How to Make a Staircase Out of Plastic Lacing

Plastic lacing, also known as lanyard, are colorful lengths of thin, flat plastic that can be tied together in certain ways to create a more complex pattern. In this way, plastic lacing can become decorations for such things as keychains, necklaces, bracelets and zipper pulls. The spiral staircase pattern is one of the most basic plastic lacing designs; even small children can complete it. To learn how to create a spiral staircase pattern out of colorful plastic lacing, use the following guide.

Things You'll Need

• 2 colors of plastic lacing
• Scissors
• Tape

Instructions

1. Cut two different colored plastic lacings into equal lengths. Cut the plastic lacing into 12-inch lengths for shorter projects such as zipper pulls or keychains. Cut the plastic lacing up to 36 inches or longer for larger projects such as a long necklace.

2. Hold the two pieces of plastic lacing together at one end. Create a loop with the plastic lacing. Push your hand holding the two ends of plastic lacing through the loop. Pull tightly to create an overhand knot on one end of the plastic lacing. Ensure there is about 2 inches of plastic lacing above the overhand knot.

3. Lay the plastic lacing on a flat surface perpendicular to you, with the end with the overhand knot farthest away from you. Tape the knot to the flat surface so it does not move while you work.

4. Pick up the first color of plastic lacing with your right hand, leaving the other color in a straight line on the table. Place the first color of plastic lacing on the left of the second color and hold the lacing down with your left pointer finger about 4 inches lower than the overhand knot. Pull the rest of the first color of plastic lacing across and to the right of the second color so the plastic lacing resembles a "4." Thread the end of the first color of plastic lacing underneath and to the left of the second color of plastic lacing and pull the plastic lacing tight to make a knot. Ensure this knot lies directly below the overhand knot. Repeat this procedure for nine more knots.

5. Pick up the second color of plastic lacing with your right hand, leaving the first color in a straight line on the table. Place the second color of plastic lacing on the left of the first color and hold the lacing down with your left pointer finger about 6 inches lower than the overhand knot. Pull the rest of the second color of plastic lacing across and to the right of the first color so the plastic lacing resembles a "4." Thread the end of the second color of plastic lacing underneath and to the left of the first color of plastic lacing and pull the plastic lacing tight to make a knot. Ensure this knot lies directly below the previous knots. Repeat this procedure for nine more knots and then switch the color of plastic lacing again. Continue until you reach your desired length.

6. Create a loop with the end of the plastic lacing and push the two ends of plastic lacing through the loop. Pull tightly to create an overhand knot.

References

• "Lanyard: Having Fun with Plastic Lace"; Camilla Gryski; 1994