Make a knot key chain
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Make a decorative knot key chain using colorful cord or paracord, learn basic knots, measure and trim safely, and attach a key ring.

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Step-by-step guide to make a knot key chain

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How to make a simple paracord key ring - square knot key chain

What you need
Adult supervision required, clear tape, key ring, lighter, measuring tape or ruler, paracord or colorful cord, scissors

Step 1

Gather all materials and place them on a flat table so you can reach everything easily.

Step 2

Measure two cords each to about 90 cm using the measuring tape or ruler.

Step 3

Cut both cords at the marks with the scissors.

Step 4

Fold each cord in half so you have two loops and two pairs of loose ends.

Step 5

Attach the folded loops of both cords to the key ring using lark's head knots.

Step 6

Tape the key ring to the table so the cords stay still while you work.

Step 7

Spread the four loose strands straight below the ring so they do not tangle.

Step 8

Tie one square knot using the four strands by moving the outer left strand over the two center strands and under the outer right strand then moving the outer right strand under the center strands and up through the loop and pulling snug.

Step 9

Repeat Step 8 eight times or until the knotted section is about as long as your finger.

Step 10

Trim the excess strand tails to about 5 millimetres with the scissors.

Step 11

Ask an adult to carefully melt each trimmed end with the lighter to fuse the cord and stop fraying.

Step 12

Share your finished knot key chain on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of a lighter to melt and fuse the cord ends if we don't have one?

If you don't have a lighter for Step 10, have an adult brush clear nail polish or Fray Check onto each trimmed 5 millimetre tail from Step 9 to seal the cord and stop fraying.

My square knots keep slipping or looking uneven—what should we check or change while following Step 8?

If the square knots in Step 8 slip or look uneven, retape the key ring to the table (Step 6), re-spread the four loose strands as in Step 7, pull each knot snug and even as you make the repeated knots, and clip the knotted section with a clothespin to maintain tension while working.

How can we adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?

For younger children, have an adult pre-measure and cut the two 90 cm cords and pre-attach the lark's head knots in Step 4 and skip the lighter by sealing the 5 mm trimmed ends from Step 9 with clear nail polish, while older kids can measure and cut themselves, repeat Step 8 more than eight times for a longer key chain, and safely perform the melting in Step 10 under supervision.

What are some ways to extend or personalize the knot key chain after following the instructions?

To personalize your key chain, use two different-coloured cords measured in Step 2, slide beads onto the loose strands before repeating Step 8, attach a small charm to the key ring, then trim to 5 millimetres (Step 9) and melt the ends in Step 10 for a finished look to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a knot key chain

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3 Easy Keychain Knots

3 Videos

Facts about knot tying and cord crafts

✂️ Nylon paracord melts and fuses at the cut ends, so carefully melting them (with adult help) seals the cord and stops fraying.

🔑 A common key ring is a split ring (a tiny spiral of metal) that lets you add charms and keys without glue or sewing.

🎨 Macramé — knot-based textile art — was trendy in the 1970s and has enjoyed modern comebacks for home decor and accessories.

🪢 Paracord was first used for parachute suspension lines and became popular with campers and crafters because it's lightweight and very strong.

🧵 The square knot (reef knot) is easy and decorative for bracelets and keychains, but it can slip under heavy load, so it's not used for safety-critical tying.

How do you make a decorative knot key chain?

To make a decorative knot key chain, cut a length of colorful cord (about 18–30 inches depending on design). Fold in half and attach the folded end to a key ring with a lark’s head or cow hitch. Learn a basic knot (square knot, cobra, or nautical crown) and repeat along the cord to the desired length. Trim excess cord, melt/paraffin-seal synthetic ends carefully or use clear nail polish, and tighten knots. Adult supervision is recommended for cutting and sealing.

What materials do I need to make a knot key chain?

You'll need paracord or colorful craft cord (about 2–4 mm thick), a split key ring, sharp scissors or cord cutters, a tape measure or ruler, and something to finish the ends like a lighter for synthetic cord or clear fabric glue/nail polish for a flame-free option. Optional items: beads, charms, a lighter with adult supervision, a small clipboard or keychain jig to hold cords while knotting, and pliers to tighten rings.

What ages is this knot key chain activity suitable for?

This craft suits a wide range: children 6–7 can try simple lark’s head and overhand knots with close adult supervision for cutting and finishing. Ages 8–11 can follow step-by-step patterns and add beads, while ages 12+ often complete projects independently. Always consider fine-motor skills and safety: scissors, small parts, and flame-sealing are hazards, so supervise younger children and swap to glue or pre-sealed cord if needed.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making knot key chains?

Making knot key chains builds fine motor skills, pattern recognition, patience, and creativity while producing a useful keepsake. Safety tips: use blunt scissors for young kids, avoid loose beads for toddlers, and replace open-flame melting with fabric glue or a lighter only with adult help. Variations include different knots (cobra, square, Solomon’s bar), two-color patterns, adding beads or charms, and making zipper pulls, bracelets, or bag tags from the same techniques.
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