DIY Macrame Mermaid Keychain | Beginner Tutorial
Welcome to Samra Knots, where we believe in the magic of creating with your own hands! If you're searching for a captivating, quick, and truly beginner-friendly macrame project, you've come to the right place. This DIY Macrame Mermaid Tail Keychain tutorial isn't just about making a beautiful accessory; it's about discovering the calm and creativity that macrame offers.
This mermaid tail design brings ocean-inspired boho charm to your everyday, perfect for keys, bags, or as a unique handmade gift. You'll achieve stunning results using surprisingly simple macrame knots.
Why You'll Love This Project
Handmade Value & Easy for Beginners
Beginner-Friendly for Everyone: If you're new to the world of knotting, this is the perfect project for you! You'll master just a few fundamental macrame knots, making it the ideal entry point into this relaxing and rewarding art form.
More Than Just a Keychain: In a world filled with mass-produced items, your handmade creation is truly special. Handmade macrame keychains bring warmth, personality, and connect you to the artisanal skill of knotting.
Quick, Rewarding, and Customizable
Quick & Rewarding Craft: Designed to be quick, this project typically takes only about 15–20 minutes. It’s perfect for a fun afternoon craft session, a last-minute handmade gift, or creating small batches for craft fairs.
Make It Yours: You can easily personalize your mermaid tail! Experiment with different cord colors—try vibrant blues for an ocean feel or neutrals for classic boho elegance. You can also choose various clasp styles to match your aesthetic perfectly.
Surprisingly Versatile Uses
While designed as a keychain, your finished mermaid tail extends far beyond just your keys!
Bag Charm: Add a unique flair to your handbag, tote, or backpack.
Zipper Pull: Attach it to any zipper for a stylish, easy-to-grab pull.
Car Accessory: Use it as a decorative, boho charm on your rearview mirror.
Boho Display: Create a collection to adorn a small, boho-inspired wall display.
Materials & Tools You Will Need
(Contains affiliate links)
3mm Macrame Cord: 4 pieces, each 150 cm long.
Lobster Clasp or Keyring
Fringe Comb
Sharp Scissors
Shop the Materials:
Cord Link: 3mm Macrame Cord: https://amzn.to/4oAz9ct
Lobster Clasp or Keyring: https://amzn.to/4hyqXYa
Fringe Comb: https://amzn.to/4oFMAIk
Scissors: https://amzn.to/4hsOg5l
Affiliate Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them — at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue creating free tutorials and improving this channel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut Your Cords
Measure and cut 4 cords, each 150 cm long.
Fold each cord in half. This gives you 8 working strands in total.
2. Attach to the Clasp (Lark's Head Knot)
Use a Lark’s Head Knot to attach each of the four folded cords to the clasp or keyring:
Pass the folded loop through the clasp from front to back.
Pull the cord ends through the loop and tighten.
Repeat until all four cords are attached, creating the eight hanging strands.
3. Create the Mermaid Pattern (Double Half Hitch Knot)
The mermaid tail or "fishbone" design is created by alternating diagonal lines of the Double Half Hitch Knot.
Start Left: Take the far leftmost cord and bring it diagonally across the others to the right. This cord is your stationary Holding Cord.
Knot Across: Using the next three cords (the Working Cords), tie a Double Half Hitch Knot onto your Holding Cord with each one. This creates the first diagonal line.
Start Right: Take the far rightmost cord and bring it diagonally across the others to the left. This is your new Holding Cord.
Knot Across: Using the next three cords, tie a Double Half Hitch Knot onto the Holding Cord.
Repeat: This forms one "V" shape. Continue alternating sides, knotting three times from the left and three times from the right, until your pattern reaches your desired length (usually 10-15 rows).
4. Shape the Tail
Once you’ve finished knotting the body, gather all the cords together at the base.
Tie all cords together with a secure Gathering Knot or a simple, tight Overhand Knot. This knot will form the base where the tail begins to flare out.
5. Brush & Trim
Use a comb or brush to untwist the cord ends below the final knot into a soft fringe.
Trim the fringe to shape it into a neat V-shape or a gentle rounded tail for the classic mermaid look.
Watch the full video tutorial here:
Caring for Your Handmade Macrame Keychain
To ensure your beautiful macrame mermaid tail keychain remains vibrant and keeps its charming shape, here are a few simple care tips:
Spot Clean Gently: For small marks or dirt, use a damp cloth with a tiny bit of mild soap. Gently dab the affected area and allow it to air dry completely.
Avoid Excessive Moisture: If your keychain gets wet, gently reshape it and allow it to air dry thoroughly to prevent the fibers from matting.
Keep Fringe Neat: The fringed tail can sometimes get a bit tangled. A quick, gentle comb-through with your brush will keep the strands soft and separate.
Storage: When not in use, store your keychain in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent fading.
Tips for a Perfect Mermaid Tail Keychain
For a fuller, thicker tail, you can use a thicker cord (4mm) or simply add extra strands at the start.
Mix colours (two cords of blue, two cords of white) for a unique, playful design.
For extra durability, you can spray a little fabric stiffener on the fringe to help it hold its shape better.
Shop or DIY — Your Choice!
No Time to Craft? If you love this design but prefer to purchase a ready-made keychain, you can find the Handmade Macrame Mermaid Keychain in the shop right now.
Tag @SamraKnots... we’d love to feature your work!
Ready to create your own? Watch the full video tutorial above and start knotting today!
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