This article may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Embarking on some backpacking adventure? Then you’re going to need a paracord keychain. The best part? These are super simple to make. In case you aren't super familiar with paracord, it is a lightweight nylon rope originally used by the US military for parachute cords. It is now commonly used for crafting, lanyards, outdoor activities and as a replacement for other types of rope in various applications.
In addition to looking extremely cool, they can be easily personalized in your favorite colors – helping you distinguish your backpack from others.
They are sturdy, can be worn on the loop of your belt or your backpack, and allows you to securely carry different objects.
For instance, a small knife, keys, a lighter, or even a bottle opener.
Plus, in the case of an emergency, you also have some extra rope on your body if required.
With this in mind, this article will explore how to make a paracord keychain and three common designs.
Firstly, attach the keys to the paracord, ensuring that both ropes are the same length.
Take the nut or similar object, and place the two ends of the paracord through the hole – making sure you keep the two ends level.
Depending on your desired keychain length, leave around one or two inches between the nut and keys.
On the right side, take the string and form a loop, moving the rope's end toward the left side so it circles the string. Using the left strang, create a similar loop for all the other strings apart from the right strang. Here, the loops should intersect with one another. When doing this, keep in mind the shape of a pretzel – how the loops interlink here is what you’re looking for.
Keep both loops right by pushing the knots toward the nut. Repeat this type of weave until you reach the keys. Ensure you’re keeping the knots regular and tight for a neat and durable chain.
Using your scissors, cut the ends of the paracord. Make sure to secure the ends in place, otherwise, you’re at risk of your keychain falling apart. To prevent this from happening, use a lighter to melt the ends and then press them against a firm surface – creating a mushroom shape.
Alternatively, you can also choose to use two different colors here, depending on your preferences.
All you have to do is take two pieces of paracord – equal in length but different in color, and, using one of the ends, fuse them together.
This can be achieved by either sticking them together or melting them together. For additional strength, you could also add a few drops of strong glue or even sew the ends together.
Following the steps above, you can start weaving your keychain, layering one color on the left and the other on the right side.
Cobra Weave Keychain
What you’ll need:
Around 10 feet of paracord
A key ring and a carabiner
Tape measure and scissors
A paper clip
A lighter
Steps:
Firstly, fold half your paracord and insert the folded edge into the key ring.
Then, take the other loose paracord ends, making sure they are the same size, and insert them into the folded loop. Here, pull tightly to form a cow hitch.
Insert the loose paracord ends into the carabiner, leaving approximately four inches between the carabiner and the key ring.
Again, fold the paracord, bringing it back until it meets the key ring once again. Then secure it in place using a paper clip. Repeat this until the loose ends and next to the carabiner once again.
Using the loose ends, begin creating loops on either side of the main rope. The loose ends of the left side are placed under all the ropes and then inserted on the right-hand side loop. Vice-versa, this is repeated to the loose ends on the right, although you’re inserting them into the left loop and on top of all the ropes. Once done, you’ll receive double-sided, regular knots. Using your thumbs, adjust each knot by pushing it toward the carabiner. Squeeze tightly for a neat chain.
Keep repeating this process until the entire rope – between the carabiner and key chain – is covered in double knots. Tighten and adjust the knots as necessary.
Once they have neared the end (by the key ring) grab your paper clip and then create a final double knot by the key ring. Cut the cord and then use a lighter to melt the loose ends. Quickly press the melted ends on a firm surface to create a ‘mushroom head’. This ensures that everything stays attached and doesn’t slip out the braid.
Bull Keychain
What You’ll Need:
Around four or five feet of paracord
A small, round object (such as a marble)
A key ring
Lighter
Scissors
Steps:
Using the three fingers on your left hand – keeping your palm open and your index, middle, and ring finger, equally distanced apart, set one of the rope ends on the front of your palm.
Then, vertically wrap the paracord around your fingers, repeating three times. Start at the base on the first loop then move towards your fingertips with the next two loops.
Using your thumb and forefinger, pinch the rope together, removing it carefully from your hand.
Move the loops onto your thumb and index finger, ensuring they’re vertical. Wrap the loose ends around the first loop three times, horizontally. Then place the loose ends inside the first set of loops.
With the loose strings, wrap them around the horizontal strands another three times. Place the paracord above the horizontal loops but in the middle of the first three vertical strands.
Repeat this process another three times – keeping the wraps loose. Next, insert the marble into the ball and tighten it.
Using your hangman’s noose, attach the loose ends.
How To Make A Paracord Keychain - Final Thoughts
Whether you’re embarking on a backpacking adventure or simply want to know how to create paracord keychains, then you’re sure to find something you like, here.
Hopefully, this guide has informed you on how to make some impressive paracord keychains.
