DIY Beaded Lanyard: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are looking for a way to keep your ID or keys handy, a beaded lanyard might be the perfect solution! Not only is it functional, but it also adds a fun and colorful touch to your outfit. Making a beaded lanyard is an easy and enjoyable DIY project that anyone can do. With a few basic supplies and a little bit of creativity, you can create a personalized lanyard that is unique to you.

To get started, you will need some beads, a string or ribbon, a clasp, and some basic tools. The beads can be any shape, size, or color that you like. You can use glass beads, wooden beads, acrylic beads, or even recycled paper beads. The string or ribbon can be made of nylon, silk, or cotton, and should be strong enough to hold the weight of the beads and your ID or keys. The clasp can be a lobster claw, a hook, or a magnetic closure, depending on your preference. As for tools, you will need a pair of scissors, some pliers, and maybe a wire cutter if you are using wire as your string. Once you have gathered all your supplies, it’s time to start beading!

Materials Needed

Before we can start making a beaded lanyard, we need to gather all the materials we need. Here are the materials you need to make a beaded lanyard:

1. Beads

When it comes to making a beaded lanyard, you can use different sizes and shapes of beads. Buy beads that have a hole size that fits your stringing cord and ensure that the colors complement each other.

2. Stringing Cord

Stringing cord is the thread that holds your beads together. Nylon cord, silk cord, or fishing line are strong and durable strings you can use to make your beaded lanyard. The thickness of your cord will depend on the size of your beads.

3. Clasps and Connectors

Clasps and connectors are essential in completing your lanyard. You can choose from different types, shapes, sizes, and colors of clasps and connectors that complement your beads.

4. Jewelry Pliers

Jewelry pliers come in different types: round-nose pliers, flat-nose pliers, and wire cutters. These tools are vital in securing your knots, opening and closing jump rings, and trimming excess strings.

5. Beading Mat

A beading mat is crucial in ensuring your beads don’t move around whilst you’re working on your lanyard. You want to avoid losing your beads, so having a bead mat or a towel to work on can help prevent this.

6. Scissors

Scissors are essential in trimming excess strings and cutting your cord to the desired length. When selecting your scissors, make sure they’re sharp enough to avoid cutting jagged edges.

7. Ruler or Tape Measure

A ruler or tape measure is critical in measuring the right length for your lanyard. You want to make sure your lanyard is the right length, so having a ruler or a tape measure on hand is crucial.

8. Masking Tape

Masking tape is an excellent tool for securing the ends of your lanyard whilst you work with your beads. The tape is soft and malleable, so it won’t damage your beading cord when you remove it.

9. Toothpick or Needle

A toothpick or a needle comes in handy when picking up small beads and fixing knots. They are also vital in undoing knots that may be too tight.

10. Beading Thread Conditioner

Thread conditioner is essential in preventing your cord from fraying and tangling. Apply the thread conditioner before stringing your beads, and it will keep your cord smooth and tangle-free.

Materials Needed for Making a Beaded Lanyard

Before you start making your own beaded lanyard, it is important to have all the necessary materials on hand. Here are the items you will need:

1. Beads – You will need your choice of beads in different sizes, shapes, and colors. You can choose from glass, plastic, wood, or any other material that suits your liking.

2. Nylon Cord – The best type of cord to use for making a lanyard is a 550 parachute cord or any other strong cord that is at least 2mm thick.

3. Crimps – These are small metal tubes used to secure the ends of the cord after the beads have been added.

4. Jump Rings – These are circular metal rings that are used to attach the lanyard clip to your beaded design.

5. Lanyard Clip – This is the hook or clasp that attaches your ID card, keys, or other items to the lanyard.

6. Pliers – These are used to attach the crimps and jump rings to the cord.

7. Scissors – You will need scissors to cut the cord to the desired length.

8. Ruler – A ruler will help you measure the length of the cord needed for your lanyard.

9. Beading Mat – This will help keep your beads in place and prevent them from rolling away while you work.

10. Beading Needle – This is an optional item that can be used to help string beads onto the cord.

How to Attach the Lanyard Clip

The first step in making a beaded lanyard is to attach the lanyard clip to the cord. To do this, tie a knot at one end of the cord and insert it through the hole in the lanyard clip. Pull the cord through until the knot is snug against the clip. Next, fold the cord in half and tie another knot at the end, making sure the two ends are the same length. This will ensure that your beaded design is centered.

How to Add Beads to Your Lanyard

Once you have attached the lanyard clip to the cord, it is time to add the beads. String your desired beads onto the cord, making sure to alternate colors and sizes for a more interesting look. Use a beading needle or the tip of your pliers to help push the cord through the holes of smaller beads. Continue adding beads until you reach the desired length, leaving about an inch of cord at the end.

How to Secure Beads with Crimps

After you have added the beads, it is time to secure them in place. Slip a crimp bead onto the cord, and then insert the cord end through the jump ring. Pull the cord back through the crimp bead, creating a loop around the jump ring. Use your pliers to crimp the bead tightly against the cord, making sure that it is secure. You can use the excess cord to add a few more beads or trim it off.

How to Finish Your Lanyard

Once you have added all the beads and secured them in place, it is time to finish your beaded lanyard. Slip another crimp bead onto the cord, this time without a jump ring. Tie a knot at the end of the cord, making sure it is snug against the crimp bead. Use your pliers to crimp the bead tightly against the cord, securing the knot in place. Trim off any excess cord and your beaded lanyard is complete.

Tips and Tricks for Making a Beaded Lanyard

1. Choose beads that are uniform in size and shape for a cleaner look.

2. Mix and match colors and textures for a fun and unique design.

3. Use a beading mat to keep your beads in place and prevent them from rolling around.

4. Add a few smaller beads in between larger beads to create interest and texture.

5. Use pliers to help push the cord through smaller beads.

6. Experiment with different knotting techniques to add variety to your design.

7. Always measure the length of your lanyard before starting to ensure it is the desired length.

8. Be patient and take your time to ensure that each bead is strung correctly.

9. Use a lighter to lightly singe the ends of the cord, preventing fraying.

10. Have fun and be creative with your design!

Materials Needed

A beaded lanyard is an easy and fun project to do, and it also makes for a good gift! Before we begin, let’s gather the materials we’ll need to make the lanyard:

Choosing Beads

When it comes to choosing beads for your lanyard, the options are endless! You can choose beads of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Just make sure the beads you choose are small enough to fit through the needle and thread you’ll be using. You can also use beads that have a larger hole, but you’ll need to adjust your thread size to accommodate the bead.

Preparing the Thread and Needle

Now that you have your beads and other materials, it’s time to start assembling your lanyard. To begin, cut a length of bead thread about 2 meters long. Thread your needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread.

Starting the Beading Process

After preparing your needle and thread, it’s time to start beading! Begin by stringing your first bead onto the thread, and then slide it to the end of the thread, near the knot. With the bead at the end of the thread, tie a knot once more to secure the bead in place. Then, slide your next bead onto the thread, and tie another knot at the top of the bead to hold it in place. Repeat this process until you have strung all of the beads that you want onto the thread.

Finishing the Lanyard

After you’ve strung all your beads on the thread, it’s time to finish off the lanyard. To finish it, attach the threads to the lobster clasp using jump rings. To do this, tie one end of the thread to one jump ring, and then tie the other end of the thread to another jump ring. Finally, attach each jump ring to the ends of the lobster clasp, and you’re done!

A beaded lanyard is a fun and stylish way to hold your ID badge or keys. With just a few materials and some patience, you can create a unique lanyard that reflects your personal style.

Thanks for Reading!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make a beaded lanyard. It’s a fun and practical skill that you can use for all kinds of events and occasions. And remember, practice makes perfect, so keep trying until you get it just right. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to come back for more fun and creative projects in the future!