How to Make a Diamond Braid With Two Cords

Diamond braid is a popular design for key chains and lanyards.

A diamond braid is a popular design for lanyards or key chains. It can be made with craft lace, cord or leather strips. Craft lace is most commonly used for this type of braid because of its availability and color options. It is also easy to work with. The diamond braid is well suited for lanyards and key chains because the start position requires two lengths of lacing be looped through a key ring, lanyard hook or other object.

Things You'll Need

• 8 to 10 inch length of cord
• Push pin
• Desk or work table to anchor the work
• Key ring
• Blue cord or lacing, 4 to 6 feet
• Yellow cord or lacing, 4 to 6 feet
• Paper clip or alligator clamp

Instructions

1. Pass the 8 to 10 inch piece of cord through the key ring and tie the ends together.Use the push pin to anchor the loop to a desk or work surface.

2. Pass both colors of cord through the key ring and adjust them so all four strands are even in length. You will have a cord of each color coming from the back of the key ring and one of each color coming from the front.

3. Arrange the cords side by side as follows: Back blue cord, front blue cord, back yellow cord, front yellow cord.

4. Pass the yellow cord on the right behind the two center cords and bring it over the second cord you passed behind. Pass the left blue cord behind the two center cords and bring it over the second cord you passed behind. Pull the slack out of all the cords, holding the two yellow cords to the right and the two blue cords to the left.

5. Repeat until the braid is the length you want. Each time you tighten the braid you will have two blue strands on the left and two yellow strands on the right. You'll see the alternate colors make diamonds along the braid.

6. If you need to put the work aside for a while and take a break, put a paper clip or alligator clamp on the cords close to the braid.

7. Bring all the cords together and tie in an overhand knot to finish. Remove the push pin from the anchor. Untie the anchor loop and remove it from the key ring.

Tips & Warnings

• Start each step with the outside cord that is highest on the braid.

• Grasp the cords close to the braid as you work to keep the tension even.

• Hold the cord close to the braid as you pull to tighten the braid to avoid breaking.

References

• BoondoggleMan.com: The Diamond Stitch