Things You'll Need
Pair of shoelaces
Key ring
Hot glue
With shoelaces available in all kinds of patterns, themes and colors, you may find yourself with more pairs of shoelaces than shoes. Instead of waiting for your current laces to wear out, use them as a craft material. Since most shoelaces are flat, you can weave them like plastic lanyard cord to make funky keychains. Look for affordable patterned shoelaces at dollar stores and novelty retailers; purchase plain key rings at any craft store.
Step 1
Cross the two shoelaces in an X at the midpoints. Slide the key ring through the bottom lace to the midpoint.
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Step 2
Pinch the midpoint of the crossed laces, along with the key ring, between your thumb and forefinger.
Step 3
Turn the ends of one of the laces over your pinched finger so it makes two loops that are parallel to each other.
Step 4
Push one end of the other lace over the loop closest to it, then through the far loop. Repeat with the other end.
Step 5
Hold one end from each lace in each hand. They will be side by side, but at a 90 degree angle from one another. Pull the laces in each hand to make a box stitch. The key ring should be attached to the underside of the stitch.
Step 6
Repeat the square stitch until you've built up many layers, creating a piece that is several inches long with square sides.
Step 7
Finish the stitch by bringing each end around the stitch to its left and through its loop, so that all of the ends are pushed through the center. Pull the ends tight.
Step 8
Tie the ends into a bow, if desired. Reinforce the bow by applying hot glue to the underside of the knot, so it stays tied.
Tip
You can use just about any stitch used with plastic lanyard string to make shoelace keychains.
Warning
Don't allow the shoelaces to twist as you make the stitches.
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