Keychains are so underrated, they are not just for holding keys anymore. They are a vibe!
Seriously, they are the best way to add a little personality to your backpack, lanyard, or even your favorite purse.
Plus, buying a bunch of cute ones gets expensive fast.
That is why we are making our own!
These DIY ideas are simple, cheap, and they make the cutest gifts ever.
Get ready to ditch the boring plain stuff and upgrade your style with these amazing keychain crafts!
1. Embroidered Monogram Charm
I actually tried a craft similar to this for a birthday gift last year, and it was a huge hit!
This piece is totally unique because it takes a simple initial cut-out and covers it in super colorful embroidery and tiny beads.
I love how the bigger flowers are embroidered right onto the letter, making them really pop in 3D.
The little yellow petals framing the edge are such a perfect, bright touch that makes the whole thing look polished.
This is the ultimate personalized gift that shows you spent time making something special.
2. Boho Macrame Fringe
These little macrame keychains are so on-trend right now!
I’ve seen these everywhere, and they are the perfect way to get that cute boho, fringy texture on your keys or backpack.
I love that they used different pastel colors like the pink, lilac, and mint green cord.
The way they mixed up the patterns, like the woven bars and the heart shape, makes them feel really custom and high-quality.
This is definitely a fun one to try if you want to learn some basic macrame knots!
3. The Polymer Clay
I have definitely seen these trending everywhere, they are the cutest!
This craft uses polymer clay to mold tiny, cheerful versions of your favorite foods, like little ravioli and avocado halves.
The best part is giving each one a tiny, painted smiley face, it makes them look like little friendly characters!
It’s awesome how much detail they put into these, from the bacon stripes to the little rice grain texture on the shrimp.
This project is perfect if you want to make a super cute, custom charm that feels really durable and professional.
4. The Vintage Shaker Charm
I feel like this is a keychain you would find in an antique shop, but you can totally make it yourself!
These charms are so unique because they are layered shaker pieces.
That means they have little glitter and confetti sealed inside that moves around.
I love the pastel, floral scrapbook cutouts and the tiny gold pieces hanging off the ring; it makes the whole thing look so delicate and fancy.
The little bow on the round one is the perfect detail.
This is a great project if you love working with resin or clear plastic film to seal the layers.
5. Resin Name Keychains
Okay, so I literally just made one of these for my best friend’s birthday, and it turned out amazing!
This custom resin name keychain idea is pure gold.
The tiny gold flakes mixed into the clear resin are so pretty and give it a super classy sparkle without being too extra.
It’s the perfect way to make your keys look instantly stylish.
Plus, getting your name or your fave word written in that beautiful script makes it a totally personal and unique accessory.
It’s sturdy, trendy, and makes the best gift!
Seriously, anyone would love to clip this onto their backpack or purse.
6. Woven Thread Keychains
Seriously, these woven thread keychains are such a throwback!
They remind me of making bracelets at summer camp when I was little, but these are so much cooler because you can do actual designs.
Look at that little witch hat and pumpkin!
If you know how to do simple knotting, you can make any pattern you want.
It’s awesome for customizing your gear for every season.
You can match it to your school colors, your favorite sports team, or even your holiday vibe, like this one.
7. Portrait Keychains
Stop right there! This is genuinely the coolest thing I’ve seen all day.
Turning a favorite photo into a stylized portrait keychain is such a genius move.
I can totally imagine using a picture of my roommates and me for this!
This style is perfect because it takes your memory and makes it look like modern art.
It’s a super unique craft that goes way beyond a simple photo print.
The clean lines and bold color blocks really make the whole piece pop.
8. Fabric Scrap Keychains
I absolutely love how this idea uses little fabric scraps to make tiny scenes inside clear acrylic blanks.
It’s super smart and sustainable, too!
Instead of throwing out those small pieces of denim or canvas, you get to turn them into a cute, mini work of art.
The tiny houses look so cozy and minimalist.
It gives off a super rustic but modern vibe, which is really popular right now.
Plus, you can use fabrics that mean something to you, like a piece from an old favorite shirt.
9. Paracord Knot Keychains
How cool is this paracord keychain?
It’s not just a keychain, it’s a total survival tool disguised as a sleek accessory!
I’ve seen a bunch of guys in my outdoor club rocking these on their backpacks.
The knot work here is seriously next-level. It looks so complicated, but you can learn the basic knots pretty fast.
Using black cord like this gives it a really edgy, modern feel, and the silver beads add a nice little accent.
10. Paracord Wristlet Keychains
I actually saw a girl in my Bio lab using one of these as a wristlet, and it was such a smart move!
These braided paracord keychains are the ultimate in practicality and style.
They are chunky enough that you can spot your keys instantly, which is perfect when you’re digging through a big tote bag.
I love how you can mix and match three different cord colors to create a striped pattern like this.
11. Tiny Braided Zipper
These miniature braided cords are such a clever idea!
They are not just keychains; they are the ultimate zipper pulls.
You could clip them onto anything that needs a little extra grip, like your hoodie, your gym bag, or even the small pocket on your suitcase.
I totally need a bright orange one for my laptop case!
12. Felted Fruit Keychains
Okay, how precious is this little needle-felted fig?
This idea brings a totally different, soft texture to your key ring.
If you love things that are cute and a little bit squishy, this is the craft for you.
It’s like having a tiny, fuzzy pet for your keys!
I’ve seen people make tiny avocados and strawberries with this technique, and they always look so sweet and perfectly formed.
The texture and gradient colors you can get with the wool are just incredible, like the purple and green blending on this one.
13. Pet Portrait Keychains
Oh my gosh, these are too cute for words! If you have a pet, you absolutely have to try this.
Creating tiny, custom polymer clay portraits of your dog or cat is the ultimate way to keep them with you all the time.
Look at that happy Corgi face and that fluffy white pup, the detail is just insane!
This craft takes a bit of patience, but the result is a perfectly sculpted mini version of your furry best friend.
14. Polymer Clay Pet Portrait
Oh my gosh, these are too cute for words!
If you have a pet, you absolutely have to try this.
Creating tiny, custom polymer clay portraits of your dog or cat is the ultimate way to keep them with you all the time.
Look at that happy Corgi face and that fluffy white pup, the detail is just insane!
This craft takes a bit of patience, but the result is a perfectly sculpted mini version of your furry best friend.
15. Amigurumi Crochet Chick
Seriously, these little crocheted chick keychains are just too sweet!
If you know how to do simple Amigurumi, you absolutely need to make a flock of these.
They are so round and cheerful, making them the perfect way to brighten up your keys or bag.
I love the contrast between the sunny yellow and the crisp white shells.
This little detail makes them feel extra special and creative!
Since they are soft, you don’t have to worry about them scratching your phone in your bag.
16. Wooden Disc Keychains
These little hand-painted wooden keychains are peak cute!
I love how you can take a simple wooden circle and turn it into a custom piece of art.
Painting these adorable characters on them gives such a charming, unique, and personal touch.
This craft is perfect if you love to doodle or paint.
You can use your favorite cartoon characters, meme designs, or even just some cool abstract art.
The purple background here makes the cute bears pop!
They are lightweight but sturdy, so they won’t add a ton of bulk to your keys.
17. Custom Charms with Dangles
This idea is seriously for the aesthetic queens out there!
I love how this isn’t just one thing, but a whole collection of charms dangling beautifully together.
You start with your fave image, maybe an anime character like this one, or your crush, and then you go wild adding different bits.
The mix of metal chains, bright red beads, and that super cute bow gives it so much depth and personality.
It’s perfect for showing off your fandom love in a really extra, stylish way.
That little safety pin detail is so punk-chic, too.
18. Woven Texture Key Fobs
Okay, these woven key fobs look seriously high-end, like something you’d find in a fancy boutique!
The texture is what makes them amazing, that tight geometric weave gives a really sophisticated, grown-up look.
I love how the pattern almost pops out in 3D, especially on the dark one with the light blocks.
Adding the contrasting leather trim and the sleek black hardware takes this craft to the next level.
This is the perfect DIY project if you want a keychain that doesn’t look like a typical craft.
19. Character Keychains
I absolutely love this kind of keychain!
This PVC character style is awesome because it’s super durable and lets you make literally any fun, meme-worthy design you can think of.
The “Engineer Loading” one is hilarious and perfect for anyone starting a tough major.
The bright colors and the clean, raised edges of the design make it really stand out.
These are lightweight, waterproof, and can handle being tossed around in a backpack, which is perfect for busy college life.
20. Clay Pet Portrait Keychains
If you have a pet, you absolutely have to try this.
Creating tiny, custom polymer clay portraits of your dog or cat is the ultimate way to keep them with you all the time.
Look at that happy Corgi face and that fluffy white pup, the detail is just insane!
This craft takes a bit of patience, but the result is a perfectly sculpted mini version of your furry best friend.
You can capture their specific fur colors and cute little expressions.
I’ve seen these in person, and they look exactly like the real dog!