How to Make Perler Bead Keychains

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: October 16, 2023 Approved

Perler beads are a surprisingly versatile craft material. They were originally marketed to children, but have been used to create cute geeky hair clips or "sprites" of video game characters, among other things. Perler bead keychains can be a great way to accessorize a purse, backpack, or lanyard in a unique and inexpensive way.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Making the Perler Design

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While Perler beads, jump rings, and Perler accessories can usually be found in craft stores, you might have to order the key chains online. You can also just use string to attach your creation to the item you're accessorizing.^{[1]
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Pull out a pegboard, if you're using one, or use a hard, iron-safe work surface like a wooden table.

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Arrange the Perler beads on the pegboard or surface in whatever pattern you want, such as a heart or Pokeball. Use a picture for reference if you need to.^{[2]
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Prepare to iron. If using a pegboard, carefully transfer it to an ironing board and turn on the iron. If not using a pegboard, leave the beads on the surface and turn on the iron. Place a sheet of parchment paper or Perler ironing paper over your design.^{[3]
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- Make sure the iron is on a "dry" setting, not a steam one.
Carefully move it in a circular motion, making sure that all of the beads are fused. Pressing too hard or moving too roughly can knock beads out of place! Completely fused beads shouldn't have visible holes in the center.^{[4]
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Put a heavy flat object on top of your creation and let the beads cool.
Lift the fused beads and flip them over, then iron the back for a smooth, finished look.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Turning Your Craft into a Keychain

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If you have jump rings, spread one open with your fingers or jewelry pliers. Push it through the hole in your creation. If using string, thread it through the hole.^{[5]
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If using string, simply loop the string through the key chain's last link (you can loop it through more than once for extra strength), tie it off in a knot, and trim the ends.^{[6]
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Alternatively, tie the Perler bead creation directly to the purse/backpack/etc. using string.

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Can I add to the perler bead creation after it's already ironed?

Community Answer

Yes. When you take the beads off the pegs, you can add more by putting the fused beads back onto the board, add new beads, then just iron it again.

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How can I prevent my beads from cracking?

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You can prevent your beads from cracking by ironing them a bit more after they start have cracks appear on them. If your perler bead creation breaks, put the pieces together on an ironing table and iron them out with parchment paper. Same goes for the other side.

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Any idea how I can make it stronger and glossy? What can I use to coat it?

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You can iron both sides to make it stronger. To make it glossier, you can put clear fingernail polish on it.

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Tips

The heavy object placed upon the Perler pattern during cooling helps prevent the beads from warping.

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A picture can be really helpful in figuring out your design!

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Using more than one bead color can add depth to your design.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

It's easy to turn your keychain into a pin, if you prefer. Just hot glue a safety pin onto the back of the design! I also prefer to use smaller perler beads for pins.
Using a bigger, interlocking pegboard can make it easier to create more intricate designs.

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Warnings

Be careful when using the iron! Have an adult do it for you if you're not experienced with them.

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Using a pegboard is recommended, because otherwise, it's very easy for the design to be skewed or knocked out of place.

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