation of a neat foundation circle. Starting with a magic ring, six single crochets anchor the center.
The next rounds steadily widen the disk through regular increases, first doubling each stitch to twelve, then following a rhythm of single crochet and increase to reach eighteen, twenty-four, and beyond. These early steps build a perfectly flat base that sets the stage for the signature swirl.
In the middle section, the pattern introduces the highlight that defines a narutomaki slice: the soft pink spiral. This can be worked directly as the rounds progress or added later as a decorative surface stitch.
Either approach ensures the spiral winds gracefully outward, creating a striking contrast against the white background. After establishing the spiral, the circular motif is balanced with a few rounds of even single crochets, giving the piece a smooth finish before the edging begins.
The closing rounds provide a gentle scalloped border that echoes the wavy cut of the real fish cake. Small clusters of stitches form the playful frills, framing the swirl like tiny clouds.
Materials
- Crochet hook: 4.0 mm (mentioned in the transcript).
- Yarn: small amounts of white (base) + pink (swirl); any smooth acrylic or cotton that works with the hook. (Patterns vary — some use sport/DK weight).
- Tapestry needle (for weaving ends and/or embroidering the swirl).
- Scissors, stitch marker (optional), small keychain ring or lobster clasp.
- (Optional) small amount of stuffing if you prefer a slightly puffy charm — but the tutor’s version is flat/no-sew.
Special features
- No sewing required — finished primarily with slip-stitch joins and weaving in ends.
- Very quick to make (small motif — under ~15 minutes for experienced makers).
- Teaches a small two-color spiral effect that’s great for charms, appliqués, or coasters.
Level of difficulty
Beginner / beginner-friendly. The stitches used are basic (magic ring, single crochet, increases) and the more advanced bit — the spiral design — is done either by surface embroidery or simple color changes.
Tutor’s suggestions (from the video / common tutor tips)
- Use a 4.0 mm hook (or whichever hook gives you a firm fabric with your chosen yarn).
- Keep tension even so the circle stays flat — mark the start of rounds if needed.
- For a crisp pink spiral, either embroider the swirl after you finish the white disk, or follow a two-color spiral technique (more advanced).
- Use a stitch marker or work in continuous spiral rounds to avoid visible join seams.
Uses
- Keychain / bag charm / phone charm.
- Earrings (make two tiny disks).
- Appliqué on bags, hats, or amigurumi ramen bowls.
- Small coaster or cupcake topper (make larger).
Quick tip
If you want a very flat, crisp spiral, embroider the pink spiral after finishing the white disk using a tapestry needle and a surface slip stitch (or backstitch). Pull the embroidery slightly taut as you go and press the finished motif gently from the wrong side to flatten. That gives a cleaner visual swirl than trying to form the spiral purely by color changes when you’re working fast.
Step-by-step Guide
This tutorial Crochet Narutomaki walks through a quick, no-sew narutomaki (ramen fish-cake) charm — an easy spiral crochet motif you can turn into a keychain or bag charm. The pattern notes it’s a no-sew project that can be finished very fast.
Conclusion
This narutomaki charm is an excellent quick project for beginners: basic stitches, fun two-color effect, and lots of options for finishing (scallops, embroidery, hardware).
