Free Lanyard Weaving Instructions

Making a lanyard consists of weaving, or stitching, designs. One of the best stitches to begin with is the box, or square stitch. It requires the use of two plastic lace colors and a simple weaving technique. A lanyard hook can be added to your project to turn it into an ID tag holder, key chain, or zipper pull. Contrasting colors bring out the checkerboard pattern that the square stitch creates in your lanyard.

Things You'll Need

• Lanyard hook
• Plastic lace (two colors)
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut two different colored strands at equal length. It takes about 12 inches to make about an inch or so of weaved lanyard. Cut the strands accordingly to your desired length.

2. Slide the lanyard hook halfway down onto the strands, holding them evenly. Fold the strands in half at the center where the hook is. The hook is optional; it works well if you are making a key chain or an ID holder lanyard. Hold the strands in a cross shape. One will be vertical and one horizontal. The horizontal strand will be the one on top.

3. Take the vertical strand and form a loop by pulling one end over the center where the strands cross. Hold the loop in place with your fingers. Take the opposite end of the vertical strand, which will be furthest from you, and pull it over the center towards you creating a second loop. They will be parallel.

4. Weave the right strand over the first center loop and under the second loop, pulling it out to the left. Take the left strand over the first loop and under the second loop, pulling that one to the right. Pull all four strands tight to secure the stitch. This is the weave used for the rest of the lanyard.

5. Create the loops in the center again using the vertical strands, pulling them in opposite directions. Weave the right and left strands into the middle loops as you did before. Continue making stitches until your lanyard is as long as you need. Leave the last stitch loose to finish your lanyard. There needs to be about 4 or 5 inches of strand left.

6. Take one strand and pull it around to the right and insert it into the nearest loop. Pull the strand out through the middle of the weave. Do this with the remaining three strands. Pull them all tight to secure the lanyard. Trim the ends if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not pull the strands too hard or they may rip.

References

• Boondoggle Man: Starter Square Stitch
• Boondoggle Man: The Square Stitch
• Boondoggle Man: The Completion Stitch