How to Weave a Key Chain

Learn how to weave your own personalized key chains.

For many people, key chains are a mode of self-expression, a way to assert individuality. If you like to carry key chains, consider learning how to make your own custom versions. Key chains can be woven out of plastic lace following a variety of patterns, and you can use your favorite colors to make woven designs. Learn how to weave a key chain to add to your own collection or give them away as gifts to friends and family.

Things You'll Need

• 8 feet of plastic lace
• Metal lanyard hook

Instructions

1. Cut two 4-foot strands of plastic lace and slide both strands through the bottom of a lanyard hook.

2. Press the strands of lace up against the bottom of the lanyard hook at the center of each strand. Cross the two strands in the middle, forming an X shape. Pinch the crossed strands between your thumb and forefinger, holding them tight against the lanyard hook, while you complete the rest of the starter stitch.

3. Pick up one end of the bottom strand and flip it up over the crossing strand. Do the same with the other end. This should form a double loop over the crossing strand. Do not pull the loop tight.

4. Pick up the left end of the crossing strand and pass it over the left loop and under the right. Take the right end of the crossing strand and pass it over the right loop and under the left. Slowly and carefully pull the four strands in opposite directions to tighten the stitch. Pull the stitch as tight as you can without stretching or breaking the strands. When finished, your stitch should look like a checkered square.

5. Begin making stitches following a similar procedure used to complete the starter stitch. Hold the starter stitch in front of you with the checkerboard pattern facing up, the four strands pointing north, south, east and west.

6. Take the south strand and loop it over the starter stitch. Then form a second loop over the starter stitch using the north strand. Weave the west strand over the left loop and under the right loop. Then weave the east strand over the right loop and under the left. Slowly pull the strands in opposite directions to tighten the stitch.

7. Continue to make square stitches until your key chain reaches the desired length. When finished, you should have at least 2 1/2 inches of excess left on each strand of plastic lace.

8. Complete your key chain by making another square stitch, but do not pull the stitch completely tight. Take the south strand and wrap it around the the strand to the left and up through the center of the stitch. Repeat the process using the east strand, then the north, and then the west strand. When finished, all of the strands should be coming up out of the center of the stitch.

9. Gently pull on all four strands at once to tighten the stitch. You may need to use your other hand to push the knot down tightly against the rest of the stitches. Trim away the excess plastic lace to a length of 1 inch, or longer if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• To make your key chain more colorful, and to make weaving it easier, use two different colors of plastic lace. Using two different colors will create a checkerboard pattern.

References

• Boondoggle Man.com; The Square Stitch
• Boondoggle Man.com; Lanyard Keychains