Macrame Mermaid Tail Keychain DIY // Tutorial + Video

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Learn how to make a simple DIY macrame mermaid tail keychain in this step by step tutorial!

Macrame keychains are one of my all time favorite projects. They’re quick, functional, and usually pretty easy to make!

This mermaid tail macrame keychain definitely fits in all of those categories, plus it’s super cute.

If you or someone you know is a big fan of mermaid stuff, this is the perfect macrame project to try! Especially if you’re looking for a last minute DIY gift idea.

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The knots used in this keychain are the larks head knot, diagonal double half hitch, and the wrapping knot. They’re all pretty easy, although the diagonal double half hitch can take a little practice to get just right. This is a great way to practice it!

Oh hey, while you’re here, did you know I started a Facebook group all about macrame that you should totally check out if you haven’t already? If you’re already a member, awesome yay!! If not, here’s the details…

Now, let’s take a look at what supplies you’ll need to make this adorable mermaid tail keychain.

Get the printable Ad-Free, Large Print version of this pattern in my shop! Includes full photo tutorial and black and white printer friendly version.

Supplies You’ll Need to Make a Macrame Mermaid Tail Keychain

• 3 mm single strand macrame cord in the following lengths
  • 3 pieces @ 48″ long (main cords)
  • 1 piece @ 20″ long (wrapping knot cord)
• Keychain clasp
• Brush (for fringe)
• Macrame Board or Corkboard
• T-Pins
• Sharp Scissors

Related: Best Places to Get Macrame Cord (and Other Macrame Supplies)

Macrame Mermaid Tail Keychain Tutorial

Step 1: Attach the cords to the keychain clasp

First you need to attach your three 48″ cords to the keychain clasp by folding them in half and using larks head knots to secure them.

Then, pin the clasp down to your macrame board or cork board and it’s time to start knotting!

Related: Basic Macrame Knots for Beginners (Video & Written Tutorials)

Step 2: Tie diagonal double half hitch knots

The majority of this keychain is made with diagonal double half hitch knots.

Start on the left and make two diagonal double half hitch knots going down and to the right.

Then on the right, make three diagonal double half hitch knots going down and to the left.

This will form a nice V shape. Continue this process for six more rows (there will be seven all together).

For the eighth row, starting on the left you’ll do the one diagonal double half hitch down and to the right, then you’ll hold both the filler cord AND the working cord from the first knot together and tie the second diagonal double half hitch over them both (down and to the right).

Then switch over to the right side and do the same process. The first diagonal double half hitch down and to the left will be normal.

For the second knot, you’ll hold the filler cord and the working cord from the first knot together and tie the knot over them.

Related: Macrame Wristlet Keychain (Tutorial & Video!)

Step 3: Finish with a wrapping knot

Now it’s time to tie the wrapping knot at the bottom. Grab the 20″ long piece of rope and hold it against the ends in a U shape (like the first picture above.)

Then begin wrapping firmly right under the last row of double half hitch knots. Wrap around four times.

Thread the end of the cord you’ve been wrapping with through the loop underneath the wraps (the bottom of the U you made earlier).

Then pull the short cord sticking out of the top of the wraps until the loop slides up under the wraps about halfway. Don’t accidentally pull it out of the top!

Trim the two ends of the wrapping knot and push them up under the wraps.

Step 4: Cut fringe, brush, cut, brush, and repeat

Now for the fun part! Cut the fringe at the bottom in an inverted V shape (like a fish tail, or a mermaid tail in this case).

Grab your macrame fringe/pet brush and brush it out really well. I sprayed mine with some Aleene’s Stiffen Quik spray to help it hold it’s shape.

Once it’s brushed out, trim it again back into the upside down V shape.

Done!

I hope you enjoyed this Macrame Mermaid Tail Keychain tutorial! This was a fun project to make and it was super quick which is always one of my favorite kinds.

If you make one of these, please come share a picture on Instagram and tag me @marchingnorth so I can take a look! I love seeing all of your awesome creations.

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Macrame Mermaid Tail Keychain DIY // Tutorial + Video