Ethan Clarke
Plastic lace keychains are a fun and creative way to express your individuality and add a pop of colour to your keys. Also known as Boondoggle lanyards, these keychains are made by weaving together plastic laces in various colours and patterns. They are a great DIY project for both kids and adults, offering a therapeutic escape and a sense of accomplishment. With just a few simple tools and some plastic lace, you can create a functional work of art that showcases your personal style. So, whether you're looking for a fun craft project or a unique way to organise your keys, making your own plastic lace keychain is a perfect place to start.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic lace, pliers, lanyard hook, scissors |
| Steps | 1. Start with basic 2-strand weaves. 2. Use painters tape to hold laces in place. 3. Repeat for all 4 laces and pull tight. 4. Use pliers to hook the lanyard on the end. |
| Skills | Weaving, repetitive tasks |
| Suitability | Kids aged 5 and above with adult supervision |
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What You'll Learn
Basic two-strand weaves
To begin crafting a plastic lace keychain, you will need two pieces of differently coloured lace, a small pair of scissors, and a keyring. Cut the plastic lace cord into two pieces of equal length. Line up the two pieces and fold them in half, threading them through the keyring so that it sits in the centre of their lengths. Position the two pieces of lace so that they are perpendicular to each other, forming a plus sign through the centre of the keyring.
Now, you can start the basic two-strand weave. Hold the keyring between your middle and ring fingers, with your thumb on top to hold it in place. One of the colours should have the two ends running parallel to your thumb, and the other colour should be running perpendicular. Wrap the two perpendicular strands over the top of your thumb, so they are like two stripes. The first perpendicular strand is the starting stitch. Then, weave the first parallel strand through them.
To determine which side of the parallel strand the other one should come on, look at the ends of your existing weave. Each strand has one "closed" end and one "loose" end. You want to make sure that the loose" ends are all trapped. So, determine which side has a loose end closer to the remaining unwoven strand and have it go over that and then under the second one so it too will be trapped. Once all four strands are woven together and all four loose ends are trapped, pull on each end evenly to tighten the weave into a square.
If you want to make a square pattern, continue the above steps. If you want to make a round pattern, the process is similar. Instead of bringing the laces straight across, they are wrapped on an angle. For example, a blue top lace crosses diagonally across a pink lace. Then, the pink lace is brought diagonally across the next blue lace while crossing over the last blue lace. Then, the blue lace is brought up diagonally across the next pink lace. Finally, the pink lace flips over the blue lace and then through the loop that the first blue lace made.
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Using scissors and pliers
To start crafting a plastic lace keychain, you will need a few basic tools and materials. These include plastic lace in your desired colours and finishes, a key ring, a small pair of scissors, and a set of pliers. You can also get creative and add beads or other accessories to personalise your keychain.
Cutting the Plastic Lace:
Start by measuring and cutting your plastic lace into the desired lengths using your scissors. For a six-strand spiral keychain, cut two colours that will run parallel to each other to the length of your forearm. Cut the longer strand, which should be twice as long as the shorter strands. Place these strands through the centre of your key ring and fold them in half so that the key ring is centred.
Weaving the Keychain:
Hold the key ring in place with your thumb and cross the four shorter strands in alternating directions over your thumb. Take the longer strand and weave it in an over-under pattern through the shorter strands. Repeat this step in both directions until you have a loosely completed base.
Tightening the Knots:
Grab all six strands and pull them tight. You should now have a diagonal pattern formed by the strands. Cross the short strands diagonally over the top, maintaining the alternating pattern with the closed loops and loose ends. Pull on the loose ends to tighten the knot and ensure the keychain rotates correctly.
Finalising the Keychain:
Continue repeating the weaving and tightening steps until you are satisfied with the size of your keychain. Remember to maintain the 2:1 ratio between the long and short strands. When you are happy with the length, create a final layer for your knot. Don't pull this layer too tight, and leave enough length to pull through the centre. Wrap each strand over the same-coloured strand next to it and push it through the centre.
Trimming and Finishing:
Pull up on all six strands to tighten the final knot. Trim the loose ends to an even length with your scissors. You can also coat the knot with clear nail polish to secure it in place. Alternatively, keep an eye on the knot and tighten it regularly for the first few days.
Finally, use your pliers to attach a lanyard hook or any other desired accessory to your keychain. And there you have it—your very own handmade plastic lace keychain!
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The square technique
To start, you will need two plastic laces of your chosen colours. Cut the laces to the desired length, keeping in mind that you can always trim them later if needed. You will also need a small pair of scissors and pliers for this technique.
Next, take the other lace and weave it over and under the first lace, creating a criss-cross pattern. Pull the laces tight to secure the weave. Repeat this process, alternating the direction of the weave (over and under) for each new lace, until you have reached your desired length.
To finish off the keychain, weave the final section without tightening the laces. Wrap each end of the lace around the same colour lace next to it, then poke the ends up into the centre. Pull the ends to tighten the knot and secure the keychain. Finally, trim the ends to your desired length, and attach a lanyard hook using pliers if desired.
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Adding the lanyard hook
The type of hook you use depends on your preference and the availability of materials. You can buy lanyard hooks separately or as part of a kit. Some kits include hooks specifically for making keychains, while others provide a more general set of materials that can be used for a variety of projects.
When selecting a kit, consider the type and amount of materials included, as well as the quality of the hooks. For example, one reviewer on Amazon mentions that a particular kit only came with 12 "hook" keychains, which made it difficult to find exact replacements. It's important to ensure that you have the necessary materials before beginning your project to avoid any disruptions or inconveniences.
Additionally, when purchasing hooks, consider the colour and style that best suit your keychain design. You can choose from a variety of colours, such as chrome, brass, or rose gold. The style of the hook can also vary, with options like classic snap clips or swivel lobster snap hooks.
Overall, adding the lanyard hook is a straightforward process that completes your plastic lace keychain. By following the instructions and selecting the appropriate materials, you can create a functional and personalized accessory.
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Colourful plastic laces
Crafting keychains out of colourful plastic laces is a fun and creative activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is an excellent way to express your individuality and add a personal touch to your keys or accessories. The process of making these keychains, often known as "boondoggling", is quite simple and can be a great therapeutic escape for craft enthusiasts.
To get started, you will need colourful plastic laces and a few basic tools such as scissors and pliers. You can easily find plastic laces online or at craft stores. These laces come in a variety of vibrant colours, allowing you to create intricate patterns and designs.
The first step in creating your keychain is to choose the right type of lace. For keychains, smaller-sized laces are typically used, such as the 3/32" PVC cord mentioned in one source. This size is ideal for crafting keychains, lanyards, and even friendship bracelets.
Once you have your colourful plastic laces, you can begin by cutting the laces to the desired length with scissors. A small pair of scissors will make it easier to cut the plastic cord neatly and precisely. Then, you can follow various tutorials to weave the laces together. A basic 2-strand weave is a good starting point for beginners, and you can move on to more complex patterns as you get comfortable with the technique.
Finally, when you have completed your weave, you can use pliers to attach a lanyard hook to the end of your creation. This final step transforms your woven lace into a functional keychain, ready to be attached to your keys, backpack, or anywhere you desire!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need plastic lace, small scissors, pliers, and a lanyard hook.
The first step is to start with a basic two-strand weave. You can then move on to more complex weaves once you have mastered the basic technique.
Once you have completed your weave, use pliers to attach the lanyard hook to the end.
Making plastic lace keychains is a great way to express your creativity and personalize your keys. The process of weaving the keychains is also repetitive and meditative, offering a therapeutic escape from daily life.
Plastic lace keychains can also be used as zipper pulls for backpacks, jackets, or sleeping bags, adding a unique touch to your belongings.
