If you had to pick one piece of gear that could truly be said to be a prepper’s best friend, you’d have a really hard time arguing against paracord.

Yeah, duct tape would have a lot to say about that choice, but paracord is reusable and, in my opinion, infinitely more useful if you know how to use it.

But not every cool paracord technique needs to save the day. Sometimes it’s okay to just make something practical with it, like a keychain! Tying your own paracord keychain is a fun, easy project and also a practical one since it will build your knot-tying and weaving skills.

If you’re up for the challenge or just looking for a new, cool keychain to show off, you are in the right place because I’m bringing you 21 unique designs from around the web. Grab your scissors and your lighter, and we’ll get straight into them.

Classic Paracord Keychain

I know paracord wizards always want to outdo themselves with intricate and eye-catching designs, but it’s often good to stick with the basics.

This classic keychain is instantly recognizable and is where most people got their start when learning to craft with paracord.

If you’re just getting started, give this one a try. It still looks good, works well, and is plenty durable. Learn to make it here.

Butterfly Stitch Scoobie

This round keychain scoobie uses the decorative but subtle butterfly knot. It’s easy to grip, takes up minimal room in your pocket, and holds a surprising amount of paracord in case you need it for emergency purposes.

It’s not difficult, but you can make it easier on yourself if you have two different colors of paracord since you are less likely to get mixed up following the instructions.

Crisscross Solomon

A showy and bulky knot, the crisscross Solomon, as the name suggests, shows off an alternating X pattern at the center of the weave, and this is another great opportunity to use two different colors of paracord to make a truly eye-catching design.

Beyond aesthetics, the chunky peaks and valleys of this keychain provide great traction even if you have gloves on. Despite how complex it looks, it’s still fairly easy to make.

Button Compass Holder

This is a simple paracord keychain, but still one of my very favorites because of its sheer practicality…

Carrying a button compass is always a good idea because you never know when you might need it. Minimize the chances of losing it by tying it to this clever leash and then attaching that to your keychain.

You might have to fiddle with it a little bit to get it to cinch down securely around your specific compass, but it’s worth the aggravation and, aside from that, very easy to make.

Lanyard Keychain

This thick Cobra-stitched paracord keychain can function alternately as a lanyard thanks to its integrated hook. If you miss the days of the wallet chain where you would attach your wallet or keys to a belt or belt loop, this is definitely the version you want to try.

Aside from being super sturdy, the cobra stitch packs in a ton of paracord in a relatively small space, meaning you’ll have plenty with you if you ever find yourself in a bind. Don’t forget to get your extra hardware before you begin! Get the instructions.

Short Fishtail

The classic fishtail weave is one of my very favorite varieties for making a keychain or lanyard. It is flexible, flat, and takes up little room in the pocket plus it has an elegant look…

This one needs very little paracord, making it perfect for using up leftovers from a roll, and it’s even small enough to be used as a heavy-duty zipper pull if you want to repurpose it.

Growling Dog Knot

The growling dog knot is a unique weave that allows you to carry two coiled, nested lengths of paracord in a relatively small space.

It also looks a lot more sophisticated than it really is, and it’s simple for even a beginner to tie. All you need is a key ring or some other attachment point to tie it around and two separate pieces of paracord.

Unlike some other variations on our list, the ends tie down into a nice, neat bundle that makes the entire thing look clean and finished at both ends. I appreciate that! Here are the instructions.

Double Helix Keychain

Hands down one of the coolest keychains that we will look at today is this amazing double helix design:

It’s got a spacey, sci-fi, and almost vaguely sinister look to it! It’s also a wonderful way to carry a huge amount of paracord and the aesthetic is just top-notch if you use complementary colors.

The only downside is that it is slow and laborious to tie, and obviously quite chunky in the pocket. But it’s just so cool, none of that will matter! Well worth it if you want to try something truly different.

King Cobra Stitch

The cobra stitch is a mainstay when it comes to making a heavy-duty, thick paracord fob, keychain, zipper pull, or anything else. But it’s always possible to go bigger, as evidenced by the king cobra variation

Even thicker and even wider, this is the keychain of choice for carrying a ton of cord or if you just want something substantial in your pocket that you’ll know has gone missing immediately if you can’t feel it.

Despite the greater size, it’s just a second layer of the basic cobra stitch over the first one.

Hidden Compartment Keychain

A practical paracord keychain that is bound to appeal to the ever-ready prepper and all of us, this sizable variation is basically a small woven basket suitable for carrying tiny or flexible items. It could hold a couple of straight lock picks, a few rolled-up bills, or similar items.

The contents are sure to be missed in any but the most thorough searches. The design also carries a considerable length of paracord, though you’re going to have to spend some time weaving this one. It’s worth it though, hang in there! Learn how to make it.

Celtic Heart Knot

Cute, classy, and a great simple gift idea, this paracord keychain uses basic Celtic knots to form a little heart.

This is another design that works superbly as a zipper pull, too. It’s not the most durable, and it’s not ideal for keeping a substantial amount of cord on you just in case, but it is totally okay to make some stuff that’s just for fun every now and then. This is also a really easy one!

Monkey’s Fist

I don’t know what it is, but there is something supremely satisfying about making a sphere out of paracord. The monkey’s fist knot is the go-to for that purpose and can be used for utilitarian or even self-defense purposes.

It’s really easy to grasp during high-stress situations, and you can weave the ball around a weight or load like a marble or ball bearing that will allow you to use it as an improvised cudgel. Whatever you want out of it, it’s really cool.

Box Knot Keychain

This is another one of my favorite designs. The box knot is compact, classy, elegant, and practical. I think it’s easier to grip than most flat designs, but it doesn’t take up as much room in the pocket as a giant helical monstrosity.

It’s one of the most efficient designs when it comes to carrying more cord in a smaller space. It’s also really easy to make with longer pieces of cord that you can trim off and seal once you are happy with the length.

Short Cross Weave

The cross weave is a busy design but another excellent design for carrying tons of cord in the smallest space possible.

Not as neat and tidy as the box knot we just covered, it is basically made the same way except the bends are “outies”, giving this keychain a grooved texture that you might prefer.

But, both are good and easy enough to make that you can try each and see which is your favorite. Get it here.

Basic Lanyard with Bead

Adding a bead to your paracord fob is a great way to add a little bit of personal style and character, or just increase the weight a little bit if you prefer.

This walkthrough is made using a simple, plain bead but you can use any kind of bead you like for the purpose. The creator is showing it as a knife lanyard, but it works just as well on your keychain.

Dragonfly Keychain

Another cute and truly clever design, a dragonfly paracord keychain is perfect for the insect or nature lover, or folks who really have a thing for Haley Strategic.

Despite how intricate it looks, you’ll be surprised to learn that it can be done in just a few minutes’ time, even if you are a beginner.

Do keep in mind, though, that the large, open wings are prone to snagging. Might not be a problem for everyone, but something to be aware of. Here’s the video.

The Jellyfish

I don’t know why, but I don’t throw away my scraps of paracord. And no, I’m not talking about the last 12 inches of a roll; tthat’s still practical at the end of the day.

I’m talking about the little scraps, the real leftovers! Those little bits that are between 6 and 10 inches long! Maybe I’m a hoarder after all, but never mind that.

At long last, I found a practical design that can use all of those little scraps, and it’s called the jellyfish. It’s fun, festive, and a great way to spot your keys when you drop them in the grass or leaves. Scroll down to step number three when you open the link.

Paracord “Grenade”

Paracord grenades were all the rage a few years ago, and though arguably the trend died out, I still have a soft spot for this design because it is purely practical despite the aesthetic.

Aside from packing in over 12 feet of paracord, the interior is perfect for holding a genuine mini survival kit.

This is quite a load to keep in your pocket all day, especially if you dress business casual, but for a little something you can clip onto your bag or toss in the car, it is awesome.

Sanctified Knot

A truly impressive weave, the so-called sanctified knot is a tight, crisp double bar design that is flat and surprisingly rigid. This thing is just pure class and looks even better if you use two complementary colors of cord.

The design here is made as a clip-on using an alligator hook, but it’s possible to tie it onto a key ring or other mounting point directly. This is an advanced version, so consider it after you have a little bit of practice tying some other, easier designs on this list.

King Cobra with Clasp

Another version of the extra chunky king cobra stitch discussed above, this one is made using an easy-on, easy-off clasp if you want to hook it onto your belt, a lanyard ring, or your pack. Learn how to make it.

Hanging Monkey Keychain Buddy

What better way to finish off our list than with something that is truly fun and cool! Called the hanging monkey, this little paracord mascot looks just like a primate, or I suppose a person, hanging on to your key ring for dear life, complete with detailed hands, arms, head, and legs.

It is not the most practical, but it is certainly the most fun, and bound to get a smile from your friends and a laugh from your kids.

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