How to Make a Paracord Keychain
The backpack zipper needs a better grip, your child has already picked a color, and you have an hour before dinner. A paracord keychain is a nice way to fill it. It is small enough to finish in a sitting or two, and it uses the same knot as a paracord bracelet.
Quick Answer
To make a paracord keychain, cut about 6 feet of cord and fold it in half. Loop the fold onto a split ring, tape the cord down, and tie cobra knots along the two center strands until you reach the ring, starting from alternating sides. Trim the extra cord and secure the ends with glue. It is a good project for kids 8 and up, with an adult nearby.
Table of Contents
- What you need
- How much paracord to cut
- How to make a paracord keychain
- Finish the ends
- Check it before you clip it on
- Fix common problems
- Frequently asked questions
What You Need
- Paracord: one piece, about 6 feet long.
- A split ring or small clip: this is what attaches to the zipper or keys.
- Scissors: for trimming at the end.
- Craft glue: a small dab holds the trimmed ends in place.
- Tape: holds everything still on the table while you tie.
How Much Paracord to Cut
Start with 6 feet of cord for a short zipper pull of about 4 inches. Use 8 feet if you want a longer one. Cobra knots use up cord quickly, and how tightly your child pulls changes how far it goes, so it is better to have a little left over. Short leftovers make good practice pieces.
How to Make a Paracord Keychain
The whole weave is one knot repeated, starting from the left, then the right, then the left again. If your child has made a paracord bracelet, this will feel familiar.
- Attach the cord to the ring. Fold the cord in half and push the folded end through the split ring. Pull the two tails through the loop and pull them tight.
- Set up the center. Measure about 4 inches along the cords from the ring and bend them both back toward the ring at that spot. Tape the bends to the table with the ring pointing toward you, then tape the ring down too. The two cords between the bends and the ring are your center strands. The long tails are your working strands, one on each side.
- Tie the first half. Just below the bends, cross the left tail over the two center strands, leaving a loop on the left side. Lay the right tail over the left tail. Pass the right tail under the center strands and up through the left loop. Pull both tails until the knot sits snug.
- Tie the second half. Now do the opposite. Cross the right tail over the center, leaving a loop on the right. Lay the left tail over it, pass the left tail under the center, and bring it up through the right loop. Pull snug.
- Keep going. Repeat, switching sides each time, and push each knot up against the last one. A helpful way to keep track is to say "left starts" and "right starts" out loud.
- Stop at the ring. When the knots reach the ring, leave the ring free to move. You are ready to finish the ends.
Every few knots, turn the keychain over and look at it together. Both edges should have even bumps, and the center strands should lie side by side without crossing. A steady pull works better than a hard one. Your child can do the tying while you hold the center straight, then swap jobs if they would like.
Finish the Ends
Trim both tails close to the last knot, then add a small dab of craft glue to hold each end. Let it dry fully before anyone clips it on. Our Paracord Bracelet Kit finishes the same way: trim the tails and secure them with glue.
Some people melt nylon ends with a lighter instead. That is a job for an adult only, and glue works fine for a keychain. If you would like to compare methods, see our guide to finishing a paracord bracelet.
Check It Before You Clip It On
Give the ring a firm tug and check that the knots and glued ends hold. A keychain is for a backpack, zipper or set of keys. Keep it short, and do not use it as a necklace, lanyard or anything worn around the neck, or to hold weight. If you add a charm, make sure it is secure, and keep charms and small rings away from children under 3.
Fix Common Problems
| What you see | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The weave twists into a spiral | The same side started two knots in a row | Undo back to the last flat knot and start from the other side |
| One edge looks fatter | That side was pulled harder | Loosen those knots and pull both tails evenly |
| A gap between knots | A knot was not pushed down | Push the knot up against the last one before tying the next |
| The ends slip out | The glue did not hold | Add a little more glue and let it dry fully |
| You run out of cord | The keychain was planned too long | Stop early, trim and glue the ends, and call it a short pull |
Most mistakes come out easily, so let your child find the last knot that looks right and go back to that spot. For more knots to try once this one feels easy, browse our paracord weaving patterns, or move on to our paracord bracelet tutorials.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much paracord do I need for a keychain?
About 6 feet makes a short 4‑inch zipper pull, and 8 feet gives you a longer one. Tight knots use a bit more cord.
What age can make a paracord keychain?
Kids 8 and up can usually tie the knots, with an adult nearby to help them get started.
Can I use cord from a bracelet kit?
Yes. One piece from a bracelet kit will make a keychain, though it uses cord meant for a bracelet. You will need your own split ring or clip, plus glue for the ends.
How do I finish the ends?
Trim the tails and secure them with a little glue. Leave any melting of the ends to an adult.
Why is my weave twisting?
The same side probably started two knots in a row. Undo back to the last flat knot and start from the other side.
Can kids wear a paracord keychain around their neck?
No. Cords around the neck can be a strangulation hazard, so keep it clipped to a bag, zipper or keys.
Ready for the next project? The Paracord Bracelet Kit comes with colorful cord, buckles, charms and picture instructions, including how to weave in an accent color.
