Paracord key fobs are not just practical; they can be a great way to showcase your crafting skills and add a personal touch to your everyday carry. While there are numerous ways to create these handy accessories, this guide will walk you through making a particularly fancy paracord key fob, utilizing a combination of decorative knots for a truly unique and eye-catching design. This project draws inspiration from classic knotting techniques, adapted for paracord to create a robust and stylish key fob.
This tutorial is perfect for those looking to elevate their paracord crafting beyond basic designs. We’ll be using a series of knots that, when combined, create a sophisticated and durable Key Fob Paracord design. For a smaller, more traditional key fob, type 1 paracord (95 paracord) is recommended, as seen in the images above. However, if you prefer a larger, more substantial feel, 550 paracord can be used, resulting in a bulkier key fob as shown below. Consider your preference and intended use when choosing your cord.
Let’s gather the necessary supplies and dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own fancy paracord key fob. While this design is a bit more advanced, with patience and persistence, you’ll be able to master the techniques and create these impressive key fobs with ease.
Supplies You’ll Need
To get started, you will need the following materials:
- Paracord:
- Type 1 Paracord (95 paracord): Three pieces, each 3.5 feet long for a smaller key fob.
- 550 Paracord: Three pieces, each 5 feet long for a larger, more robust key fob.
- Core Material: A core to tie around. Options include:
- Metal rod or wire (preferred for stability)
- Stick or wooden dowel
- Toothpick (for smaller projects)
- Lacing Needle: Helpful for neatly tucking in the cord ends during finishing.
- Scissors: For cutting the paracord.
- Lighter: To melt and seal the cut ends of the paracord, preventing fraying.
These are fairly common tools for paracord crafting, ensuring you can easily set up your workspace and begin creating your paracord key fob.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Fancy Paracord Key Fob
Now, let’s proceed with the knotting process to assemble your fancy paracord key fob:
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Preparing the Cords:
- Lay your three chosen paracord strands side by side, ensuring they are aligned.
- Locate the middle point of the aligned cords.
- Measure approximately one inch upwards from the middle point.
- Use a clip or clamp to secure the three cords together at this point. This marks where your loop will begin.
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Creating the Loop and Footrope Knot:
- Twist the three cords together to form a single, unified strand, employing a rope twisting technique. Twist for about two inches. If using 550 paracord, the original article suggests twisting two cords and incorporating the third later.
- Fold the twisted section over to create a loop at the top of your paracord key fob.
- Secure the base of this loop tightly by tying a six-stranded footrope knot. This knot forms the initial decorative element and structural base.
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Crown Sinnet and Core:
- Begin a six-stranded crown sinnet immediately below the footrope knot.
- Insert your chosen core material (wire, stick, etc.) into the center of the sinnet and continue tying the crown sinnet around this core. The core provides shape and rigidity to the key fob paracord.
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Diamond Knot:
- Once the crown sinnet reaches your desired length, it’s time to add a diamond knot.
- Using all six strands, tie a diamond knot.
- For added visual appeal and bulk, double the diamond knot on its inner side as shown in the video tutorial for this paracord key fob project.
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Star Knot and Finishing:
- The star knot is the centerpiece of this design, adding significant flair to your paracord key fob. Tie a star knot directly beneath the diamond knot using the six strands.
- To finish the bottom neatly, crown the six strands once, similar to the crown sinnet.
- Double the strands within this final crown knot for a cleaner look.
- Use a lacing needle to carefully thread the loose ends back up and into the bottom of the star knot, concealing them within the knot structure.
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Final Touches:
- Trim any excess paracord extending from the bottom of the key fob.
- Use a lighter to carefully melt and seal the cut ends, ensuring a neat and durable finish to your key fob paracord.
With the final touches complete, your fancy paracord key fob is ready! The combination of these knots creates a visually interesting and robust accessory. For a complete visual guide, refer to the video tutorial linked in the original article. Enjoy crafting your unique and stylish key fob!
