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DIY Macrame Keychain (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

This macrame keychain is a perfect craft for those beginning their macrame journey. A beautiful item you can gift to whomever you want.

macrame keychain

At one point or another, we have all gone a little overboard with accessorizing our bags and keys with keychains. I remember a few years ago when Scooby ties were all in rage, and before that, embroidery floss hangings and keychains.

You’ll be surprised by what you can pull off with just a key ring and a few scraps of thread.

two keychains

Now, though, it’s the era of macrame, and we’re all gaga over how boho-chic and cute macrame products are. Why don’t you check out this super simple DIY macrame keychain project?

If it’s your first foray into the world of macrame, then this project is perfect to set you off. But this keychain is also pretty amazing for even the most expert macrame artists to make and hang their keys from

three macrame keychains

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

But before you can get started, you’ll need to gather your supplies. Here’s what you will need:

craft supplies

How to Make a Macrame Keychain

Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a keychain.

Step 1

To make it easier on you, I’d recommend that you tape the top of the keyring to your work surface. This will secure the ring, and you can work on the DIY project without worrying about how the ring keeps getting dislodged.

Now, take one of your cords and bend it in half, bringing the ends together. The other end will be a loop like this.

string and keyring

Step 2

Pull the loop under then through the key ring.

tying string to keyring

If you’re familiar with different macrame knots, then go ahead and pull the two cords through the ring to create a lark’s head knot.

looping string

If, however, you’re not familiar with macrame terms for different knots, fret not!

Once you’ve pulled the loop under and through the ring, pull it down again to rest it over the metal, just so. Then, insert a finger through the loop to gather the two end cords and pull them through the loop.

pulling string through

Pull the cords through and tug at them to tighten the knot around the ring. Ta-da! You’ve made your first lark’s head knot.

knot in keyring

Just repeat this step with the other two cords, and you’re all set to start working on your design.

folded string
second knot in keyring
third knot in keyring

Step 3

Next, divide the six cords into three. Use a bit of tape to secure the middle two cords onto your work surface.

This is optional, but trust me, it will definitely make it easier for you to make knots as you move along this project.

taping down string
string taped down

Step 4

For this particular design, you’ll be making a series of ‘square knots.’ Let me explain. First, grab the two cords on the left and place them over the middle cords to form a loop that looks like a ‘4.’

folding string over

Then, take the cords on the right and place them over the cords from the left.

holding right string

Do you notice the point where the left cords are crossed over the middle ones? Now, pull the right cords under that crossover and through the loop you made with the left cords.

tying knot
looping string though

Now pull the ends of the two cords in opposite directions and move towards the ring as you do so to form the first half of your square knot.

tying two ends together
tying knot

Step 5

Now, you’re going to make the exact same knot, only this time, you’ll pull the cords on the right to form the loop over the middle cords.

folding string

Next, place the cords on the left over the right cords, then pull the ends under and through the loop you made.

looping string through
pulling string through

Tug the ends of the cord to tighten the knot. Secure this second knot right under the first one you made. These two knots together make one square knot!

tying string knot
macrame knot completed

Step 6

Before you proceed, we’re going to add a little bead to jazz up your keychain. For this, you’ll need to tape the ends of the two middle cords. It will make it easier to insert them through the bead.

taping string end

Pull the bead through and place it right at the top under your first square knot.

adding bead to string

Step 7

Then, you’re just going to make another square knot to secure the bead in place. You know the drill; just start with the cords on the left!

folding over string
folding over string

This is how your keychain should look. Cute, isn’t it?

completed macrame knot

Just continue to work your way down. After every square knot, insert a bead and round it off with another square knot. It’s a piece of cake, once you get the hang of it.

adding bead
folding string over
macrame knot
adding bead
tying knot
tying macrame knot

Just to give you an idea, you should have a set of five square knots, with four beads in between them. If you’re done and are happy with the length, it’s time to finish it off.

completed macrame knot

Step 8

Use a pair of scissors to snip off a length of embroidery floss. Feel free to use the same colored thread as your cotton cord, or use a contrasting color.

cutting brown thread

Step 9

With one end of the thread facing up, pull the other end to for a U-like shape over the cords.

putting thread on keychain

Holding that U shape in place, bright the other end of the thread around and wrap it around the end of the last square knot, bunching all the cords together.

Continue to wrap the thread around till you’re happy with the thickness.

wrapping thread around keychain

Grab the end of the cord you just wrapped and pull it through the U-loop.

looping thread
tying thread knot

Now, grab both ends and tug them in opposite directions to secure the wrapping in place.

tying knot

Finally, snip off the two ends.

cutting end of thread

Step 10

You’re almost done! Just trim the ends of the cords evenly, and pull a comb through them to brush them out.

cutting string ends
combing end of string

Trim the ends again after you’ve brushed the cords.

trimming ends of string

And voila, your macrame keychain is all done!

completed macrame keychains

Watch: How to Make Macrame Keychains

For all visual learners, it’s much easier to check this full video tutorial!

What Kind of Cord is Used for Macrame Keychain?

Cotton cord is the most popular choice of macrame cords as it offers the most elasticity and is more cost effective, but nylon and jute are also used. You can also choose between twisted cords, braided cords, single strand cords, and more.

There’s also a number of sizes to choose from. The most popular choice is between 3mm-5mm cords. They offer the most control and the best finish.

keychains in purse

How Long Does It Take to Make a Macrame Keychain?

This macrame keychain will take an absolute beginner just under 30 minutes to make. But once you get the hang of it, each keychain won’t take you more that fifteen minutes apiece, and you’ll be speeding through them!

keychain with keys

Other Craft Ideas

Yield: 1 macrame keychain

DIY Macrame Keychain

diy keychain

In need of an easy, beginner-friendly macrame project? A DIY macrame keychain is super fun to make and is extra useful.

Active Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $2

Materials

  • Key ring
  • 3x 4mm single twist cotton cords (32" long)
  • Beads
  • Embroidery thread

Tools

  • Sellotape
  • Scissors
  • Hair comb

Instructions

  1. Gather all the materials and cut the cords as instructed into the desired length.
  2. Secure the keyring to your work surface with tape to prevent it from moving around when you work.
  3. Next, bend one of your cords in half and pull the looped end under, through, and then over the ring.
  4. Pull the two end cords through the loop you just made. This is called a lark’s head knot. Repeat the same with the other two cords.
  5. Section the cords into three and secure the two middle cords to your work surface with some tape.
  6. To make your first square knot, place the two cords on the left over the middle chords to form a 4-shaped loop. Pull the right cords over the left ones, then bring them under both the left and middle cords. Finally, pull the ends through the 4-shaped loop.
  7. Tug the ends to secure the first half of your square knot.
  8. Now repeat the same, only this time, place the right cords over the middle. Then, bring the left cords over the right cords, and then under the middle and right cords to pull them through the loop.
  9. Tug the ends to secure your first square knot.
  10. This step is optional, but you can insert a bead at this stage. Tape the ends of each of the two middle cords to help you pull the bead through both of them.
  11. Then place another square knot under the bead to secure it in place between two square knots.
  12. Continue to alternate every square knot you make with a bead and work your way through the project till you reach the desired length.
  13. To fasten off, cut a strip of embroidery thread. Hold one end up over the cords and pull the other into a U-shaped loop. Wrap the other end at the base of the last square knot and bunch all the cords together.
  14. When you’re done wrapping, pull the end through the loop and tug the two ends in opposite directions to secure the knot. Snip off the two ends.
  15. Finally, brush out the cords if you like and trim the ends evenly.
  16. Your macrame keychain is ready!
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