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A DIY Macrame Keychain Tutorial: Easy and Beginner-Friendly

Macrame has made a spectacular resurgence in the crafting world, and it’s easy to see why. This ancient textile art form, which involves knotting cords to create intricate patterns, is not only satisfying but also allows for a personal touch in creating decorative items. Whether you’re looking to adorn your keys, add flair to your bag, or craft a thoughtful gift, a macrame keychain is a perfect beginner project. In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple DIY macrame keychain tutorial that is both easy and enjoyable.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the knots, let’s gather our supplies. You’ll need:

• Cord: Choose a macrame cord that suits your style. Cotton cord is great for beginners and comes in various thicknesses; a 3-5mm thickness is ideal.
• Scissors: A good pair of sharp scissors will help you cut the cord cleanly.
• Keychain ring: You can find these at craft stores or online.
• Tape or a clipboard (optional): This helps to secure your project while you work.
• Measuring tape: To ensure your cord lengths are accurate.
• Beads or embellishments (optional): Personalise your keychain with a few beads or charms.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Cord

For a basic macrame keychain, you will need approximately 3-4 lengths of cord, each around 50-60 inches long. Adjust the length based on how big you want your keychain to be.

1. Cut four lengths of cord.
2. Hold the cords together and fold them in half. This will create a loop at one end that will be attached to the keychain ring.

Step 2: Attach the Cord to the Keychain Ring

Take the folded end of your cords and pass the loop through the keychain ring. Pull the ends of the cord through the loop and tighten it, creating a lark’s head knot. This anchors your cords to the ring.

Step 3: Start Knotting

Now comes the fun part—knotting! We’ll focus on the square knot, a staple in macrame.

1. Divide your cords into two pairs (two cords on the left and two on the right).
2. Take the left pair and position it over the right pair, then bring it under the right cords.
3. Next, take the right pair and bring it over the left pair, then through the loop created by the left cord.
4. Pull both sides tight to form the first half of the square knot.
5. Repeat the process in reverse to complete the square knot: take the right cords over the left, under it, then repeat with the left going over and through the right.
6. Continue making square knots until you reach your desired length!

Step 4: Add Beads or Embellishments (Optional)

If you wish to add some flair, now is the time! Thread beads onto your cords before you finish knotting, or integrate them into the design by placing them between square knots.

Step 5: Finish Your Keychain

Once you’ve reached your preferred length, you can choose to tie off the ends with an additional square knot or a simple knot. If you want to prevent any fraying, consider applying a little fabric glue to the ends.

Step 6: Trim and Style

Trim the ends of the cords to your preferred length. You can leave them long for a boho vibe or trim them short for a cleaner look. Feel free to experiment with a fringe or tapering the ends for added flair.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve now made your own macrame keychain. This simple yet stunning piece can be personalised and adapted to your liking, making it an excellent addition to your accessory collection or a charming gift for friends and family. With practice, you can expand your skills and create more complex macrame designs.

So, gather your supplies, get a bit tangly with those cords, and enjoy the relaxing art of macrame. Happy crafting!

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