How To Start A Lanyard
Whether you want to make a lanyard for yourself or as a gift for a friend, it can be a fun and enjoyable hobby. Lanyards are not only cute but also have a variety of uses, such as securing keys, cell phones, badges, or whistles. There are different varieties of lanyards you can make, some more advanced than others, but here are a few ideas to get you started on this enjoyable hobby.
Choosing the Right Material
When starting a lanyard, it’s important to choose the right material. You can use lanyard cord, craft lace, gimp, or boondoggle strings. The length of the material will depend on how long you want the lanyard to be. Thicker materials will yield a smaller length, so keep that in mind when choosing your material. Additionally, using different colors can make your lanyard look prettier and help you differentiate between your strands as you weave.
Starting a Box Lanyard
To start a box lanyard, cross the centers of two equal lengths of material to form a plus sign. Hold the centers in place while you grab one end of the bottom strand and draw it up over the center to make a large loop. Then, grab the other end of the bottom strand and do the same thing. Next, weave one end of the top strand over the first loop it meets and under the second loop. Weave the other end of the top strand over the first loop it meets and under the second. Tighten that stitch, and continue making stitches until the lanyard is the length you want.
Creating a Diamond Braid Lanyard
If you want to create a diamond braid lanyard, you can follow similar steps to the box lanyard. However, instead of keeping the strands straight, pull them at an angle to create the diamond braid. You can also find helpful tutorials and videos online to guide you through the process.
Finishing the Lanyard
How you finish the lanyard will depend on the material you’re using. If you’re using a thread-based material, such as craft lace, you can simply cut the ends close to the lanyard and burn them with a match or secure them with crazy glue. If you’re using gimp or boondoggle material, you’ll need to do a finishing “stitch.” Loosen the loops of your last stitch a bit first. Then take one of your strands and pull it through the loop of the other strand of the same color, going under the same-color strand as well as the different-colored strand beneath it. Finally, pull your strand up through the center of the lanyard. Repeat this for all four strands, pulling each strand tight when they’re all through, and then trim the strands to your desired length.
Securing the Lanyard Hook
Securing your lanyard hook will make braiding easier. You can secure your lanyard hook by hooking it to a tack on a wall or a table, pinching it between your knees, or simply taping it down. This will allow you to maintain a tight tension while you’re braiding, making the process easier.
Tips and Tricks
When making a lanyard, it’s important to avoid twisting your material, as it can disrupt the pattern and make the stitches look different. Additionally, using different colors and experimenting with various weaving techniques can create unique and attractive lanyards. You can also explore different types of lanyards for more ideas and inspiration.
FAQs
What is the string to make the lanyard called?
The string used to make a lanyard is called gimp.
How do I start a box braid?
To start a box braid, you can take the strands and find the center, making a plus sign out of them. Then, turn it into four strands. The top strand will need to be folded down, fold your left strand toward the right, move the bottom strand up, and take the final strand over the first strand and under the other. You can keep doing the same steps with the 4 strands until you are done. Visual tutorials are also available on platforms like YouTube.
How would I do the diamond braid?
If you know how to do the box braid, you can follow similar steps to create a diamond braid. However, instead of keeping the strands straight, pull them at an angle to achieve the diamond braid. If you need further guidance, there are multiple tutorial videos available online.
Starting a lanyard can be a creative and enjoyable activity, allowing you to make personalized accessories or gifts for others. With the right materials and techniques, you can create unique and stylish lanyards to suit your preferences.