How to Make Boondoggle Key Chains
Boondoggle is plastic lacing that is often made in bright colors. It's used to make dozens of different crafts and is often a summer camp staple. One of the things you can make with boondoggle is a key chain. This is often the first project that people learn since it is relatively simple and useful to have. You can finish the key chain in 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size you wish to make.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Select two different colors of boondoggle, unless you are going for monochrome, and cut off one 12-inch lace from each roll. Put the two laces on the table parallel to each other and pick them up together. Find the center of the laces, and tie an overhand knot in both together. Now both laces will be attached.
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2
Take your metal key ring and slip it over the lace, stopping when you reach that center knot. Step on the key ring, lay something heavy on it or have a friend hold it. You need to keep it from moving as you begin your stitches.
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3
Tie a second overhand knot in the boondoggle directly on top of the first one to anchor the lacing on your key ring. Then pull the cord taut and separate it into four different strands. Grab the strand on the far right, and place the piece nearest the base on top of the base of the strand to its immediate left. Then pick up the strand that is now on the far right and complete the same action.
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4
Continue with the remaining two strands to finish your first stitch. It should start resembling a square, or box. Then pull the end of each strand tightly at the same time--two horizontally and two vertically--to lock in your stitch. Don't pull the strands toward you unless you made a mistake, since that will just pull your stitch out.
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5
Repeat your box stitch as many times as you need to to get your key chain to the length of your choosing. Tie a final overhand knot in the boondoggle to secure your stitches. Then cut off any excess.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't forget to lock in your stitches. If you don't, your key chain could fall apart. Alternate colors with every stitch to make a checkerboard key chain, or make two of one color and then two of the other to create one that's striped.
You can't add extra boondoggle once you get started, so measure the length carefully.
