If you’re looking for a simple craft, consider trying our macrame keychain DIY. It’s not only a nice way to jazz up your house keys, but it also makes a thoughtful gift for a friend.
In this article, we’ll tell you what supplies you’ll need to get started and the knots you need to know. Then we’ll walk you through all the steps in making your very first macrame keychain.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Macrame?
- Macrame Keychain DIY: Supplies Needed
- Macrame Keychain DIY: Basic Knots
- Choosing The Right Macrame Cord For Your Project
- Step-By-Step Guide To Making A Macrame Keychain
- 5 Additional Macrame Keychain Tutorials
What Is Macrame?
Before we tell you how to make a macrame keychain, it’s helpful to know what macrame is exactly.
Macrame is a craft similar to knitting, crochet, and weaving, where you tie knots to make decorative patterns. Macrame, though, requires no tools other than your hands and the cord itself.
Macrame Keychain DIY: Supplies Needed
Here are the supplies you’ll need to make your DIY macrame keychain:
- Six strings of 4mm macrame cord, four feet long each
- Scissors
- Keychain ring
- Macrame project board
- Three pins
- Measuring tape
- Fringe comb
Macrame Keychain DIY: Basic Knots
To make a macrame keychain, it’s important to know your basic macrame knots. Here are a few of the most common knots used in crafting projects, and a quick refresher on how to do them.
Lark’s Head Knot/Reverse Lark’s Head Knot
A Lark’s Head Knot is a must when it comes to making a macrame keychain because the knot is used to attach your cord to the keychain.
Start by folding the yarn in half. Then place the folded end over the keychain and run the cord tails down through the loop. Pull to tighten. If you want to tie a Reverse Lark’s Head Knot, just run the loop under the keychain and pull cords up through the loop.
Source: Mystic Knotwork
Square Knot
The Square Knot requires four strands of yarn and is used to make patterns and attach embellishments to a project.
To make a Square Knot, take the left-most strand and fold it over the center two strands like a four. Place the right-most strand over it and weave it behind the center two strands. Then run it up through the loop made by the left strand and pull to tighten.
Repeat starting with the right-most strand.
Source: Majestic Macrame
Spiral Knot
The Spiral Knot adds texture to your project. This is exactly like the Square Knot, except instead of alternating sides, you’ll keep making the first knot over and over, allowing your cord to naturally spiral.
Source: made by hand
Half Hitch Knot/Double Half Hitch Knot
The Half Hitch Knot attaches your working cord to the filler cord.
Using the left cord as a filler cord, make a four shape, crossing over the adjacent cord. Then pull the adjacent cord around the filler cord and work the end through the loop. Pull the filler cord taught as you tighten.
Repeat with the same cord for a Double Half Hitch Knot. The Double Half Hitch Knot can be used to make horizontal or diagonal lines of decorative knots.
Source: Marching North
Gathering Knot
The Gathering Knot is used to bundle a number of cords together. Start by making a “V” with your wrap strand — the one that will wrap around the other strands of cord.
Then wrap it around the bundle five times while leaving the point of the V out. Run the long strand through the V and tighten by pulling on the short end.
Source: made by hand
Choosing The Right Macrame Cord For Your Project
When selecting a macrame cord for your project, there are several things to consider. Let’s take a look.
Material
The material you choose is what gives your project a unique look and feel. GANXXET offers cords in a range of materials from Velvet Air Cord to T Shirt Fabric Yarn made from recycled tees.
Strength
You need to make sure your selected yarn is durable enough for your project.
Stiffness
Some projects, like baskets, require a level of stiffness so that the craft can keep its shape.
Bulk
You’ll also want to consider the thickness of the cord, as thicker cord gives a chunkier look and thinner cord is good for adding detail.
Step-By-Step Guide To Making A Macrame Keychain
1) Gather Your Materials
The first thing you need to do for this macrame keychain DIY is gather your materials (refer to our list at the beginning of this article).
2) Attach Cords To The Keyring
Using Lark’s Head Knots, attach the six cords to your keyring. Pin the keychain to your project board and spread out the cord tails so they don’t tangle.
3) Begin Your Pattern
It’s time to begin to macrame! Divide strings into three groups of four and tie three Square Knots along the top.
Then tie two Square Knots in the next row, skipping the two end strings on either side. Follow that with an additional row of three Square Knots, two Square Knots, and then one Square Knot.
Now, tie five Half Hitch Knots from right to left until you reach the center. Repeat the same from the left to right, stopping in the center. On both sides, add another row of Half Hitch Knots. Next, tie a Square Knot on each side, followed by two Square Knots on the inside.
Now, tie three Square Knots in the next row and then alternate rows of two and three Square Knots until you’ve reached your preferred length. Add two rows of Half Hitch Knots as before and finish with six regular knots.
4) Cut The Fringe
Lastly, cut the string ends, leaving about two inches and brush out the fringe.
5 Additional Macrame Keychain Tutorials
If you enjoyed this macrame keychain DIY, here are a few more to try.
1) Wristlet
Why not make a keychain you can wear like a bracelet? This DIY uses the Square Knot and a Gathering Knot. You could even try it with a Spiral Knot.
Source: Knot Just Ju
2) Beaded
If you want to add a little wow factor, try this beaded macrame keychain.
3) Heart
What’s not to love about this sweet keychain? To make the heart shape you’ll use a Reverse Lark’s Head Knot, Diagonal Half Hitch Knots, and a Gathering Knot. Swoon!
4) Mermaid Tail
This keychain is simply magical! Double Half Hitch Knots and a Gathering Knot are the only knots you need to know.
Source: Marching North
5) Daisy Flower
Spring is in the air with this floral keychain that uses braided cords in three different colors for the stem, center, and petals. This uses the Lark’s Head Knot and the Reverse Lark’s Head Knot.
Source: Soulful Notions
Crafting With GANXXET
If you’re looking for a fun yet practical craft to try, a DIY macrame keychain is a great choice!
GANXXET offers so many cord colors and materials to give your project a unique look and feel. You can choose your favorite color or fabric, like our Cotton Cord Zero Waste Single Strand or even one of our Specialty Cords in natural linen or hemp.
Whether your craft of choice is macrame, weaving, knitting, or crochet, GANXXET is here to help bring your creativity to life!
