Alexei Volkov
Plastic lacing is a simple and customizable craft that can be used to make a variety of items such as jewelry, keychains, and zipper pulls. It is a great activity for both children and adults, as it is easy to learn and can be as simple or complex as desired. One popular technique is square braiding, which involves folding and weaving the laces to create a square shape. This guide will teach you how to master the art of square braiding plastic lace, allowing you to create unique and colorful crafts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of strands | One, two, four, or eight |
| Craft type | Jewelry, keychains, zipper pulls, etc. |
| Craft complexity | Simple and customizable |
| Craft duration | 20 minutes and upward, depending on complexity |
| Lacing technique | Twisting, braiding, and tying |
| Lacing shape | Square or spiral |
| Lacing length | Less than a quarter of the original length |
| Lacing color | Favorite colors or multiple colors |
| Lacing finish | Smooth and secure, without twisting |
| Lacing security | Gently tugged ends, forming square "knots" |
| Color variation | Flipping knots to change colors on each side |
| Lacing stability | Optional glue for stability and shape retention |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right plastic lace
When choosing the right plastic lace for your project, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the thickness and width of the lace. Most plastic lace products will be described in millimetres, for example, 2.3mm wide and 0.88mm thick. The right dimensions for your project will depend on what you are making. For example, if you are making doll clothes, you may want to opt for a thinner lace, such as 0.16" or 0.28" in width. On the other hand, if you are making keychains, a thicker lace might be more durable and easier to work with.
Next, consider the colour of the lace. Plastic lace comes in a wide range of colours, including gold, silver, black, and ivory. You can also find lace in multiple colours, which can be useful if you want to create a pattern or design. If you are a beginner, it might be helpful to choose two different colours to make it easier to distinguish between the strands when braiding.
Another thing to keep in mind is the length of lace you will need. The amount of lace required will depend on the complexity of your project and the number of strands you are using. As a general rule, the woven lace will be less than a quarter of the original length of the strands, so make sure to start with enough lace to account for this shrinkage.
Finally, think about the quality of the lace. Look for a product that is described as high quality or good quality, and check reviews to see what other crafters have said about the lace. Some things to look out for in reviews include the ease of use, durability, and whether the lace arrived neatly packaged and without tangles.
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How to start a square braid
To start a square braid with plastic lace, you will need one or two (or four, or eight) strands of flexible plastic lacing. The number of strands you use will depend on the complexity of the design you want to achieve. For a simple two-strand method, choose two different colours to make it easy to tell them apart. You will also need accessories for the finished product, such as a clasp or keyring.
To begin the square braid, follow these steps:
- Avoid twisting the laces and instead, fold them over so they are straight. This will create a smoother finish.
- Gently tug on each end until it is snug, but not too tight. You should be making square 'knots'.
- Pull the ends firmly and then thread the laces through each other, holding each other's ends down securely.
- Repeat the above steps until you can clearly see the square shape of your lacing, with one side one colour and the other side the other colour.
- Continue to fold and weave straight across the square to maintain the shape.
With these steps, you can create a variety of crafts such as jewellery, keychains, and zipper pulls. The basics are easy to learn and it will only take a few minutes. Completing a craft will depend on the complexity of the design and can take 20 minutes or more.
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Weaving the braid
To begin weaving the braid, it is important to avoid twisting the laces. Instead, gently fold them over to create straight lines. This will result in a smoother finish. At this stage, the arrangement may look messy, but that is normal. You can then start tugging on each end gently to tighten the formation, being careful not to over-tighten. The goal is to create square "knots" by threading the ends through each other, ensuring they hold securely.
As you continue folding and weaving, you will notice the square shape of your lacing emerging, with each side displaying a different colour if you are using multiple colours. You can choose to keep the pattern simple or add some variety. For instance, you can create a spiral shape by consistently spinning the laces in the same direction. If you want to return to the square pattern, simply go back to folding and weaving straight across.
To secure your work and prevent it from loosening, there are a few options. One method is to apply a small amount of hot glue to the base of each end. However, it is important to exercise caution when using hot glue as it poses a serious burn hazard. It is recommended to supervise children if they are handling hot glue. Alternatively, you can leave long enough ends on your lacing so that you can periodically pull on them to tighten the square shape if needed. Plastic lacing typically settles into its new shape quite easily.
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Securing the braid
Begin by gently tugging on each end of the braid to ensure that it is snug but not overly tight. This initial tension will help create a neat and secure base for your braid. Avoid twisting the laces as you work; instead, focus on keeping them straight by folding them over. This will result in a smoother finish.
As you continue, remember to thread the ends of the laces through each other. This technique will help secure the braid by holding each end in place. Each fold and thread should contribute to a more defined square shape. You can further enhance the security of your braid by incorporating a "square knot" technique. This involves carefully weaving the laces straight across the square, creating a sturdy and stable foundation.
If you're concerned about the braid loosening over time, there are a few additional measures you can take. One option is to leave long ends that you can pull on from time to time to tighten the braid if needed. Alternatively, you can apply a small amount of glue to the base of each end. Hot glue works particularly well for this purpose, but it's important to exercise caution when using it due to the risk of burns. Always supervise children when working with hot glue, and consider using alternative adhesives if they are under the age of 13.
With these detailed instructions, you can confidently secure your plastic lace braid, ensuring a neat and durable finish for your craft project. Remember to take your time and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired tension and security.
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Craft ideas
Plastic lace is a simple, versatile craft material that can be used to create a variety of items. Also known as "plastic string", "boondoggle", "gimp", or "scoubidou", plastic lace is a flexible material that can be twisted, braided, and tied into different shapes and designs. Here are some craft ideas using square braid plastic lace:
Jewelry
Create unique necklaces, bracelets, and earrings by braiding plastic lace into desired shapes and sizes. You can experiment with different colours and styles, such as the simple box design, round design, or the brick stitch pattern. Add beads or charms to personalize your jewelry further.
Keychains and Zipper Pulls
Design personalized keychains or zipper pulls by braiding plastic lace. You can make these items in your favourite colours and add accessories like keyrings or clasps. These can be fun projects for both children and adults.
Decorative Items
Plastic lace can be used to create a variety of decorative items for your home or as gifts. Try making coasters, placemats, or even small baskets by braiding and weaving the plastic lace into desired shapes. You can also use plastic lace to decorate existing items, such as picture frames, vases, or plant pots.
Customized Accessories
Design your own unique accessories by incorporating plastic lace into their design. For example, you can braid plastic lace into the straps of a bag or use it as a belt for a dress. You can also create hair accessories like headbands or hair ties by braiding plastic lace in different colours and styles.
Lanyards
Plastic lace is commonly used to create lanyards, which can be used for holding keys, IDs, or other small items. You can find specific tutorials online for creating different types of lanyards, such as the square stitch lanyard.
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Frequently asked questions
Square braiding, also known as box stitching, is a type of plastic lacing craft where you twist, braid and tie the plastic lace into a square shape.
You can use one, two, four or eight strands of flexible plastic lacing for square braiding.
Avoid twisting the laces and instead fold them over so they are straight. This will make the final product look smoother. Also, make sure to gently tug on each end of the lace so that it is snug but not too tight, creating square "knots".
If you are using hot glue to secure the ends of the plastic lace, be cautious as it is a serious burn hazard. Do not allow children under 13 to use hot glue and always supervise older children.
Square braided plastic lace can be used to create a variety of items such as jewellery, keychains, zipper pulls and more. The possibilities are endless and depend on your imagination!
