How to Make a Lanyard
Never lose your keys again, thanks to this Super Easy Lanyard and Key Chain Wristlet! These handy accessories are so cute and will save you from hours locked out of the car or the house.
Keep all your keys in one convenient place that's guaranteed to keep them safe and secure.
Travelers, learn how to make a fabric lanyard to keep your passport or travel money safe around your neck.
Plus, these DIY fabric lanyards or wristlets will look super cute clipped to your purse or belt. They're a must-have outfit accessory for people on the go.
Not to mention, they're one of the best scrapbusters around. Because you don't need much fabric, you can use all of your favorites. Every choice will result in a beautiful lanyard that you'll appreciate.
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Materials List
- 1 1/4” D-Rings – Dritz
- Swivel Hook for 1” Strap – Dritz
- Key Rings
- A couple coordinating prints of fabric (1/8 yard, 45” wide)
- 45mm rotary cutter
- Thread snips
- Cutting mat
- Quilting ruler
- Scissors
- Iron
Instructions (Lanyard):
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Cut one piece of fabric using your rotary cutter so it measures 3” wide x 40” long.
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Fold each long side in toward the middle and iron. Fold strip in half and iron again. Basically you’ve just created custom bias tape.
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Stitch down the entire length of the open side of the strip stitching as close to the edge as possible. Repeat along other side. Trim dangling threads with Thread Snips.
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Fold stitched strip in half, making sure the strip isn’t twisted. Thread swivel hook onto strip. Match ends and stitch forward and reverse several times, approximately 1” from the ends. Clip the ends 1/8” from the stitching.
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Flip strip inside out and move swivel hook to hang at the stitching that closes the loop. Stitch hook in place with the same forward and reverse stitching as close to the hook as possible. Trim dangling threads with Thread Snips.
Instructions (Key Chain Wristlet):
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First you’ll cut two pieces of coordinating fabric using your rotary cutter so they each measure 3” wide by 13” long. Iron each side in, toward the middle, approximately ¼”. Fold strip in half, iron. (Tip: I find it helpful to use spray starch to get a crisp fold.) Repeat for second fabric.
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Lay one fabric strip on top of the other to the folded edges are on opposite sides. Pin together. Stitch down the length of each long edge, as close to the edge as possible. Trim dangling threads using Thread Snips. If necessary, trim short ends of fabric even.
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Decide which fabric you want on the outside, hereinafter called: right side. Fabric on the inside of the finished product: wrong side. Fold in half, matching ends, with right sides together. Slide D-ring onto strip.
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Match ends and stitch forward and reverse several times approximately ½” from ends. Trim ends approximately 1/8” from stitching.
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Flip strip right side out and move D-ring to hang at the stitching that closes the loop. Stitch ring in place with the same forward and reverse stitching as close to the ring as possible to secure in place.
Ways To Use This Lanyard
This DIY sewing project can be used in a variety of ways. Take a look at the list below for ideas on how to use your new lanyard or wristlet!
1. Keychain collection
If you're someone that likes to collect keychains after visiting a place or taking a vacation, this DIY project would be a great way to display them and show them off to friends.
2. I.D. Holder
For college students especially, an I.D. card is your ticket to everything. Making your own luggage tag that can clip right onto this DIY lanyard ensures that everything coordinates. This simple DIY phone wallet would also be handy for an on-the-go student!
3. Customizable Gift
Lanyards are functional and a great way to show personality, so why not make some as gifts? These easy lanyards and wristlets don't require much fabric, so you could easily buy several different fabrics (be sure to check the remnant bin!) to make lanyards in different patterns and colors for each of your friends.