How to Make a Lanyard With Four Strings

A lanyard made with four strings has many advantages over a lanyard made with three or fewer strings. Using four strings creates a round cord, and having an even number of strings simplifies the task of tying off the loose ends. Using four strings also allows you to create a more colorful lanyard. You can also thread a hook or clasp onto the lanyard strings, then braid it and secure it with a knot, which attaches the hook more securely than using a knot alone. In addition to string, you can use flat plastic material known as gimp or boondoggle to create your lanyard.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Strings
• Scissors
• Lanyard hook with eyelet
• Tape

1. 
    
   Lanyard strings and hook

   Cut two 6-foot lengths of string. Fold the strings in half, then thread a lanyard swivel hook with an eyelet onto both of the strings. Place the hook at the point where the strings bend in half.

2. 
    
   Lanyard strings radiating outward

   Secure the hook on your work surface with tape. Arrange the strings so that they radiate outward.

3. 
    
   Crossing left string over right center string

   Cross the left string over the right center string, then bring it back under the same string you just crossed it over. Separate the strings to make the lanyard braid somewhat tighter.

4. 
    
   Crossing right string over left center string

   Cross the right string over the left center string. Tuck it under the other string and pull it fairly tight.

5. 
    
   Loose ends threaded through hook eyelet

   Repeat steps 3 and 4 until about 4 inches of unbraided lanyard string remains. Thread the two strings from the loose end of the lanyard through the eyelet of the swivel hook. Thread the other two loose string ends through the opposite side of the swivel hook eyelet.

6. 
    
   Tying square knot

   Tie two of the string ends in a square knot by tying the strings right over left, then tying them again left over right. Take the other two loose string ends and tie them in a square knot as well. Trim the loose ends to 1/2 inch, then fray the ends to create a decorative tassel.

Tips & Warnings

• Lanyards are typically worn around the neck to hold small objects such as keys, pens, pocket knives, identification tags, whistles, badges and compasses. If you make a mistake, unbraid the lanyard back to the last point where you braided it properly, then braid that section over again. Separate the strings widely after you complete each step. This will help you to keep track of which string you need to braid next. It may also prevent the lanyard from becoming tangled.

References

• Knotcraft, the Practical and Entertaining Art of Tying Knots; Allan and Paulette Macfarlan; 1967
• The Diamond Braid Stitch

Resources

• Buy lanyard strings
• Buy lanyard swivel hooks

[turtledove]

on 11/10/2009 I've never made one quite like this. I'll try it. 5*