Lanyard weaving means tying cords into repeated patterns to form strong, decorative designs. You can make keychains, bracelets, or straps while picking up classic knots that have been around for decades.
Even a basic square or spiral pattern can look sharp once you get the hang of it. As you get better, you might try more advanced knots or mix colors for something unique.
Lots of people first learn lanyard weaving at camp or in school, but it’s also common in sailing and outdoor gear because it’s strong and functional.
With just a few cords and some patience, you can make projects that are both practical and personal. Lanyard weaving grows with your skill—there’s always a new pattern to try, whether you want something simple or more complex.
Key Takeaways
- Learn the basics of lanyard weaving with simple knots and patterns
- Explore different styles to create both functional and decorative projects
- Use finishing methods to make your designs strong and long-lasting
Ready to try lanyard weaving yourself? Check out our lanyard string kit collection.
Fundamentals of Lanyard Weaving
When you make a lanyard, you’ll want the right supplies and a sense of how cords and colors work together. The materials you choose affect the lanyard’s strength, while your color choices set the mood and style.
Essential Materials and Tools
Caydo Lanyard String Kit – 24 Rolls Gimp Strings with Storage Bag
You’ll need strong cord, a clasp or key ring, and scissors. Paracord is a favorite since it’s tough, flexible, and knots easily.
Standard paracord has 550 strength, so it can hold up to 550 pounds. That’s why it’s reliable for both decorative and practical lanyards.
A flat surface helps keep your work neat. Some people use a clipboard or even a small loom to hold cords in place. It makes weaving way less frustrating.
Other handy tools:
- Measuring tape for cutting cords to the right length
- Lighter to melt cord ends and stop fraying
- Needle or fid for threading through tight knots
Keep your tools nearby so you don’t have to stop and search mid-project.
Choosing the Right Cord and Colors
Your cord choice changes how the lanyard feels and looks. Thicker cords like paracord make a bold, sturdy lanyard, while thinner cords—plastic lacing or satin—give you lighter, more decorative results.
Color matters, too. You can use two or more colors for stripes or spirals. Bright shades pop, while darker tones give a more classic vibe.
Think about where you’ll use the lanyard. School lanyards might look best in team colors, and outdoor lanyards benefit from high-visibility shades. Mixing matte and neon cords can really make things interesting.
Always cut extra cord. Weaving eats up length as the pattern tightens, and running short is a pain.
Lanyard Weaving Patterns You Need To Know
How you cross and pull the strands changes the shape and texture of your lanyard. Some patterns create flat sides, while others twist into round or angled designs.
Box Braid
The box braid is classic and beginner-friendly. You use four strands—usually two colors—and weave them in a square shape.
Each step locks the strands tightly, so you get a solid, flat-sided cord. This braid works well for keychains, zipper pulls, or ID lanyards since it keeps its shape.
To start, tie a lanyard knot at the top to anchor your strands. Then cross each strand over the next in a repeating order.
Key points:
- Uses 4 strands
- Creates flat, square edges
- Great for simple, durable projects
Diamond Braid
The diamond braid adds a twist—literally. You rotate the strands as you weave, which makes a spiral or diamond-shaped pattern.
Two or more colors really help the design stand out. The contrast makes the angled lines pop.
The weaving steps are similar to the box braid, but you shift the strands a bit each time. This small change gives you the diagonal effect.
Best uses:
- Decorative keychains
- Craft projects needing color contrast
- Designs that show movement in the pattern
Round Braid
The round braid, or spiral braid, creates a cord with no flat sides. The strands wrap around a central core, so you get a smooth, rope-like shape.
This style is popular in climbing ropes and paracord projects for its strength and flexibility. In lanyards, it feels thicker and softer in your hand.
To weave it, cross the strands in a circular motion instead of right angles. It takes a little practice to keep the tension even, but the results are satisfying.
Advantages:
- Strong, rounded cord
- Comfortable to hold
- Works well for heavy-duty or outdoor use
Specialty Lanyard Projects
You can use lanyard weaving for simple camp crafts or build sturdy paracord gear for daily use. Each project has its own purpose, materials, and weaving style, which changes how the final piece turns out.
Camp Lanyard Designs
Camp lanyards are usually beginner projects, using plastic lace or simple cord. Maybe you remember making these at summer camp—square stitch and round stitch are the classics.
They’re perfect for holding keys, whistles, or name tags. Kids love making them as keychains or zipper pulls since the plastic lace comes in bright colors.
Camps often teach lanyard weaving as a group activity. It helps kids practice hand-eye coordination and gives them something useful to take home.
Popular camp lanyard materials:
- Plastic lacing (gimp, boondoggle)
- Key rings or swivel hooks
- Scissors for trimming ends
Paracord Lanyard Creations
Paracord lanyards are stronger and more practical than camp lanyards. Paracord started as nylon rope in military parachutes, so it’s tough and can handle up to 550 pounds.
Weaving paracord into a lanyard gives you both a carrying strap and an emergency supply of rope. If you’re camping or hiking, you can unravel the cord and use it for all sorts of things.
Try knots like the cobra weave or box braid. The knot you pick changes how much cord you can store in the finished lanyard. For example, a cobra weave uses more cord and makes a thicker strap.
Common uses for paracord lanyards:
- Holding ID badges or keys
- Emergency rope for outdoor trips
- Stylish bracelets or key fobs in a smaller size
If you pick your colors and knots carefully, you’ll end up with a lanyard that’s both useful and fits your style.
Finishing Techniques and Creative Variations
The way you finish a lanyard changes its strength and look. Small details—knots, trims, or added pieces—can make a simple braid feel more personal and useful.
Securing and Finishing Your Lanyard
Lock the ends so the weave doesn’t unravel. The most common way is tying a lanyard knot—sometimes called a diamond knot. It gives a neat, rounded finish that holds up under daily use.
You can also melt plastic cord ends with a lighter and press them flat. For fabric or leather, stitching or glue works better.
Trim away extra cord before sealing for a polished look. Some crafters add a metal crimp or clasp to cover the joint for a professional touch.
If you want a cleaner finish, loop the cord back into the weave to hide the ends. This works best with tight patterns like box or barrel weaves.
Incorporating Beads and Accessories
Adding beads or clips gives your lanyard more style and function. Plastic pony beads slide onto cord easily and can sit between rows of stitches. Wooden or metal beads add weight and texture but may need thicker cord.
You can attach key rings, swivel hooks, or badge clips at the base. These make the lanyard practical for keys, ID cards, or small tools.
Try spacing beads along the weave or grouping them at the center for a focal point. Some people use glow-in-the-dark or patterned beads for extra flair.
If you want your lanyard to last, pick accessories with smooth edges so they don’t wear down the cord. Test the placement before tightening everything to make sure the beads sit straight and secure.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, lanyard weaving is more than just a craft—it’s a spark of creativity you can carry anywhere. Each twist and pull of the cord turns into something colorful, useful, and uniquely yours. It’s easy to learn, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
From camp nostalgia to stylish DIY projects, this hobby has something for everyone. So grab some plastic lace, pick your favorite colors, and start weaving today.
And while you’re at it, check out other fun crafting kits like embroidery, crochet, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is lanyard making called?
People often call lanyard making boondoggle or scoubidou. These names really took off in summer camps and craft groups, especially across the United States and Europe.
This craft uses plastic lace, cord, or gimp to weave patterns into keychains, straps, or just fun decorative cords. Honestly, if you've ever been to camp, you've probably seen it in action.
How to do a lanyard twist stitch?
The twist stitch is just a spin on the box stitch. Instead of keeping the strands lined up, you cross them a bit as you weave.
This little change makes the lanyard spiral as it grows, which gives it a rope-like twist. If you want a tighter spiral, just pull the cords a bit more—it's that simple.
What is the best knot for a lanyard?
The cobra knot and the diamond knot are both solid picks. The cobra knot works great for flat lanyards and survival paracord stuff.
The diamond knot comes in handy at the end of a lanyard, securing the cords and adding a neat finish. Both knots are pretty strong, and you can pick them up quickly.
What is a gimp lanyard?
A gimp lanyard uses flat plastic lacing called gimp or craft lace. You'll spot it in bright colors, and it's soft enough for kids to use without trouble.
Camp crafts often use gimp for simple stitches like the box or circle stitch. These make keychains, zipper pulls, and all sorts of small straps.
What is a woven lanyard?
People make a woven lanyard by interlacing strands of cord, lace, or thread into a patterned strap. It feels a lot like basket or textile weaving, honestly.
The result might be flat or tubular, but either way, it's handy for holding ID badges, keys, or even tools if you're feeling practical.
What is a scoobie?
A scoobie, sometimes spelled scoubidou, is a way of weaving lanyards with plastic lace. The name actually comes from France, where people started making them back in the 1950s.
Most folks use bright cords and simple stitches, so it's no wonder kids and hobby crafters love making them. Honestly, they're a fun little project if you've got some spare time and want to keep your hands busy.
