DIY Macrame: Keychain Instructions
- , by Nicole Hellstern
- 14 min reading time
Quick and easy to knot: With our clear step-by-step instructions, you are guaranteed to make your own macramé keychain.
Whether as a decorative accessory for your keys or as a DIY gift for a loved one, a macrame keychain is easy to knot and will visually enhance any set of keys. To help you complete the project, we've put together a straightforward macrame keychain tutorial that we'd love to share with you. You don't need any special knowledge other than thread and accessories. We'll explain the necessary knots and guide you through the creation process down to the smallest detail. So grab your macrame yarn and a keyring, and let your creativity run wild!
Get creative with macrame projects
The macramé technique has been back in fashion for a few years now, allowing you to create wonderful decorative elements and jewelry in just a few simple steps. We, too, have completely fallen in love with this oriental knotting technique and use every free minute to work on our creative projects. We'd like to share these with you, so we've created clear, step-by-step instructions so that anyone can celebrate their first macramé success. After all, what could be better than knotting gifts and decorations yourself, relieving stress and forgetting everything around you? Whether it's macramé keychains, bunting, vases, lanterns, or other creative ideas: Download our detailed PDF instructions and knot magical creations.
Materials: What you need for knotting
You don't need much to knot this macrame keychain, except for a little time. This makes it an ideal project for macrame beginners. Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Macrame yarn twisted several times (3 mm): 4 threads 0.90 m each, 1 thread 0.30 m
- 1 thread 0.20 m waxed yarn
- Scissors
- Macrame brush
- 1 carabiner
- 1 key ring
- Letter beads
- Clipboard or cork coaster
- T-pins or pins to secure the threads
Basic knots for the macrame keychain instructions
Before you start making the keychain, you should familiarize yourself with the necessary knots. This will make it much easier to follow our step-by-step instructions and work faster. Most macrame knots are easy to learn and can be tied even by beginners. For this project, we'll use the basic knots:
- Anchor knot
- rib knot
- Wrap knot
In our PDF file you will find a comprehensive explanation with pictures, so that with a little practice you will quickly master the knots.
Step by step to your macrame keychain
Now we'll explain in detail how to knot your keychain. Pictures and accompanying text will guide you through every step of the creation process. If you prefer, you can also download the instructions as a PDF . Are you more of a visual learner? Then you'll love our macrame keychain video tutorial !
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To get started, you'll need the four 0.90 m (3 ft) of cord and the carabiner. First, attach all the cords to your carabiner with a forward-facing anchor knot. For a better overview, I've demonstrated the process using a key ring.
- Now attach the carabiner to your clipboard. Fold one of the four threads (0.90 m) in half and place it under the carabiner with the resulting loop facing up. Tie a backward anchor knot. To do this, fold the resulting loop forward over the carabiner and pull the two threads underneath through.
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Now pull each of the two threads tight and repeat the process with the remaining three threads. This way, you'll have attached all four threads to your carabiner. Now turn your work over to see the forward-facing anchor knots.
- Now, tie the first rib knot on the left side. To do this, separate the first two threads on the left side and set them aside. Now begin by placing the third left thread (the leading thread) diagonally downwards and looping the fourth left thread below it over the leading thread. Then, pull the fourth left thread through the resulting loop.
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A rib knot always consists of two half rib knots, so that at the end of the first left row of rib knots you can count a total of two wraps.
- Now repeat this process on the right side. Separate the two outermost threads and set them aside.
- Now, place the third right thread (the guide thread) horizontally downwards. Tie a rib knot with the fourth and underlying right thread. Cross the two inner threads (see image). You should now have four threads on each side.
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Now we tie a second rib knot on the right side. The thread that was previously your guide on the right side retains its function and is tied around the fourth thread, counting from top to bottom, on the right side. This creates a small heart.
- For the macrame keychain, continue adding rows outward from left to right. To do this, split the first left thread and set it aside. The second left thread now serves as the thread guide, which you then tie with a rib knot for each thread below it.
- This is what the first left rib knot of the second row looks like.
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The second row of rib knots on the left side is now completed with a second and final rib knot.
- Repeat the same process on the right side. Split the right thread and set it aside. The second thread will again be the thread guide. Now tie a rib knot with two of the threads below.
- You should now be able to count four wraps on both sides. Cross the last two threads of your rib knot row again (see picture).
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To close the heart, tie one last rib knot on the right side. You should now see six loops.
- Now follow repeating rows of rib knots. Unlike before, the first thread on each side is always the thread guide. Three rib knots are always tied on the right side. To keep the rows of knots secure, you can secure your work with T-pins in several places.
- The left side is always finished with a fourth rib knot. Be especially careful not to forget to cross the threads.
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To clarify: Here you can see the first thread of each page, which will always be the guideline (working thread).
- On the right side, tie three more rib knots, so that you end up with three threads on the right and five on the left. Separating the threads makes the process easier to follow and avoid getting confused.
- After the fourth row of rib knots, your macrame keychain should look like the picture.
- Tie seven more rows of rib knots on each side. You should now have eleven rows on each side.
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Finally, take the 0.30 m long thread and tie a wrap knot around the bottom fringe. To do this, place it as shown in the picture. The loop should be about 6 cm long.
- Place the loop on the keychain so that about two cm rests on the lower rows of knots and the loop points downwards.
Wrap the bottom fringe until you're happy with the result and the wrapped thread can no longer slip out. Don't wrap it too tightly, as the end of the thread still needs to be visually concealed under the wrapping.
- Pull the end of the thread through the loop, hold it firmly and pull on the upper end of the thread until the knot you have created is hidden under the middle of the wraps.
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Your wrap knot should now look like the picture.
- Now shorten the lower fringes to the desired length.
- Next, trim the top thread close to the edge of the wrap knot without damaging the remaining threads. Then, neaten up the fringe by carefully pushing it under the wrap knot with the tip of the scissors.
- Now brush the lower fringes of your macrame keychain well from both sides without damaging the wrappings.
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Now it's time for the keyring. Tie the waxed yarn to the ring with an anchor knot, thread the beads, and secure them at the bottom with a regular knot.
- Finally, attach the key ring to your carabiner. Your macrame keychain is now complete!
Love our step-by-step instructions but want a longer or shorter keychain? No problem! You can customize the length of the project by changing the length of the working threads.
Our tips and tricks for beginners
Beyond the beautiful creations, macramé should, above all, be fun! However, beginners, in particular, often get confused by the various knots and techniques. To help you make your macramé keychain a success, we've compiled some helpful tips:
- Make yourself comfortable and have some snacks and a drink ready. So you don't have to keep getting up while lacing up, have all the necessary materials within easy reach.
- Be patient with yourself: No one was born a macramé expert! Allow yourself plenty of time for your project.
- Take short breaks in between, walk a few steps, and stretch. If it feels good, circle your wrists and shoulders.
- All beginnings are difficult. You may encounter difficulties with the knotting sequence. However, before you despair or lose interest in your knotting project, please contact us. We're happy to help!
You can find all the materials you need for this macrame keychain in our online shop. We hope you enjoy making it!
