We use keychains every day in our lives but have you ever thought of what they are and why they are used? A keychain can be defined as a little chain, usually made from plastic, metal, wood or other material, that carries little items. The chain is like a standard key ring, having a loop of chain attached to a useful item.
People are continuously trying to find new ideas to express themselves, especially ideas for arts and crafts projects. People who have a creative mind and appreciate taking on new challenges are continuously in search of unique projects to work on and making key chains is a fun and fulfilling project that’s suitable for individuals of all ages.
This article presents limitless possibilities and can be spun in a variety of ways to create a unique and custom keychain that anybody would be glad to use. This step-by-step process is simple and easy to follow.
How To Make Keychains
1. Knotting Techniques
Knotting is an oft-used technique in making keychains. There is a large variety of knots available and it can be said that each has its own unique character. The keychain producer will need to select a knot (or knots) that he likes and feels comfortable making. Oftentimes the same knots can look very diverse when tied with different materials or in combinations with other knots. This being the case, experimentation is key.
The design we will discuss is commonly referred to as a square knot. This is often the same knot most individuals learned in Scouts for their neckerchief.
To execute the square knot, make a “4” shape with the left cord over the middle two cords. Then bring the right cord over the left one just made and after that, under the middle two. Pull the right cord through the space between the left cord and the two middle cords and tighten the knot.
Then for the second half of the knot, simply reverse the process by making a backwards “4” with the left cord over the middle two. Then bring the right cord over the left one just made and then beneath the middle two.
Once more, drag the right cord through the space between the left cord and the two center cords and after that, tighten it.
2. Beading Technique
When using beads, it is important to know how to create a stitch that is able to hold the bead in place. This can be a really simple process. When one bead is desired to be placed onto a key chain, one end of the lacing is folded back over the bead, making a loop.
Then, utilizing the other end of the lacing string, slip the bead onto the string, overlapping both sides of the lacing. Pull the bead tight and this will make a stitch holding the bead in place.
By repeating this process, an x-type pattern can be made in the center of a square of key chain, with four beads meeting in the center. This can be valuable in making a design at the center of a key chain, using diverse colored beads to create the x design.
A variety of beads can also be utilized to complement a key chain’s design. Any type of bead can be used that has a hole large enough to fit two strings of lacing through. Pony beads are the most commonly found beads at a reasonable cost. Pony beads are available in a wide array of colors and are the perfect size for key chain projects. Other types of beads can include glass beads, wooden beads, or even other things such as buttons or small toys.
3. Braiding Technique
Braiding is simply a method of joining three or more strands of flexible material, such as cloth or yarn, in overlapping designs. It is an ancient art that’s simple to learn and can be as straightforward or as complex as the braider chooses.
There are many different procedures that can be used to make a braid, each with its own special look. Depending on the materials and equipment utilized to create the braid, the conceivable outcomes are endless.
Round-shaped keychains can be made by braiding around a circular object or by making a circle at the end to braid around. To make a round braid, use 3 holes or nails. Tie the 3 strands of lacing together at one end and tape the lacing to a flat surface at the other end, the top of the keychain braid.
For the first or top braid, bring the left strand to the right, the bottom strand to the middle and the right strand to the middle. Now, starting from the left side, number the 3 strands 1, 2 and 3 from left to right.
Drag strand #1 across strand #2 and make a little loop towards the right. Bring strand #3 up through the #2 loop and over to the left. Push the 2 loops together to create a knot. Repeat the steps of making a knot with the new position of #1 over #3 and taking #3 over #2 until the braid is the desired length. A round braid will be flat on the bottom side.
Advanced Keychain Designs
1. Macrame patterns
Macrame is an ancient craft utilized by sailors to decorate items and wear on their long voyages. Presently, it is reemerging with new and advanced ideas that encourage the person making the item to produce something unique and individual. Macrame is the art of tying knots and by using the same knotting techniques, the following instructions use different combinations of knots to create unique designs.
In your keychain exploits, you will experience mostly two types of macrame; the regular kind, which uses the familiar macrame cord as its essential material and the lanyard (or gimp, boondoggle, etc.), whose fabric is plastic lace. The “knots” are the same for each, yet they look different due to the properties of the material.
Macrame keychains are a fashionable way to keep your keys together. These keychains are sure to gain attention with their unique fashion and simplicity. One of the great advantages of making your own keychain is that you have a special design that will not be duplicated.
-
Leatherwork Ideas
Leather keychains are very diverse and can be made with a very large variety of diverse leathers and adornments. The quality can range from low to medium to high. High-quality keychains are the ones made at home, created with the highest quality leather and can last for a lifetime with proper care.”
A leather keychain usually has a particular car logo on it and sometimes it can be custom made with one’s initials or name. They are not only tough, long-lasting and pleasant to look at, but they are also cheap. Most of the leather keychains are low-cost, even though they have a great deal of detail on them. Because of that, leather keychains are not only popular among car owners, but they are also a great choice for a gift.
Finishing Touches
-
Adding charms and pendants
One of the primary things that you will need to think about is why you want to attach these charms and pendants to your keychains. For the most part, they are attached to add a little bit of the owner’s identity to the keychain. They are small and inexpensive and can be changed to fit the mood or style of the owner and with a wide variety to choose from, it is easy to find something that has meaning or relates to the individual in some way, for example, a hobby, a favorite animal, a zodiac sign or a birthstone.
This can be a great gift idea, as giving the charm with the keychain will give the receiver something little but significant that they can keep for a long time. Charms and pendants are also great for advertising. A company can grant their workers or clients keychains with a little identifying charm to promote the company. A good example of this would be a realtor giving a new homeowner a keychain with the new house key on it and a little house charm.
