DIY Bag Charms & Keychains
- Tiny Handmade Gifts for Everyone
There's something so thoughtful about a handmade gift – especially when it's as adorable as these DIY keychains and charms! I started my research session looking for Christmas sewing projects, but got completely sidetracked by these impossibly cute little charms. And honestly? I'm not mad about it.
These miniature projects are perfect for gift-giving: they're quick to make and so versatile. Clip them on keys, bags, or even use them as ornaments on your tree or wrapped gifts. All projects are small in size but big on thoughtfulness. Plus, you can batch-make several in an afternoon for all your friends!
Ready to make some magic in miniature? Let's dive in!
What I love about this:
"We love a good bow moment and this beaded bow is absolutely adorable! What makes it so appealing is how few materials you need, yet the result looks so polished and sweet. Perfect for adding a charming detail to your bag, keys, or as a gift topper."Perfect for: Beginner | 20 minutes | Cute addition to your bag
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Beads (or pearls, your choice)
- Craft wire (thin, flexible)
- Crimp beads (to secure ends)
- Keychain clasp
Nice to have:
- Jump rings (for easy attachment)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors or wire cutters
Estimated Cost: $8-15
What I love about this:
"These little crocheted cherries are so cute and whimsical – they bring instant playful charm to whatever you attach them to! The red and green color combo is classic and cheerful, perfect for adding a pop of color to your keys or summer beach bag."Perfect for: Crochet Beginner | 1-2 hours (depends on speed) | Your beach bag
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- 4ply yarn (red and green)
- Crochet hook 3mm
- Keychain ring
- Cotton stuffing (or fiberfill)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Yarn needle (for assembly and weaving ends)
Estimated Cost: $5-10
What I love about this:
"These little clay sardines are absolutely adorable – so much personality in such a tiny charm! They work beautifully as keychains, gift tags, or ornaments. Perfect for marking your fishing hut key... or just because they're irresistibly cute!"Perfect for: Beginner | 1-2 hours (plus drying time) | Quirky & coastal
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Air-dry clay (or polymer clay)
- Acrylic Paint
- Eye pins
- Resin Kit (for glossy finish)
Probably already at home:
- Rolling pin
- Craft knife or clay tools
- Paint brushes
Estimated Cost: $15-25
What I love about this:
"This is such a clever way to upcycle an old bandana! You can customize it completely with your favorite charms and beads, making it uniquely yours. Perfect for giving new life to vintage bandanas or using one that holds memories."Perfect for: Beginner | about 30 minutes | Recycling old bandanas
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Bandana (best an old one or secondhand)
- Keychain carabiner
- Super glue
Nice to have:
- Charms mix (your choice of style)
- Beads
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $5-12
What I love about this:
"Phone charms are having a moment and these are so fun to make! What I love is how simple they are – just beads and embroidery thread, that's it. You can easily make multiple in one evening while watching a movie, experimenting with different color combinations and bead patterns. It's the perfect little project when you want something quick and satisfying."Perfect for: Everyone | 20-30 minutes | Dress up your phone
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Beads (various colors and sizes)
- Embroidery Thread (sturdy and colorful)
Nice to have:
- Beading clamp (to hold work in place)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $5-10
What I love about this:
"Let's face it: jeans rip at some point and often can't be fixed, but so much fabric is still in great shape – it feels wrong to just throw it away! This keychain gives new life to old denim in the sweetest way. The frayed edges are so cute and authentic, celebrating that worn-in denim texture we love."Perfect for: Beginner | 40 minutes | Sustainable & sentimental
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Old jeans (non-elastic denim works best)
- Keychain ring
- Cotton stuffing (for filling)
- Ribbon (or twine for hanging)
Nice to have:
- Sewing machine (or hand-stitch)
- Decorative elements (buttons, embroidery)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
- Needle and thread
- Free pattern (from tutorial)
Estimated Cost: $0-5 (using upcycled materials!)
What I love about this:
"This is such a clever way to give new life to thrifted bead necklaces – transform them into custom bag charms! It's sustainable, unique, and means every charm you make has its own story. Plus, thrifted beads often have that special character you just can't find new."For detailed instructions, check out this tutorial!
Perfect for: Beginner | 30-60 minutes | Pick up necklaces on your next thrift trip
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Thrifted beads (from old necklaces)
- Stretch cord (or beading wire)
- Jump rings
- Crimp beads
- Keychain clasp
Nice to have:
- Pliers set (jewelry pliers for crimp beads)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $3-8 (mostly thrifted!)
What I love about this:
"These beaded fish are SO adorable – I'm genuinely addicted to making them now! What makes them extra special is how you can customize the colors completely: bright tropical vibes, soft pastels, or even metallic – they're all yours to design. Fair warning: you might not stop at just one!"Perfect for: Patient Beginner | 30-45 minutes | Playful & colorful
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Glass seed beads (various colors)
- Craft wire (thin gauge)
- Keychain clasp
- Jump rings (for easy attachment)
Nice to have:
- Pliers round nose (jewelry pliers for wire work)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors or wire cutters
- Tape measure
Estimated Cost: $10-18
What I love about this:
"Tiny charms can be so expensive to buy, but making your own means you can customize them exactly to your liking! The examples in this tutorial are absolutely adorable and promise such a cozy crafting session."Perfect for: Beginner | A few hours (plus drying time) | Put them any- and everywhere!
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Air-dry clay (brand from tutorial)
- Acrylic Paint
- Eye pins
- Keychain rings (and jump rings)
- Clay varnish (or UV resin for stronger finish)
Nice to have:
- Clay sculpting tools
- Acrylic stamp blocks (help with sculpting)
- Micron pens (for fine details)
Probably already at home:
- Exacto knife, Sandpaper (for smoothing)
- Paint brushes
Estimated Cost: $15-25
What I love about this:
"Pins are such a fun twist on typical charms because they can be added to so many materials without needing a hook or ring! They're perfect for adding personality to jacket lapels, hat brims, bag straps, or even the waistband of your jeans."Perfect for: Beginner | 30 minutes | Versatile & decorative
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Shawl pin
- Beads & pearls
- Eye pins (for dangling elements)
- Jump rings (for connecting elements)
Nice to have:
- Chain (delicate jewelry chain)
- Charms (to personalize)
- Pliers set (jewelry pliers)
Probably already at home:
- Wire cutters (if trimming eye pins)
What I love about this:
"More bows - you can never have too many! This crocheted version adds such a nice soft texture. What's clever is that if you make a few of these, you could string them together into a sweet bow garland for your mantel. But honestly, they're perfect just clipped onto your keys or bag for a handmade touch."Perfect for: Crochet Beginner | About 1 hour (depends on skill) | Soft & textured
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Medium weight yarn (weight 4)
- Crochet hook I9 (5.5mm size)
- Keychain clasp (to attach)
- Yarn needle (for weaving ends)
Probably already at home:
- Scissors
Estimated Cost: $5-10
What I love about this:
"Make your own tiny Christmas charms to add festive sparkle to keychains, bags, or wrapped gifts! These beaded candy canes and trees are so sweet and surprisingly quick to make." Christmas treesPerfect for: Beginner | 15 minutes | Add a little Christmas spark
Supplies you'll need
You'll need to get:
- Craft wire (20 gauge)
- Craft wire (28 gauge)
- Glass seed beads (red & white for candy cane, green & red for tree)
- Jump rings (for attachment)
Nice to have:
- Pliers set
Probably already at home:
- Wire cutters
Estimated Cost: $8-12
Most of these tutorials are wonderfully beginner-friendly – they might take a minute to get the hang of if you're new to the craft, but you'll definitely get some cute results after spending a Sunday afternoon experimenting! What makes these charms extra special is how adjustable they are to your style and preferences: change colors, swap materials, make them uniquely yours.
Here's a fun tip: try making charms in different mediums and combining them on one keyring or bag. Mixing textures – bandana keychain with clay sardines, beaded charms with crocheted cherries – creates such a curated, individual look that's impossible to buy in stores.
Which charm are you most excited to make? Save this collection to Pinterest and tag me if you create any – I'd love to see your tiny handmade treasures!
All Creators Featured
A huge thank you to these talented creators for sharing their tutorials:
- sweetlifediy
- MalloryBoren
- DIYGuru
- rebekahmarsden
- tiffany_soe
- Rilany Creations
- sincerelyseashell
- VivCrochets
- vvw.studio
- Make it in denim
- edenfaith
- Jaharn Quinn
Please visit their pages to check out all of their amazing work!
Shop Most-used Supplies
Essential Craft Supplies:
- Air-dry clay
- Acrylic Paint
- Beads
- Craft wire
- Embroidery Thread
- Keychain ring
- Jump rings
- Eye pins
For Special Projects:
- Resin Kit
- 4ply yarn
- Bandana
- Crimp beads
- Shawl pin
Tools & Basics:
- Pliers set
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
- Fine detail paint brushes
- Yarn needle
Note: Many of these supplies overlap across projects – one set of beads and wire can make multiple different charms! Also check your craft stash before purchasing.
Disclaimers
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I believe in! Thank you for supporting Sunday Sofa. 💛
Content Credit: Many projects featured in this collection are created by the talented individuals linked above. I do not claim ownership of their work – I'm simply sharing what inspires me! Please visit the original creators for full tutorials and support their amazing content.
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