KnotWorx
Key Fobs
Key fobs are one of my favourite things to make. They are useful and there are a few different 'twists' I can introduce to them. (Pun definitely intended)
Typically I make them either to hang off a belt, or to put in a bag or m/purse. If you plan on having one made to go in a bag, you can choose to either leave it loose, or hang from a clip or hook (if one is available).
Again, with paracord, there are countless colours and patterns to choose from, as well as a few solid colours. I can also use a straight polyester cord that is not paracord, but a braided one.
A single cord of Burgundy begins a Turk's head tightened up with one end knotted inside. The rest of the cord was folded to make a short bend (loop) about 4 1/2". The rest was used to create a Spiral Braid to finish it up.
Square braid around a core with Lanyard Knots at each end. This one has a square profile.
The core (Dark Stripes) has a lanyard knot at each end, but I've braided around it (Dragon Fly) using a square braid. Usually I stop this braiding at the bottom lanyard knot, but this time I decided to braid over it. Finished with a wall and crown, leaving the 4 tails.
Square braid around a core with Lanyard Knots at each end. This one has a square profile.
A new braid I developed called 'Overhand'. Braided around a core.
This includes a 'Lanyard Knot' at each end - a new one for me. The additional loop can hold another key ring or be used to hang from a belt.
A chunky fob designed more for emergencies. With 4 strands about 5' long, it can be 'unbraided' and used for several things such as
- shoelaces
- moor a canoe or small boat
- fasten a tent down
- camera or rifle strap
- tie up stuff in a bag
- ? [fill in the blank]
A new design based on the Crown knot. This may look similar to other Crown knot fobs, but it is braided around a single 3 1/2" length of insulated 240 watt power cable. This adds additional stiffness.
A Crown knot then Wall knot starts the fob around the ring, followed by addtional Crown knots around the core. Finished with a Wall and Crown knot.
The profile is round because the braiding was done in the same direction (clockwise in this case, but could have been counter-clockwise).
When each knot is done alternately (clockwise, then counter-clockwise), the profile becomes square.
A new design based on the crown knot. This one is 3 colors, so 3 strands. But the 2 yellow strands were treated as 1 in the creation process. This led to the rectangular profile rather than the typical square profile normally found with crown knots.
About 4 1/2" long.
About 4 1/2" long.
This one is meant to hang from a clip on a belt.
Note that the fob is square, and opposite sides show a different pattern. These fobs are made from 2 paracord strands, folded in half. So 2 colours or patterns are available.
Note that the fob is square, and opposite sides show a different pattern. These fobs are made from 2 paracord strands, folded in half. So 2 colours or patterns are available.
Another square fob, but this one is meant to be just thrown in your bag or m/purse.
The square shape and size (about 4" long and 1/2" thick) make it easy to find. It is also quite rigid and fits in your hand nicely.
The square shape and size (about 4" long and 1/2" thick) make it easy to find. It is also quite rigid and fits in your hand nicely.
Square Knot Braid. The round wooden ball at the end helps in finding it.
Square Knot Braid with a wooden bead. A 'shortie'.
Square Knot Braid with a wooden toggle.
Square Knot Braid but made with 2 flat laces (~1/4" wide) instead of paracord.
Square Knot Braid - with a bolt snap clip and wooden toggle.
The Convertible. Note the transtion from a square profile to a round profile. Both done with a Crown Knot.
This one has a core strand with 2 strands braided around it.
This one has a core strand with 2 strands braided around it.
Crown Knot but done in such a way to produce a round profile, instead of square.
The Twist. Done with a single paracord strand with a Spiral Braid.
A braid called Endless Falls
Wall Sinnet braid. Made with 1 strand of paracord, and finished with a wooden Parka button for easy location in a purse or bag.
Crown Knot braid. Made with 2 strands of paracord using 1 strand for the loop. Note the square knot at the loop as a lanyard knot.
Wall Sinnet braid. Made using 1 strand.
Another Wall Sinnet braid (Birthday Cake). 1 strand, finished with 2 wooden beads.
Crown Knot braid. 2 strands (Norwich), finished with 3 Crown Knots.
Three Crown Knots.
3-strand Wall Knot. Finished with a Crown Knot and tails.
The tails.
A colorful, chunky fob made of 4 x 4' strands, doubled. Braiding with 8 strands was a landmark. It is about 2cm (1") in profile. At the ring end it starts out with a square profile, but then morphs to a round profile. This is done using the same Crown Knot, but accomplished slightly different.
The round profile at the tail end. A Crown Knot ends the braid, with the 8 tails bundled with a pair of Constrictor Knots of thinner material.
The square profile at the ring end.
The morph.
A new development. 3 strands: 2 Jamaican & 1 Rosa Noche. Starting at the ring end, a simple clockwise Wall Knot. About halfway I switched to counter-clockwise. Finished with a Crown Knot with tails bundled via Constrictor Knot. The Jamaican is simply middled around the ring. The single Rosa Noche is wrapped around the ring overlapping the length of the braid, acting as a core. About 3' of one and 2.5' of the other.
The beginning with clockwise Wall Knots.
The end with counter-clockwise Wall Knots.
3-strand, 2-color. Rainbow x 1, Acid Purple Diamonds x 2. Clockwise Wall Knots finished as previous.
The beginning, clockwise Wall Knots.
The finished end, with Crown Knot and tails.
3-strand, 2 colors - 1 x Birthday Cake, 2 x Sneaky Pink, with tails.
3 strands, 2 colors, made with a lace material, not paracord.
3 strands, 2 colors - Stryper x 2 & Norwich x 1.
5 strands, 3 colors (2 doubled, 1 single). Crown Knot finish, round profile with tails.
- Imperial Red Diamonds
- Purple Passion
- Rosa Noche
3 strands, 2 colors - Black (doubled), White (single).
This particular braid results in a triangular profile, but can also be done as a round profile.
This particular braid results in a triangular profile, but can also be done as a round profile.
1 strand, 1 color. Several Crown Knots.
Very flexible, unlike previous fobs.
Very flexible, unlike previous fobs.
5 strand, 3 colors (2 doubled, 1 single).
Imperial Red x 2; Norwich x 2; Jamaican x 1
Profile is a pentagon
Imperial Red x 2; Norwich x 2; Jamaican x 1
Profile is a pentagon
Details
Wrist Fob - a key fob on your wrist. Easily fits an 8" wrist or bigger.
Details of the Wrist Fob.
Hefty 1" beast. 4 color, 8 strands (4 doubled).
A different material from paracord. Braided with no kernmantle the cords are about 3mm so smaller than normal. Profile is round about 3/8".
Detail of the ring end. Two strands doubled, 2 colors.
Tail end. 2 Crown Knots with tails.
Six strand (3 colors doubled). Same material as previous. The direction of braiding was changed at the middle and the profile is round. Diameter is about 9/16".
Detail of the finish. The Crown Knot almost disappears. Tails are free.
Some new fobs. Carabiners and a small clip. A stubby heftie, with six-strand multi-color around a core.
A new fob. 2 strands (doubled). Crown knot beginning, then at the middle, braid using only 3 strands - a key ring is placed on the 4th. After 3 knots, all 4 strands are again used. Finish with Wall and Crown, with tails.
Quick-release key fobs. This can be attached to a belt loop or carabiner; or hung in a m/purse. Two strands (doubled) 'Undead'. Note the slight difference in pattern: top is a spiral, and has a round profile; bottom is linear with a square profile. Finished with Wall and Crown, and tails.
Another key fob to be worn around a wrist.
Here it is as it may be used.