How to Make a Macrame Keychain - Easy Crafts Ideas for Kid

This macrame keychain is so pretty and it’s really fun to make! Using only three simple knots, these mermaid tail keychains are a great beginner project. You’ll want to make one in every colour!

Macrame Keychain

Within half an hour you can make a macrame keychain that’s both stylish and functional. How cool is it to make a craft that you can use on a daily basis?!

These macrame keychains are SO PRETTY and they’re really easy to make once you learn the knots. They’re a bit more advanced than the macrame feather, but it’s still a great project for beginners.

Making a macrame keychain reminds me of making friendship bracelets when I was younger. You can personalize these fishtail keychains in just the same way, and they make the perfect handmade gift for birthdays, house warmings, Christmas, etc.

Check out our Macrame Keychain video tutorial:

*Note: Scroll down for the step-by-step photo tutorial.

Looking for more macrame crafts? Here’s some of our favourites:

Macrame Dream Catcher

DIY Macrame Feather

Macrame Bracelet

Macrame Earrings

Here’s what you’ll need:

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The full printable instructions are at the end of this post, but here’s a list of products on Amazon and Target that are similar to the supplies we used:

What type of knots does this keychain use?

We first use a lark’s head knot to connect the cords to the keychain clasp. Then the keychain is formed with double diagonal half hitch knots. To finish off the keychain we use the very simple wrapping knot.

Don’t worry, we explain exactly how to make the knots in the tutorial below.

What type of cord is used?

We used a 3 strand cotton macrame “rope” with a size of 2 mm. Cotton macrame cord is preferred, since it’s super strong, but also flexible and soft.

If you want a thicker keychain you can definitely buy a cord with a larger diameter, such as 3 mm or even 5 mm.

Where can I buy macrame supplies?

Amazon is a great resource for all kinds of macrame cord and they sell lots of different keychain clasps as well. Etsy also has a lot of macrame cord options, while Michaels or your local craft store will also sell a smaller selection of cord and keychain hardware.

If you’re looking for macrame specific shops, Macrame for Beginners has a great list of where to buy macrame cord with suggestions from all around the world.

How to Make Macrame Keychains

This mermaid tail macrame keychain is really pretty and SO EASY to make! A great beginner project that’s both stylish and functional.

Materials:

Keychain clasp
164inchesMacrame cord(2 mm size)

Equipment:

Instructions:

Step 1: Cut and attach cord

Cut one 20 inch piece of macrame cord. Then cut three 48 inch pieces of macrame cord.
Tape the keychain clasp to your working surface.
Attach the first 48 inch cord to the clasp with a larks head knot.To do this, fold the cord in half and put the center loop under and through the keychain ring. Bring the loop over, pull the cord ends through the loop and pull to tighten.Repeat for the other two 48 inch cords.

Step 2: Tie first row of knots

Separate your cords out on the table or working surface. For clarity, we’ll number the cords 1 to 6 from left to right.We’ll begin by working with cords 1 to 3, with all knots tied around cord 1 (the left cord).
Now we’re going to tie double diagonal half hitch knots.Begin by crossing cord 1 over cord 2.
Use cord 2 to tie two knots around cord 1. Pull to tighten.
Cross cord 1 (now in the 2nd position) over cord 3.
Tie two knots around cord 1 using cord 3. Pull to tighten.
Now we’re going to tie double diagonal half hitch knots starting on the right side, with all the knots tied around cord 6.Cross cord 6 over cord 5. Use cord 5 to tie two knots around cord 6 and pull tightly.
Now cross cord 6 (in position 5) over cord 4.
Use cord 4 to tie two knots around cord 6. Pull to tighten.
Now cross cord 6 (in position 4) over cord 1 (in position 3).
Use cord 6 to tie two knots around cord 1. Pull to tighten.
You should now have two diagonal half hitch knots on the left and three on the right.

Step 3: Continue rows of knots

Start your next row of knots on the left in the same way, crossing cord 1 over cord 2.
Tie two knots around cord 1, with cord 2, then with cord 3 using the exact same method as the first row of knots.
Tie the same three knots as described for the first row on the right side.
Repeat and continue this pattern until you have about 10 rows of knots.

Step 4: Knot the last row

On the left side, cross cord 1 over cord 2. Use cord 2 to tie one knot around cord 1 (half hitch knot).Then cross cord 2 (now in position 1) over cords 1 AND 3 and tie one knot. Pull to tighten.
On the right side, cross cord 6 over cord 5. Use cord 5 to tie one knot around cord 6 (half hitch knot). Then cross cord 5 (now in position 6) over cords 6 AND 4 and tie one knot. Pull to tighten.

Step 5: Finish with a wrapping knot

To tie a wrapping knot, take the 20 inch piece of cord and make a “J” shape leaving about 4 inches on the left side. Set it on top of the keychain so the loop is about 2 inches below the bottom of the knots.
Gather the cords together. Hold the short end of the “J” in place and wind the long end of the cord around all the cords 4 times. Make sure the cord is wrapped tightly, and be sure not to overlap as you wind. Then take the remaining long end and feed it through the loop created by the “J”. While holding the long end, pull up on the short end of the “J”, creating a knot under the wrapped cord.
Cut the short strand as close to the top of the wrapping knot as possible.

Step 6: Cut mermaid tail fringe

Cut the macrame cord at the bottom, leaving 2-1/2 to 3 inches.
Use a fine tooth comb to unravel the cord.
Once you’ve fully combed out the cord, cut an upside down “v” in the fringe, making a mermaid or fish tail.
Your macrame keychain is complete!

Helpful Tip:

If you want a tassel at the bottom instead of a fish tail, you can leave the tail uncut instead of cutting the “V” shape.

These macrame keychains are SO FUN to make! It’s so cool that you can create so many unique things with just a few knots.

Here’s even more macrame craft ideas:

Macrame Coasters