Maya Ellison
Boondoggle lanyards, made from colourful plastic laces, are a fun and creative project for people of all ages. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as keychains, zipper pulls for backpacks, jackets, and sleeping bags, or even as decorative items. Creating these lanyards involves a simple weaving technique that can be started with a basic two-strand weave and then built upon by adding more strands. With some plastic cord and a few tools, anyone can make these unique and practical handicrafts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic cord, plastic lace, scissors, pliers, lanyard hook |
| Steps | Start with a basic 2-strand weave, add strands and weave them the same way |
| Difficulty | Easy for kids and teenagers with some help |
| Purpose | Creative expression, purposeful utility, individuality, personal flair |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Basic two-strand weaves
To start a plastic keychain lanyard, you'll need a few basic supplies: plastic lanyard string in the colours of your choice, a ring, and a lanyard hook. You'll also need a pair of scissors and some pliers to help with cutting and installing the hook.
Once you have your supplies, you can begin by cutting two strands of your chosen lanyard string to equal lengths. The length you cut will depend on how long you want your finished lanyard to be, keeping in mind that thicker material will result in a shorter lanyard. For a keychain-sized lanyard, you can start with about a foot or two of each colour.
Now, you're ready to begin the basic two-strand weave:
First, find the centres of your two strands and lay them over each other in the shape of a "+" sign. Hold the centres between your thumb and pointer finger. This will create a simple square stitch, which is the foundation for your lanyard.
Next, you'll create two loops with the bottom strand. Hold one finger down on the centre for stability, and use your other hand to loop each end of the bottom strand over your thumb. This will create two loops that your top strand will weave through.
Take the top strand and weave its ends through the loops. You'll go over the first loop and under the second loop, similar to how you would weave a basket. Make sure to keep the strands tight and neat to maintain the square stitch pattern.
Finally, tug on the strands to tighten the stitch. This will secure the square stitch in place and create a neat, tight pattern. You can now continue this process, repeating the loop, weave, and tighten steps to create a chain of square stitches. Remember to keep all loose ends trapped within the weave to maintain the structure.
When you're ready to finish your lanyard, simply tie a knot close to your braid by wrapping all four strands around your finger and pulling them through the resulting loop. Pull tight, and you've created a basic two-strand weave lanyard!
Maintain Your Plastic Grille: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using scissors and pliers
To start a plastic keychain lanyard, you will need a few basic supplies: plastic lace in three different colours, a key ring, a pair of scissors, and a pair of pliers.
Using your scissors, cut the plastic lace into strands of your desired length. If you are new to making plastic keychains, it is recommended to start with shorter lengths of lace. One suggestion is to cut the two colours that will run parallel to each other to the length of your forearm, and the longer strand to twice that length.
Once you have your strands cut to size, you can begin assembling your keychain. Place the strands through the centre of your key ring and fold them in half so that the key ring is centred. Then, place your thumb on top of the key ring to hold it in place, and cross the four shorter strands over your thumb in alternating directions.
Now, you will use the longer strand to begin weaving. Take the longer strand and weave it through the shorter strands in an over-under pattern. It should go over the free end of the plastic lace and then under the closed loop created by the strand coming up from below. Repeat this pattern in both directions.
Once your base is loosely completed, grab all the strands and pull them tight. Now, you can continue weaving in your desired pattern. When you are happy with the size of your keychain, make a final layer to use for your knot. Don't pull this final layer too tight; instead, leave enough slack to create your knot.
Finally, trim any loose ends with your scissors and use your pliers to attach the lanyard hook to the keychain. And there you have it—your very own plastic keychain lanyard!
Relocating Plastic Shelf Holders: A Simple Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding extra strands
To add extra strands, you will need to start with the basic structure of your lanyard. This typically involves a key ring and plastic lace strands. For a rectangular six-strand lanyard, you will need three plastic lace strands, two of which should be the same length, and the third should be twice as long as the other two. Place the key ring in the centre of each plastic lace strand and thread them through it, creating a fold so that you have six strands in total.
Once you have the basic structure, you can add additional strands to create a more complex design. For example, for a six-strand spiral lanyard, you will need three different colours of plastic lace, with two strands of each colour. Cut the plastic lace to the desired length, ensuring that the longer strands are twice as long as the shorter strands. Place the key ring in the centre and thread the strands through it, just as you did for the basic structure.
Now comes the fun part of weaving the strands together. Cross the four shorter strands over your thumb, alternating their direction. Take the longer strand and weave it through the shorter strands in an over-under pattern. Repeat this process in both directions. You should see the base of your keychain taking shape. Grab all six strands and pull them tight to secure the weave.
To create the spiral effect, instead of crossing each strand over the weave below it, cross the strand diagonally across the other strand of the same colour. This will give your keychain a rotating appearance. Continue weaving and crossing the strands, ensuring that the short layers follow an over-under weave. As you work, you will see the long strands automatically rotate.
Finally, when you are happy with the size of your keychain, or if you run out of length, create a final layer for your knot. Keep this layer loose by pulling it tight enough to create an even finish with enough length remaining to pull through the centre. Wrap each strand over the same-coloured strand next to it and push it through the centre. Pull up on all six strands to tighten the knot securely. And there you have it—your plastic keychain lanyard with extra strands!
Building Plastics: A Step-by-Step Guide to Manufacturing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Attaching the hook
First, cut the plastic cord to the desired length with a small pair of scissors, leaving enough room to attach the hook. If you are making a longer lanyard, such as one that can be worn around the neck, you may want to consider the length of the lanyard when cutting the cord.
Next, take the lanyard hook and use the pliers to open the small loop or jump ring on the hook. If the jump ring is difficult to open, you can use the pliers to gently pull it apart. Be careful not to bend the jump ring out of shape, as it may be difficult to close securely later.
Once the jump ring is open, insert the cut end of the plastic cord into the ring. Make sure that the cord is securely attached and that the jump ring is closed tightly using the pliers. Gently tug on the cord to ensure that it is secure.
Finally, attach any additional keychains, charms, or decorations to the lanyard hook. You can also directly attach your keys to the hook. And there you have it! You have successfully attached the hook to your handmade plastic keychain lanyard.
Plastic Laminate: Does It Expand and Contract?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Colourful plastic laces
To begin crafting with colourful plastic laces, it is recommended to start with the basic two-strand weave. This foundational technique serves as a building block for more complex designs. You will need a pair of small scissors and pliers to get started. The scissors will ensure clean cuts of the plastic cord, while the pliers will come in handy when installing the lanyard hook.
For the initial two-strand weave, it is suggested to start with a square pattern. This provides a solid foundation for more intricate designs. You can use painters' tape to hold the laces in place while working, making the process more manageable. Once you have mastered the square weave, you can experiment with adding additional strands and weaving them in the same way. This allows for a variety of designs and patterns.
The beauty of working with colourful plastic laces lies in the endless possibilities for customisation. You can choose from a wide range of vibrant colours to create unique patterns and designs. Whether you prefer a simple colour block pattern or a more intricate blend of colours, the choice is yours. These keychains are a fun activity for all ages and can be a great way to keep hands busy while encouraging creativity and personal expression.
Old Plastic Wall Tiles: Are They Watertight?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Start with the basic two-strand weave. You can practice the square weave first and then move on.
You will need a plastic cord, small scissors, and a pair of pliers for installing the lanyard hook.
Once you have the basic weave down, you can add more strands and weave them in the same way.
It is recommended to save the lanyard hook for the end as a reward for finishing the project.
Making plastic lanyards is a fun activity for all ages, offering a creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment. They can be used for personal flair or even sold as handicrafts.
