A decorative, 3" (not including the keyring) keychain made of paracord. I made a multicolored for this instructable, but there are also directions for single-colored.

Step 1: Materials

For this project, you will need:

(Multicolored)
2 strings of paracord that are 17" each (in different colors)
1 sting of paracord that is 14"

(Single color)
1 string of paracord 34"
1 string of paracord 14"

(Both)
Key ring
yardstick or tape measure
scissors
clear tape
lighter
needle-nosed pliers

Step 2: Step 1

Put the key ring in the middle of the short (14") strand and tape the string to keep it in place. We'll call this string the main string.

Step 3: Step 2

If you're not making a multicolored keychain, skip this step.

If you've made multicolored bracelets/keychains/etc. before, and you have a way that you prefer, then knock yourself out. But here's what I do.

Take one of the 17" strings of paracord and melt only one end. On the other string, melt both ends, and on one of those ends, use your pliers immediately after melting (it hardens fast) to make the end small. If you mess up, just melt it again. Now, take about an inch of the white inner stings out of the end that you didn't melt, and cut them. Then, grab the string for the end thats melted and work your way down to the other end to pull the remainder of the white strings back into the string. Insert the small end of the other sting into the open string and melt the connection. **Note: If the open string is frayed to where the other string falls out, trim the frayed part off.**

Step 4: Step 3

Next, tie the diamond knot on the string with the key ring.

How to tie the Diamond Knot:

1. Put the cord between your fingers with a finger between them
2. Make a loop with the lower cord over the higher
3. Bring the other cord round under the tail of the first cord over one side of the loop, under the start of the second cord, and the over the other side of the loop
4. Wrap the first cord round the outside of the knot and when it’s half way around push it up through the center of the knot
5. Repeat with the other cord

Once you have your diamond knot in one piece, work it to the opposite end of the key ring by loosening and re-tightening it (but not too much that you can't loosen it again). When you get it to the end, make sure you tighten it.

Step 5: Step 4

The Cobra Braid.

Take your long string, and put the middle of it (where the connection is) where the key ring is attached to the main string and tie a simple overhand knot. Don't pull too tight when tightening it as the strings may come apart.

1. Put one string over the main string, and the other string underneath the main string.
2. Pull the top string through the bottom loop and the bottom string through the top loop.
3. Repeat the first two steps until you get down to the diamond knot. Make sure you keep the colors on the same side they started on. For instance, I started with green on bottom, and blue camo on top. For the entire braid, the blue camo stays on top and the green stays on bottom.

Step 6: Step 5

Pull the remaining strings underneath the braid. This keeps the braid from falling apart. I suggest pulling it under at least three of the stitches. You will most likely need to use your needle-nosed pliers for this. Trim off any excess string there may be and then melt it into the braid. If you look at the second picture, you can see how the end of the string is melted into the braid.

Please post a picture if you make one. Or comment if you have clearer instructions. Thanks! :)