How to Do a Standard 3-Braid for a Lanyard
Most people remember making lanyards as children, either as a craft at summer camp or to exchange as friendship bracelets. Lanyards also are useful as key chains, bottle nets or as thin, sturdy rope. Many outdoor enthusiasts use and make lanyards rather than carrying tent rope. Lanyard-making includes dozens of weaving techniques or stitches. Some of them use only two strings; others need four or five. The simplest technique to create a lanyard uses only three strings and takes little time or skill.
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Instructions
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1
Cut three appropriate lengths of nylon or other thick cord. For a bracelet, clip about 8 inches of each color. For a necklace or keychain, clip 12 inches or more.
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Use all one color, choose two colors, or pick a different color for each cord. Choose neutral colors if making a lanyard for camping. Use school colors for a key-chain lanyard. For friendship bracelets, pick one color to represent each friend to receive a bracelet, or agree on three favorite colors.
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3
Gather the ends of the cords together and tie them together in a granny knot by bending the ends down and across the rest of the cord to form a loop. Push the ends through the loop and pull the cords tight. Secure the knot by holding it between your teeth, between your heels while sitting, or asking someone else to hold it for you.
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Separate the three cords so that you hold the left cord between your left index finger and thumb, the center cord between your left middle finger and index finger, and the right cord between your right index finger and thumb.
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Pass the left cord to the right over the center cord, pulling the center cord to the left. Pass the right cord over the left cord (now the center cord) pulling the left cord to the right. Continue this way, passing first the left, then the right cord over the center cord and pulling everything taut. Secure the other end with a granny knot when finished.
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Tips & Warnings
Thick cord weaves more easily than plastic gimp or thinner cords.
