Lanyard Tutorial

by Mallory Smith December 21, 2024

How to Make a Pieced Lanyard: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Are you looking for a quick handmade project this Christmas? Yes please! I’m going to be vending a table at a Homemade Christmas Craft Show this weekend, and I wanted to add a low-price item that people might want to pick up for an added touch or stocking stuffer. What came to mind are super quick lanyards. But to add some extra flair, I wanted to make a pieced lanyard to show off more than one fabric. Follow this simple tutorial to create your own!

Materials Needed:

(4) 3.5" x 18" fabric strips
Quilting ruler with a 60-degree line
Rotary cutter
(1) 3/4" x 36" strip of batting
Lobster claw hardware
Sewing machine
Iron and ironing board
Fabric clips or pins

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Strips

Take your (4) 3.5” x 36” fabric strips and sew them together along their long edges to create a single, wider strip. Press the seams open or to one side, depending on your preference.

2. Cut Angled Strips

Using your quilting ruler, align the 60-degree line with the bottom edge of your sewn strip. Cut the strip at an angle. Continue cutting (3) 3” strips at this angle.

3. Sew with a Bias Seam

Join the (3) angled strips together using a bias seam. To do this:

Lay one strip right side up.
Place the second strip on top, right sides together, at a 90-degree angle.
Sew diagonally across the overlapping corner.
Trim excess fabric and press the seam open.

Repeat for the third strip to create one long, continuous piece of fabric. Trim to 36” long.

4. Press the Fabric

Take the long strip and fold it in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press with an iron to create a crease. Open the fabric, and lay your batting (3/4" x 36") along the center.

5. Fold the Edges

Fold the raw edges of the fabric over the batting and press again. Then fold the entire length of fabric in half over itself so the raw edges are tucked inside. Use clips or pins to hold it in place.

6. Trim the Batting

Cut the batting so it is 1/4" shorter than the fabric on both short ends. This will reduce bulk when finishing the lanyard.

7. Attach the Lobster Claw Hardware

Slide the lobster claw hardware onto the fabric strip. Push it toward the middle to keep it out of the way while sewing the ends.

8. Join the Ends

With right sides together, sew the two short ends of the fabric strip using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press the seam open.

9. Refold and Secure

Refold the fabric along its original creases, enclosing the raw edges. Pin or clip it in place. Sew along both long edges of the lanyard, stitching 1/8” from the folded edge for a clean finish.

10. Position the Hardware

Slide the lobster claw hardware to the desired position. Sew a straight line across the lanyard about 1” away from the hardware to secure it in place. Be sure to backstitch for added durability.

Your pieced lanyard is complete! This lanyard is not only stylish but also a great way to use up fabric scraps or showcase your favorite prints. I personally used a lanyard daily for my key fob at school, and my mom keeps her car keys on a long lanyard so it’s easier to find them in her purse.

Lanyards are perfect for adding a little something to a gift or as a stocking stuffer. Happy sewing!