How to Design Lanyards
Lanyards are extremely useful for keeping track of everything from I.D. cards to room keys and even small wallets. However, they are not always the most attractive accessory. By designing your own lanyard, you can make sure that your lanyard fits your personal style--and you can have one for every outfit. However, before you start making or ordering lanyards, put some thought into exactly what you hope to accomplish with your lanyard design.
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Instructions
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Plan what you will use the lanyard for. This will ensure that you use the right materials and design the right model for the intended use.
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Determine the length of your lanyard. Generally, they should be at least as long as the center of your chest, but often the central cord needs to extend even farther so that you can easily swipe a badge or use a key without constantly having to remove and replace your lanyard.
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Use a flexible measuring tape to get an idea of how much material you will need for your lanyard. Then measure out this length of yarn or cord and knot it so that you can wear it like a necklace. Put it around your neck and test to see if there is enough slack to use the lanyard as you wish.
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Decide on a material. Lanyards can be made of elastic cord, beads or just plain canvas material. The material decision will be largely based on function. If you wear your lanyard with professional clothes, you may want to opt for discreet gold beads on an elastic cord so that it looks similar to jewelry, whereas on a construction site you might be more concerned with durability than visual appeal.
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Factor in advertising. Often, lanyards are distributed as part of a welcoming package at seminars. As such, they are an ideal place to advertise. You may wish to take advantage of this option yourself or sell the space if you use a canvas or cloth lanyard.
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Select the lanyard apparatus. Some lanyards have clips for name tags, while others use keyring circles to hold keys and cards with holes punched in them. Some even have combinations of these.
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Make sure that all the materials work together. For example, if you want an elastic cord but will be hanging 10 keys from your lanyard, then you probably will not be able to have it both ways because the material will stay stretched out all the time.
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Tips & Warnings
Beaded lanyards are generally prettier than other types, but they also are heavier. Factor in how long you will wear a lanyard if you opt for beads to make sure that they do not weigh too heavily on your neck.
