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Creative types may be curious to learn how to make lanyards. If you are able to follow simple directions you will be able to produce your very own lanyard for personal use or to give as a gift. Whether for yourself or a as a gift, lanyards are a great way to secure your keys, cell phone, badge, or whistle.

In learning how to make lanyards it is important to choose the right material. A popular lanyard making material is a thin, elastic, and flexible plastic lace. It is readily available at most craft stores and referred to as craftlace, lanyard, gimp, or boondoggle.

There are many different stitches that can be used to make or braid a lanyard. Many braiding techniques are complex and time consuming. One of the simpler braids is referred to as a crown (or round) knot. One must utilize patience and follow directions carefully in learning how to make lanyards. The basic crown knot is as follows:

To begin, take two strands of craftlace, fold them together (length will depend on the type of lanyard) and tie a knot at toward the top to hold them securely together. You now have four strings secured at the top.

Spread the four strings apart, separately, pointing in each cardinal direction of a compass. Hold the “west” string with one finger (close to the knot). At the same time, pull the “west” string over the “north” string.

Continuing on, cross the “north” string” over the “east” string. At this point the “north” string is covering both the “west” string and the “east” string. Now cross the “east” string over the “south” string. Finally, cross the “south” string over the “west” string.

At this point pull each end of the four string extremely tight to make the first knot. Continue crossing the strings in the same manner until the desired length is reached. The knots will produce a rounded lanyard.