In this blog, I'll walk you through everything you need to know — from the tools and materials to a step-by-step tutorial — to create your very own heart-shaped keyring.

Why You'll Love This Project

• It’s beginner-friendly

• Makes a perfect handmade gift

• Customizable with different colours and beads

• Quick to complete, ideal for weekend crafting

Tools and Materials Needed

Before we dive into the tutorial, gather all the supplies you'll need:

Materials:

• Macrame cord (2–3mm thick cotton cord works best)

• Keyring (a simple round ring or lobster clasp)

• Optional beads (for extra decoration)

Tools:

• Scissors (sharp ones for clean cuts)

• Measuring tape or ruler

• Comb (optional, to brush out ends for a softer look)

• Fabric glue (optional, for securing ends)

• Clipboard or masking tape (to hold your project steady)

Suggested Cord Lengths:

For one heart keyring, you'll typically need:

• Two cords about 50 inches each

• One cord about 8 inches for wrapping and finishing

(Pro tip: It's better to have a little extra cord than too little)

How to Make a Heart Shaped Macrame Keyring

Ready? Let’s jump into it!

Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace

Attach your keyring to a clipboard or tape it to a flat surface. This keeps your project steady while you work.

Fold both 50-inch cords in half to find their centres. Attach them to the keyring using a lark’s head knot:

• Fold the cord into a loop

• Slip the loop through the keyring

• Pull the two cord ends through the loop and tighten

You should now have four working cords hanging down from the keyring.

Step 2: Create the Top of the Heart

Now you’ll start forming the top curves of the heart using square knots.

• Take the outer left cord (Cord 1) and bring it over the two middle cords (Cords 2 and 3), creating a loop on the left side.

• Take the outer right cord (Cord 4) and bring it over Cord 1, then behind the two middle cords, and up through the loop on the left side.

• Pull evenly to tighten the knot at the base of the keyring.

This is half of a square knot.

Now, repeat the process, starting with the right cord:

• Cord 4 goes over the two middle cords.

• Cord 1 goes over Cord 4, behind the two middle cords, and up through the loop on the right side.

Tighten again. You’ve now made a full square knot!

Continue making square knots until you have a small section of about 4–5 knots. This forms the first "bump" of the heart.

Step 3: Form the Heart Shape

Now, it’s time to split the cords into two sections to form the left and right sides of the heart.

• Divide the cords into two groups: the left two cords and the right two cords.

• Work on the left two cords first:

  • Make about 3 square knots going downward (it’ll slightly angle naturally).

• Repeat the same on the right two cords.

Tip: To really emphasize the heart shape, pull the cords slightly outward as you knot.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Once you’ve made 3 knots on each side:

• Bring all four cords back together in the center.

• Use the outer cords to tie a few more central square knots (about 2–3 knots) to close the heart’s point.

Now you’ll start to see the full heart shape appear.

Step 5: Finishing the Keyring

To secure and finish your macrame heart:

• Use the 8-inch cord to tie a wrapping knot also known as a gathering knot around all the cords just below the heart shape.

Finally, trim the fringe at the bottom to your desired length. You can leave it loose for a boho look or brush it out with a comb for a fluffier effect.

Styling and Customization Ideas

Want to make your macrame heart even more special? Try these ideas:

• Use coloured cord for a fun twist (pink, red, or multi-coloured)

• Add beads at the bottom or in between knots

• Dip-dye the fringe for an ombre effect

• Add initials or charms for personalized gifts

Final Thoughts

Making a heart-shaped macrame keyring is not only easy but also so rewarding. Whether you gift it to a friend, a loved one, or keep it as a reminder of self-love, it's sure to be a little treasure.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and feel inspired to start your own macrame journey. Happy knotting.