DIY guide

Make your own Chinese knot keychain

Chinese good luck knot · Step by step

The Chinese good luck knot is a classic decorative knot with three large loops, small decorative loops at the corners and a woven, square centre. Tied in paracord it is sturdy enough for everyday keys – and with a carabiner, a few beads and a charm you have a personal keychain or a handmade gift. Follow the 12 steps below.

Finished keychain with a red Chinese good luck knot, carabiner, beads and heart charm

You will need

How to tie the knot

  1. Step 1: Fold the cord

    01 Fold the cord

    Fold the paracord in half. The loop at the fold becomes the top loop.

  2. Step 2: Make three loops

    02 Make three loops

    Form one loop to the right and one to the left. Let both loose ends point down.

  3. Step 3: Fold the ends up

    03 Fold the ends up

    Bring the two bottom cords over the left loop. Leave a small opening.

  4. Step 4: Fold the left loop

    04 Fold the left loop

    Lay the left loop over the cord ends and the top loop, towards the right.

  5. Step 5: Fold the top loop

    05 Fold the top loop

    Bring the top loop down and over the loops on the right.

  6. Step 6: Pass the right loop through

    06 Pass the right loop through

    Push the right loop through the opening from step 3 to lock the first round.

Keep weaving and finish

Set the knot – then decorate it

  1. Step 7: Tighten the first round

    07 Tighten the first round

    Pull a little at a time on all three loops and both ends. The centre should be square.

  2. Step 8: Start the second round

    08 Start the second round

    Fold the left loop over the bottom part. This time you weave in the opposite direction.

  3. Step 9: Weave the second round

    09 Weave the second round

    Fold the bottom part over to the right; take the right loop over the top and the ends through the opening.

  4. Step 10: Tighten the knot

    10 Tighten the knot

    Pull alternately on loops and ends until the knot is tight and firm in the centre.

  5. Step 11: Shape the loops

    11 Shape the loops

    Even out the large loops and, if you like, pull small decorative loops out at the corners.

  6. Step 12: The knot is finished

    12 The knot is finished

    Check the woven centre and the two free ends. Now it is ready to decorate.

Turn it into a keychain

Attach the top loop to a carabiner. Add a charm on a jump ring and decorate the loose ends with metal beads and finishing knots. Trim and carefully melt the ends so they don't fray.

Tip: Decorate the carabiner with beads before closing it.

Questions and answers

How much paracord do I need for a keychain?

Allow 1.5–2 metres of approx. 4 mm paracord. For large loops or long decorative ends, choose the longer length.

Why melt the ends?

Paracord is made of nylon and frays when cut. Carefully melting the ends with a lighter stops them from unravelling.

What if the knot turns out crooked?

Tighten in small pulls, alternating between loops and ends (steps 7 and 10). Make the centre tight and square before shaping the loops.

Knot technique: Chinese Good Luck Knot · inspired by Instructables