A macrame keychain is a perfect first macrame project. It is small, it takes about half an hour, and it uses only a few yards of cord. This one, from Soulful Notions, is shaped like a seashell or leaf and finished with a soft brushed tassel. Make one for your own keys, then make a handful more for gifts.
How to make a macrame keychain: the short version
- Attach four folded cords to a swivel clasp with reverse lark's head knots.
- Split the cords in half and tie diagonal rows of double half hitch knots on each side.
- Work four rows, leaving a little more space each time, to form the shell.
- Close it with a gathering knot, trim the fringe and brush it out.
What you need
The finished keychain is about 6 1/2 inches long and 1 3/4 inches wide. You need four pieces of 3mm single strand cotton cord at 30 inches each, plus one 10 inch piece for the gathering knot. Add a 1 1/4 inch swivel clasp, sharp scissors and a pet comb or brush for the fringe. A hook on the wall, or a clipboard, holds the clasp while you work.
The two knots you need
The reverse lark's head knot attaches the cords to the clasp. Everything else is the double half hitch, also called a diagonal clove hitch. You hold one cord at an angle as a guide and tie each working cord over it twice. If that knot is new to you, practise the half hitch on a spare piece first.
Getting both sides even
The shell only looks right when the two halves mirror each other. After each pair of rows, step back and compare. If one side sits higher, loosen the last knot and slide it down. Keep the guide cord at the same angle on both sides, and pull every knot with the same firmness.
Choosing cord
Single strand cotton is the best choice here. It knots crisply and brushes out into a soft tassel. Braided cord holds its shape but will not brush out, and 3-ply rope gives a crinkled tassel. Thinner 2mm cord makes a smaller, more delicate keychain if you shorten every cut length a little.
Ways to change it up
- Use a pastel or earthy cord colour, or two colours split down the middle.
- Add a wooden bead above the gathering knot.
- Leave the fringe long and twisted for a boho look, or brush it short and full.
- Use a larger ring and longer cords to make a bag charm.
Common mistakes
- A gappy shell. Push each knot up snug against the one above.
- A lopsided shape. Use the same guide cord position on each side.
- A loose gathering knot. Pull the tail tight before you trim it.
- A frizzy mess. Brush the fringe from the bottom up in short strokes.
Gift ideas
Macrame keychains make sweet stocking stuffers, teacher gifts and party favours. Match the cord to someone's favourite colour, or make a set for a bridal party. A batch of five takes an evening once you know the pattern.
Once you are comfortable, try square knots and other macrame basics. If you like making keychains, resin keychains are a fun next step.
