Survival Keychain

Survival bracelets and key chains are becoming popular, not only as must-have survival gear, but also as accent pieces. I wanted to create a crocheted keychain for Father’s Day using para cord to double as a survival tool as well, for all the precious dads in my life. I give credit to Planet June for my I-cord inspiration and pattern source.

I adapted her tutorial to serve as the basis for my survival keychain.  Visit her YouTube Tutorial if you get stuck or just need an extra example of how the keychain should look. I hope you enjoying creating and giving your special dads a crocheted survival keychain!

Difficulty:  Easy

Materials:  Para cord (any color), Key Ring (any size), Crochet Hook size N/9.00mm

CH = Chain

SL = Slip Stitch

SC = Single Crochet

Instructions:

Leave about 6” of Para cord for finishing. 

CH 3.

Row 1: In second chain from hook, pull up a loop on the hook. (You now have 2 loops on your hook.) In third chain from hook, pull up a loop on the hook. (You should now have 3 loops on your hook.)

Row 2: Carefully remove 2 loops from hook, leaving them pulled up through chains. I like to hold my two loops so as not to accidentally pull them back out. With 1^st loop on the hook, ch 1. Pick up 2nd loop onto hook, ch 1. Pick up 3^rd loop onto hook, ch1. You should now have 3 loops on your hook again.

 

Row 3: Remove 2 loops from hook, leaving them pulled up through chains. With 1^st loop on hook, ch 1. Pick up 2^nd loop onto hook, ch1. Pick up 3^rd loop onto hook, ch1. Again, you should have 3 loops on your hook.

 

Repeat Row 3 until you have approximately 6 inches of I-cord pattern or until you have your desired length.  (I ended with 15  rows = 6 inches of I-cord.) The I-cord should begin to curve a bit as you add length, forming a “cord” shape.

Finish by chaining 1 through all 3 loops on hook. Ch1 again. Tie a nice tight knot or weave in ends.

Note: I briefly burn or singe the ends of my para cord to keep it from unraveling.

To use, slide end loops onto a key ring (I used a 2 inch key ring).

Extra Info:

6” of I-cord  = approx. 9’ of para cord

8” of I-cord = approx. 12’ of para cord

Para cord can be found at some Army surplus stores, Outdoor Recreation/Camping Gear stores, and many places online.  The Army surplus and Outdoor Gear stores mostly carry black or dark green colors.  However, I have purchased some fun colors from online sources at very reasonable prices, (usually in bulk for the best price per foot.)  Try crocheting some in team colors, neon colors, and my personal favorite: pink!