Maya Ellison
Lanyards are a fun and simple craft to make, requiring very few supplies. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as securing keys, phones, badges, or whistles. There are several methods to make a lanyard, some more advanced than others. This guide will teach you how to start making a plastic lanyard using a simple method. To begin, you'll need to cut two strands of material to equal lengths, typically around 3 feet (1 metre) long. Find the centre of each strand and lay them on top of each other in the shape of a plus sign. Secure the strands with a clip or keychain to make it easier to thread. Now you're ready to start weaving!
How to Start a Plastic Lanyard
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Two strands of equal-length plastic |
| First Step | Find the center of the two strands and lay them over each other in the shape of a plus sign |
| Securing the Lanyard | Use a clip or keychain to secure the lanyard strands at the end |
| Looping | Create two loops with the bottom strand by drawing each end over the center, forming a plus sign with the strands |
| Weaving | Weave the ends of the top strand through the loops |
| Tightening | Move your thumb and tighten the stitch |
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What You'll Learn
Cut two strands of equal length
To start crafting your plastic lanyard, you'll first need to cut two strands of equal length. You can use any material you like, but keep in mind that the length of your final lanyard will depend on the material you choose. For example, if you're using thick craft lace, about 3 feet (1 metre) of material will give you around 3 inches (7.6 centimetres) of lanyard. So, if you want a longer lanyard, cut your strands accordingly, keeping them at the same length for consistency.
Once you have your two strands, it's time to start the braiding process. Find the centre of each strand and lay them on top of each other on your work surface, forming a "+" sign. You can secure the centre point with a clip or keychain to make it easier to work with. This arrangement of the strands is the foundation of your lanyard, so it's important to get it right.
At this stage, you can adjust the position of the clip or keychain towards the centre if needed. You don't have to be exact with the positioning right now, as you can always make adjustments later on. The important thing is to have a secure starting point for the braiding process.
With the centres of the strands in place, you can now start creating the braid. Hold the centre point with your thumb and pointer finger, and use your other hand to create two loops with the bottom strand. Don't cross the strands, just ensure that both loops are neatly folded over your finger that's holding down the centre.
Now you're ready to start weaving the top strand through the loops. This will form the tight, secure braid that characterises a lanyard. Remember to keep the process organised and neat, as any messiness will affect the final look of your lanyard.
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Find the centre of the strands
To start crafting a plastic lanyard, you first need to cut two strands of material to equal lengths. The length of the strands will determine the final length of your lanyard, so keep that in mind when cutting. For example, if you're using thick craft lace, about 3 feet (1 metre) of material will yield around 3 inches (7.6 centimetres) of lanyard.
Now, let's focus on finding the centre of the strands:
Take the two strands and find their centres. You can do this by simply folding each strand in half and making a small mark or crease at the midpoint. This ensures that you know where the centre point is for each strand. It is important to get the centre of the strands correct as this will form the base of your lanyard and ensure it is symmetrical.
Once you've found the centre of each strand, lay them over each other to form a "+" sign. This will create a total of four strands, with the centre point of the "plus" being the middle of your lanyard. You can secure this intersection with a clip or keychain to make it easier to work with. Just slip the clip onto the bottom strand and move it towards the centre, you can always adjust it later if needed.
Now, you'll want to hold the centre point of the "plus" sign between your thumb and pointer finger. This will keep the strands in place as you start to create your first stitch. It's important to hold the strands securely but gently, so you don't accidentally move the centre point off-centre.
By following these steps, you've successfully found the centre of the strands and are ready to move on to the next step of creating your plastic lanyard!
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Arrange the strands in a plus sign
To start a plastic lanyard, you need to cut two strands of material to equal lengths. The next step is to find the centre of each strand and lay them over each other in the shape of a plus sign.
Hold the centre of the plus sign between your thumb and pointer finger. This will keep the strands in place as you begin to weave the lanyard. You can use your other hand to create the loops and begin the weaving process.
The plus sign formation is crucial as it serves as the foundation for the entire lanyard. It ensures that the strands are evenly distributed and allows for a symmetrical and consistent weave throughout the length of the lanyard. This initial arrangement sets the pattern for the rest of the crafting process.
By arranging the strands in this manner, you create a secure and balanced starting point for your lanyard. This simple yet important step ensures that your lanyard is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and durable.
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Loop and weave the strands
To start a plastic lanyard, you'll need to cut two strands of equal length. Place the two strands on a flat surface and find their centres. Overlay the two strand centres, arranging them in a plus sign.
Hold the centre of the strands between your thumb and pointer finger. With your other hand, grab one end of the bottom strand and loop it over your thumb. Do the same with the other end of the bottom strand, ensuring the strands do not cross. You should now have two loops.
Now, take one end of the top strand and weave it through the loops. It doesn't matter which end of the top strand you use, as long as you only use one end. Once you've woven the top strand through the loops, move your thumb and tighten the stitch.
You can repeat the loop/weave/tighten process as many times as needed to create your desired lanyard length. Just remember to stop before you run out of lace, as you'll need to make a final stitch to secure the end.
When you're finished weaving and tightening, you'll need to tie a granny knot with the two uppermost strands. Cross the strands, wrap the top strand around the back strand, and then repeat this step for the ends of the half knot you've created.
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Finish with a granny knot
To finish a plastic lanyard with a granny knot, you will need to follow these steps:
Firstly, tie a knot just before you run out of material, as close as possible to the end of your braid. This will help secure the lanyard and prevent the strands from coming undone. You can do this by wrapping all four strands around your forefinger to create a loop, and then pulling the ends of the strands through the loop and tightening it.
Next, you will create the granny knot. A granny knot consists of two half-knots. To do this, take the two uppermost strands of your braid and cross them. Then, take the top strand and wrap it around the back strand. Repeat this step for the other half of the knot: cross the strands again and wrap the new top strand around the new back strand.
Pull the knot tight, but be careful not to pull it too tight to avoid warping or bending your lanyard. Finally, trim any excess strands to your desired length using sharp scissors. You can leave the strands long or cut them down to the base of the finishing knot, depending on the look you want to achieve.
Finishing your lanyard with a granny knot is a simple and effective way to secure your creation and ensure the strands stay together.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cut two strands of material to equal lengths.
Find the centre of each strand and lay them over each other in the shape of a plus sign.
Fold up two loops with the bottom strand. Hold one finger down on the centre for the entire first stitch so that the two strands stay in place.
Weave one end of the top strand through the loops. Move your thumb and tighten the stitch. Repeat the loop/weave/tighten process until you almost run out of lace.
