Crafting a Sweet Macrame Keychain or Charm!

Looking for a charming and slightly more intricate macrame project? This step-by-step guide will walk you through creating a beautiful twirling heart keychain or charm using a combination of knotting techniques. Get ready to add a touch of handmade love to your keys or bags!

What You’ll Need:

• Two colors of thin macrame cord or embroidery floss (we’ll use a darker pink and a lighter pink). You’ll need one longer piece of the lighter pink and a shorter piece of the darker pink.
• Scissors
• A keychain ring or lobster clasp.
• Optional: A small piece of wire or a needle to help thread the cord.

Step 1: Creating the Initial Wrapped Section (Top Right Image)

1. Take your longer piece of the lighter pink cord and fold it in half. This will be the core of your project.
2. Take your shorter piece of the darker pink cord. Lay one end of it alongside the folded lighter pink cords, near the fold (creating a loop at the top of the lighter pink).
3. Start tightly wrapping the darker pink cord around the two lighter pink strands. Work your way down a few centimeters (about an inch).
4. Once you have a wrapped section, create a loop with the darker pink cord and pass the end through the loop to secure the wrapping. Pull gently to tighten the knot within the wrapping. Trim any excess darker pink cord.

Step 2: Forming the First Heart Loop (Middle Right Image)

1. Take the two strands of the lighter pink cord. Form a loop with one of them. The size of this loop will determine the size of your heart.
2. Bring the end of this lighter pink strand back down and hold it against the main strands.

Step 3: Securing the First Heart Loop with Wrapping (Bottom Right Image)

1. Take the other lighter pink strand and begin wrapping it tightly around the base of the loop you just created, encompassing both the loop strand and the main strands. Wrap for about the same length as your initial wrapped section (Step 1).
2. Once you’ve wrapped enough, pass the end of this wrapping strand through the loop at the top of the lighter pink cords. Pull gently to secure the wrap.

Step 4: Creating the Second Heart Loop (Top Left Image – Detail)

1. Now, take the remaining lighter pink strand (the one that wasn’t used to form the first loop or the wrapping). Form another loop, mirroring the size and shape of the first heart loop.

Step 5: Securing the Second Heart Loop (Middle Left Image)

1. Bring the end of this second heart loop strand back down and wrap the remaining lighter pink strand (from the previous wrapping) around the base of this second loop, again encompassing the loop strand and the main strands. Wrap for a similar length.
2. Pass the end of the wrapping strand through the loop at the top to secure it. Pull gently and trim any excess. You should now have two heart-shaped loops.

Step 6: Creating the Connecting Section (Bottom Left Image)

1. Take the two main strands of the lighter pink cord that are hanging below the hearts.
2. Begin making simple overhand knots with these two strands, one after the other, to create a small connecting section. This will help keep the hearts in place. The length of this section is up to you.

Step 7: Attaching the Keychain Ring/Clasp (Bottom Right Image – Detail)

1. At the top of your creation, where the initial loop of the lighter pink cord is, attach your keychain ring or lobster clasp. You can simply thread the loop through the ring/clasp.

Step 8: Adding a Final Decorative Knot (Top Left Image – Completed Charms)

1. You can add a final decorative knot at the very top, above the wrapped section and the loop for the keychain. A simple knot or a small wrapped section can add a polished look. In the example, a small wrapped section is used.

Step 9: Finishing the Ends (Top Left Image – Completed Charms)

1. Trim the remaining ends of the lighter pink cords below the connecting section to your desired length. You can leave them as a fringe or trim them neatly.

Your Twirling Hearts Macrame Keychain/Charm is Complete!

You now have a beautiful and unique macrame charm featuring two intertwined hearts. The twisting effect adds a lovely visual element. Attach it to your keys, backpack, or use it as a decorative accent. Experiment with different color combinations to create your own variations of this charming design! Happy knotting!