How to make a fuse bead keychain
Turn a mini bead piece into a keychain and you can clip it to your bag and take it anywhere. The two things that matter most: iron both sides thoroughly, and leave a hole for the hardware.
Size guide
About 20–30 beads square (roughly 5–8 cm) is just right for a keychain. Choose the “S 29” size preset in the Pattern Maker and you'll get a keychain-sized pattern straight away.
Making a hole for the hardware
- Leave one space empty (no bead) near the middle of the top row when you iron
- Use the hole of a bead on the edge as is (iron gently so the hole doesn't close up)
- Either way, doubling up the jump rings makes it less likely to come off
Tips for a sturdy finish
- Iron both the front and back a little longer than usual
- Give the outer row extra heat (cracks tend to start there)
- For extra strength, brush on a thin coat of UV resin and cure it
Hardware you'll need
- Jump rings (5–6 mm diameter)
- A ball chain, or a strap with a lobster clasp
- Flat-nose pliers (for opening and closing jump rings)
If it's tricky to make yourself
With mamepix Made to Order, just send a photo and we'll turn it into a finished keychain and deliver it to you. It comes with a ball chain and a coated back.
Try one of these patterns
FAQ
What size works best for a keychain?
About 20–30 beads square (roughly 5–8 cm) with 2.6 mm beads.
Will it break if I hang it on my bag?
Ironing both the front and back thoroughly and getting enough heat into the outer row makes it much less likely to crack. A thin coat of UV resin makes it even sturdier.