Chloe Zhang
Plastic lace lanyards, also known as boondoggles, are a fun and simple craft project. They are often associated with summer camps and are a great way to keep kids entertained. To get started, you will need some plastic lace in two different colours, a keyring, scissors, and optionally some pliers and clear nail polish. The basic stitch involves lining up the two pieces of lace, folding them in half, and threading them through the keyring. You then position the strands perpendicular to each other, making a plus sign through the centre of the keyring. Once you have the basic stitch down, you can experiment with different patterns and stitches, such as the square or spiral stitch. With some creativity and practice, you can create colourful and functional lanyards for your keys, backpacks, or even sleeping bags!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Plastic lacing, paracord, thick/tube-like yarn, colourful plastic strips, plastic lacing cord, neon-coloured lanyard cord, reflective lanyard cord kit, metallic lanyard cord kit, classic lanyard snap clip hooks, stainless steel, chrome, brass, rose gold, swivel lobster snap hook, key ring, scissors, pliers, clear nail polish, glue |
| Steps | 1. Cut one string of each colour. 2. Place the centre of each string over one another to form a plus sign. 3. Line up the two pieces of different-coloured lace and fold them in half, threading them through the keyring so it is centred. 4. Position the strands perpendicular to each other, forming a plus sign through the centre of the keyring. 5. Wrap the two perpendicular strands over the top of your thumb, then weave the first parallel strand through them. 6. Repeat steps 1-5 until the desired length is achieved. 7. Finish by weaving the ends through the square next to it and into the middle, or by tying a super-tight knot and using glue. 8. Apply clear nail polish over the knot to help it set, or keep pulling the knot tight until the lace sets naturally. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing your materials: plastic lace, paracord, yarn, etc
When it comes to choosing your materials, you have a few options: plastic lace, paracord, or yarn. Each has its own advantages and considerations.
Plastic lace is a popular choice for lanyards, especially for beginners. It is easy to work with and comes in a variety of bright, fun colours. You can find plastic lace in craft stores or superstores, and it is typically affordable. Plastic lace is also known as boondoggle, and it is often associated with summer camps and crafting traditions.
Paracord is another option for lanyards. It is known for its strength and durability, and it can be a great choice for those who want their lanyards to last a long time. Paracord is available in different colours, including subdued colours for a more subtle look. It is also very affordable, with 10 metres typically costing around £1.50. However, keep in mind that paracord is thicker than plastic lace, so it may not be suitable for intricate designs. Additionally, if you're using paracord, consider investing in aglet crimping pliers to finish the ends of your lanyard neatly.
Yarn is a versatile option for lanyards, offering a wide range of colours and thicknesses to choose from. When using yarn, consider finishing your lanyard with a super tight knot and some glue to secure the ends. Thick or tube-like yarn can provide an interesting texture to your lanyard, but keep in mind that it may require more material to create the desired length.
Ultimately, the choice of material depends on your personal preference and the look you want to achieve. Plastic lace is ideal for colourful, summery lanyards, while paracord provides durability, and yarn offers versatility in terms of colour and texture. You can even experiment with different types of string to find what works best for you.
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Basic stitches: square and spiral
To start a plastic lace lanyard, you will need two different colours of plastic lace, a keyring, and a pair of scissors. The first stitch you will learn is the square stitch.
To begin, line up your two pieces of different-coloured lace and fold them in half. Thread them through the keyring so that it sits in the centre of their lengths. Position the strands perpendicular to each other, making a plus sign through the centre of the keyring. Hold the keyring between your middle and ring fingers, and place your thumb on top to hold it in place. You should now have one colour with ends running parallel to your thumb, and the other colour running perpendicular.
Next, you will wrap the two perpendicular strands over your thumb, so they resemble two stripes. Weave the first parallel strand through them. This is the first perpendicular strand of the starting stitch. Repeat this process for all four laces, pulling tight.
When you are ready to finish, you will need to do a finishing stitch to prevent fraying. Start with a loose square stitch, leaving a gap in the centre for the four strands to be woven through. Loop each loose strand around the exterior of the same-colour loop next to it and then thread it through the centre gap of the stitch. Pull the strands tight to create a finishing knot.
To create a spiral stitch, simply repeat the above steps, creating multiple spiral stitches in a row. This will create a rotating spiral pattern on the exterior of the keychain, as opposed to the square column created by the square stitch.
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Adding colours and patterns
To start, you'll need at least two different colours of plastic lace, which you can buy at craft stores or superstores. You can experiment with different finishes like glow-in-the-dark, glitter, translucent, neon, or opaque bright colours.
If you're a beginner, start with a basic stitch like the box stitch or the square stitch. The square stitch is a great foundation for more complicated patterns. To create a square stitch, follow these steps:
- Place one strand of one colour horizontally, creating a base.
- Take another strand of the same colour and go over where it came from on the base, creating a pretzel-like shape.
- Weave the lace over the low part of the stitch and under the big loop.
- Repeat with the other strand of the same colour.
Once you've mastered the basic stitches, you can move on to more advanced patterns. Try combining different stitches and colours to create unique designs. For example, you can alternate between round and square weaves, or create a spiral pattern by doing multiple spiral stitches in a row.
If you want to get even more creative, try following online tutorials or books for complex patterns like the turtle and jellyfish lanyards. These patterns may require some knowledge of French, as the art of scoubidou (plastic lace lanyard-making) originated in France.
Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to colours and patterns, so feel free to experiment and let your creativity flow!
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Securing the lace
To begin securing your plastic lace, you will need to create a finishing stitch. This will prevent the lace from fraying and ensure a neat finish. Start by making a loose square stitch with a gap in the centre. Weave each of the four strands through this gap, pulling them tight to form a secure knot. You can add a small amount of clear nail polish to the knot to help it set, or simply keep an eye on it and pull it tight for the first week until the lace naturally settles into place.
Another method to secure the lace is by creating a series of loops. Take the last loop you made and gently pull on it to make it slightly larger. Then, create a new loop with the non-looped end, so that they resemble a pair of rabbit ears. Tie these two loops together, not once but twice, to ensure a secure finish. You can then choose to cut the loops or use them to attach a key ring or other accessories.
If you are using a key ring, there is a specific technique to secure the lace. First, position your key ring in the centre of the lace strands, with the strands perpendicular to each other, forming a plus sign. Hold the key ring securely and wrap the perpendicular strands over your thumb, resembling two stripes. Then, weave the parallel strand through these stripes.
Finally, you can finish your lanyard by weaving the ends through the square next to it and then into the middle. Alternatively, you can create a super tight knot and reinforce it with glue, especially if you are using yarn or paracord.
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Finishing touches: hooks, knots, glue, etc
When you start to run out of lace or decide your lanyard is long enough, it's time to finish it off. The finishing touches will depend on the type of material used and the desired look. Here are some ways to finish a plastic lace lanyard:
Hooks
Using pliers, you can attach a hook to the end of your lanyard. This is ideal for creating zipper pulls for backpacks, jackets, or sleeping bags.
Knots
A simple knot can be used to finish off your lanyard. You can create a loose square stitch with a gap in the centre and weave the strands through it. Pull the knot tight and consider using clear nail polish over it to help it set. Alternatively, you can finish with a super tight knot, especially if you're using yarn or paracord.
Glue
Applying glue is another way to secure the ends of your lanyard. You can use a small amount of crazy glue or super glue to keep the strands in place. If you're using a thread-based material, such as craft lace, you can burn the ends with a match before gluing them.
Weaving
Instead of a bulky knot, you can finish your lanyard by weaving the loose ends. Stop weaving when the laces are about 4 inches long and uneven. Do one last weave without pulling it tight. Then, take each loose lace, wrap it around the lace next to it, and weave it up through the centre. Repeat this process for all four laces, and then pull them tight.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need two different colours of plastic lace, a keyring, scissors, and some clear nail polish.
First, cut your two pieces of lace so that they are at least 18 inches or 46 cm long. Then, line them up and fold them in half, threading them through the keyring so that it sits in the centre. Position the laces so that they are perpendicular to each other, making a plus sign through the centre of the keyring.
You will then wrap the two perpendicular strands over the top of your thumb, so they look like two stripes. Then, you will weave the first parallel strand through them.
When you run out of lace or decide your lanyard is long enough, do a finishing stitch to tie off the ends so your lanyard doesn’t fray. Start by making a loose square stitch with a gap in the centre that the four strands can be weaved through. Then, repeat this process with the remaining three strands. You can also finish it off with a super tight knot and some glue.
It is recommended to start with a basic two-strand weave, such as a square stitch. You can also purchase an affordable lanyard kit that has everything you need to get started.
