Cool Key Chain

This sleek, simple lanyard makes a cool key chain -- especially with its unique bead accent. You can choose your favorite colors and substitute them in the step-by-step directions below.

Eye-catching beaded lanyard key chain.
Simple, yet eye-catching, this lanyard key chain is a star!

What You'll Need

  • Two lanyard laces: 1 2/3 yards yellow, 1 2/3 yards purple
  • Key ring
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Three pony beads, 639mm: two purple, one yellow

What To Do

1. Insert one end of the purple lace through the key ring. Position the key ring at the center of the lace. Cross the lanyard laces at the centers, with the yellow lace over the purple lace below the key ring.

2. Fold the top purple lace down over the yellow lace.

Begin a lanyard beaded key chain by looping through the ring.
Loop the lanyard through
the key ring to begin.

3. Fold the left yellow lace to the right over the top purple lace.

Start your lanyard key chain by making two simple loops.
Fold the yellow lace
over to start the pattern.

4. Fold the back purple lace up over the yellow laces.

Continue your beaded key chain's pattern by folding over the purple lace.
Up and over goes the purple.

5. Fold the back yellow lace over the right purple lace and under the left purple lace.

Weave the two colors of lanyard together to form a square for your key chain.
Now you're weaving!

6. Pull all laces tight to form a square. Insert the anchor lace or safety pin through the key ring to anchor.

Secure the start of your key chain with a pin so you can begin the pattern.
Get set, the action
is about to begin...

7. Follow -- and repeat -- these steps to make 3 inches of woven key chain:

  • Fold the top purple lace down over the right yellow lace, and fold the bottom purple lace up over the left yellow lace.
  • Fold the left yellow lace to the right over the nearest purple lace and under the next purple lace. Fold the right yellow lace to the left over the nearest purple lace and under the next purple lace.
  • Pull all the laces tight.
  • Fold the top purple lace down over the left pink lace, and fold the bottom purple lace up over the right pink lace.
  • Fold the right yellow lace to the left over the nearest purple lace and under the next purple lace. Fold the left yellow lace to the right over the nearest purple lace and under the next purple lace. Pull all the laces tight.

8. Make sure all four laces are pulled tight. Thread three pony beads on all four laces. Tie all the laces together in a tight knot. Trim the ends to 3 inches. Remove the anchor.

Use beads and a big knot to finish your cool key chain with flair.
Finish your cool
key chain with flair.

Now you're ready for a challenge. Click to the next page for instructions on making a beaded key chain -- in the shape of an airplane!

For more ideas and instructions for fun craft activities, see: