How to Make Rope Keychains

Create a simple rope key chain as a gift.

As explained by the United States Search and Rescue Task Force, rope is symbolic of the equipment and lifelines used and relied upon daily by rescuers, climbers and fishermen. Knotting a piece of rope to a key chain is a simple but meaningful gift you can create for the special hero or outdoorsman in your life. Even a novice with knots can attach a rope to a key ring using a lark's head -- or cow hitch -- knot.

Things You'll Need

• Key ring
• Thin rope
• Scissors
• Lighter or matches (optional)
• White school glue

Instructions

1. Cut a length of rope approximately 12 inches long.

2. Fold the rope in half so you have a loop on top and the loose ends of even length. Thread the loop through the opening in the key ring.

3. Fold the loop over the edge of the key ring and pull the loose ends through the loop, capturing the key ring inside the knot.

4. Tighten the lark's head knot by tugging on the loose ends until the knot is firm around the key ring.

5. Clip the ends of the knot, as desired. If the rope of made of a plastic or synthetic material, you can lightly burn the ends using a lighter or matches to seal the ends against fraying. Otherwise, dab a bit of white glue on the ends of the rope and allow to dry.

References

• United States Search and Rescue Task Force; Ropes & Knots
• Animated Knots by Grog: Cow Hitch (Lanyard Hitch)
• Fusion Beads: Lark's Head Knot

Resources

• Animated Knots