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Create a colorful beaded diamond keychain that is as fun to make as it is to carry! This attractive geometric design uses simple pony bead weaving techniques to create a classic diamond shape that looks great in a single color or with a contrasting center pattern. The optional beaded dangle adds extra movement and lets you personalize each keychain with your favorite color combinations.
Perfect for beginners and experienced beaders alike, this free pattern is ideal for making keychains, backpack charms, zipper pulls, purse charms, party favors, stocking stuffers, classroom projects, scout crafts, fundraiser items, and thoughtful handmade gifts. Create one for yourself or make several in different colors to share with family and friends.
If you make this project please share your photos with us. If we use them on our website or on Facebook you will get 10% off of your next order over $25!
49 - Pony Beads for the main diamond pattern, in one or more colors, depending on the look you want to achieve. 5-7 - Additional Pony Beads for the optional dangle.
1 - Lanyard hook
1 - Key Ring
5 feet of smooth 2mm leather cord, narrow ribbon, pony bead cord, plastic lacing, satin cord, or similar stringing material.
Scissors
Ruler or Measuring Tape
Craft Glue
Choosing your beads: Use one color for a simple diamond, alternate two shades, or plan a contrasting center design. The 49-bead total remains the same when accent beads replace beads in the basic pattern.
1. Measure and cut approximately 5 feet of cord or plastic lacing. Fold it in half to locate the center, then attach the folded end to your key ring or lanyard hook with a Lark's Head knot as shown. Pull the knot snug so that two cords of approximately equal length hang from the ring.
2. Use the diamond bead diagram near the bottom of the page as your guide. Place the first bead onto one cord, then pass the other cord through the same bead from the opposite direction. Pull both cords gently and evenly until the bead rests beneath the key ring.
3. Add 2 beads for the second row. Thread them onto one cord, then pass the other cord through both beads from the opposite direction. Pull the cords evenly so the new row rests snugly beneath the first bead.
4. Continue widening the diamond by adding one more bead to each row. The first half contains rows of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 beads.
| Row | Beads | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Top point |
| 2 | 2 | Increase |
| 3 | 3 | Increase |
| 4 | 4 | Increase |
| 5 | 5 | Increase |
| 6 | 6 | Increase |
| 7 | 7 | Widest row |
| 8 | 6 | Decrease |
| 9 | 5 | Decrease |
| 10 | 4 | Decrease |
| 11 | 3 | Decrease |
| 12 | 2 | Decrease |
| 13 | 1 | Bottom point |
5. After completing the 7-bead center row, begin narrowing the design. Add rows of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and finally 1 bead. Continue passing the two cord ends through every row from opposite directions.
6. Check the diamond as you work. Pull both cords with even pressure so the rows remain centered, but do not pull so tightly that the diamond curls or the cord pinches between the beads.
7. For a diamond without a dangle, bring the two cord ends together directly beneath the final bead and tie them securely with a square knot or two tight overhand knots.
8. To add a dangle, pass both cord ends through the desired accent beads before tying the finishing knot. You can use one color, alternate colors, or repeat colors from the diamond.
9. Place a small dab of craft glue directly on the finishing knot. The glue is necessary because repeated handling can loosen an unsealed knot and allow the beads to come off the keychain. Let the glue dry completely before trimming the excess cord.
10. Straighten the rows and adjust the side cords until the diamond hangs evenly from the key ring.
The threading diagram below uses two different colors to trace the path of the cord ends through each row. Follow the widening rows to the center of the diamond, then reverse the sequence to form the lower point. Click the image to open a larger version.
Create the diamond in a single color, alternate light and dark shades, or add a contrasting design through the center. Transparent, pearl, glitter, metallic, neon, and glow-in-the-dark pony beads can give the same pattern a completely different appearance. Try school colors, team colors, birthstone shades, holiday combinations, or colors chosen to match a backpack or purse.
The diamond is one of the easiest geometric shapes to create with row weaving because the design follows a predictable sequence. Each row increases by one bead until the widest point is reached, then decreases in reverse order. This same technique can be adapted to make ornaments, earrings, pendants, zipper pulls, and decorative hanging pieces.
