How to Make a Macramé Lanyard (10 Easy Steps + Video)
Last updated: July 7, 2026
A Note from Nicole
Lanyards are one of those projects that live in the "practical AND pretty" sweet spot — something you actually wear every day, made by your own hands. If you've ever picked up a bland corporate lanyard and thought "there has to be a nicer way to hold my keys or my work badge," you're in the right place.
The leaf pattern in this tutorial is one of my favorites to teach beginners. It looks intricate but it's really just one knot — the Double Half Hitch — repeated in a rhythm that becomes intuitive after the first leaf or two. By your second lanyard, you'll be teaching someone else how to make one.
This is also one of the most-gifted patterns in the Bochiknot community — teachers, nurses, event coordinators, and anyone who wears a badge daily. A handmade lanyard as a gift feels intentional in a way a store-bought one never will.
Take your time. Pause the video whenever you need to. Enjoy the rhythm.
A macramé lanyard (also called a handmade cord lanyard, boho badge holder, or DIY leaf-pattern lanyard) is a hand-knotted cotton-cord lanyard worn around the neck to hold keys, ID badges, event passes, or festival credentials. This 10-step tutorial uses the leaf pattern — a repeating diamond-shaped motif built from Lark's Head and Double Half Hitch knots — to create a 21-leaf lanyard that hangs at chest-level for badge display. Perfect handmade gift for teachers, nurses, and event coordinators. Takes about 1–1.5 hours for beginners.
Quick Answer
- What you'll make: A boho-style macramé lanyard with 21 leaf-pattern sections, sized to hang at chest height for badge display.
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly. If you can tie a shoelace, you can make this — the whole lanyard uses just 2 knots (Lark's Head + Double Half Hitch).
- Time: About 1–1.5 hours for beginners (45 minutes once you've made a few).
- Cord: Four 700cm lengths of 3mm or 4mm single-strand cotton cord + one D-ring or swivel clasp.
- Perfect for: Teacher gifts, nurse work badges, event coordinators, festival passes, and anyone who wears a lanyard daily.
🎥 Watch the full video first. Nicole demonstrates every step on camera — including cord placement, tension for the leaf pattern, and how to check your lanyard length as you go.
What's in this tutorial
- What is a Macramé Lanyard?
- Materials You'll Need
- Knots You'll Use (with tutorial links)
- How Long Should a Lanyard Be?
- Project Details at a Glance
- Watch the Video Tutorial
- Step 1: Attach the Cords
- Step 2: Start the First Diagonal Row
- Step 3: Complete the Diagonal Rows
- Step 8: Repeat Until 21 Leaves
- Step 10: Trim and Complete
- Perfect For (6 Everyday Uses)
- Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Try These Next
- FAQ (16+ Questions)
What is a Macramé Lanyard?
A macramé lanyard is a hand-knotted cotton-cord lanyard worn around the neck to hold keys, ID badges, or credentials. Unlike mass-produced polyester lanyards, macramé versions use cotton cord and repeating knot patterns to create a decorative, textured look that reads as intentional handmade design.
The leaf pattern used in this tutorial is one of the most popular styles — a repeating diamond-shaped motif built entirely from Double Half Hitch knots. It creates a chain of "leaf" shapes running down the length of the lanyard, giving it a botanical, boho aesthetic. The pattern scales easily: shorter for wristband use, longer for full-neck lanyards.
Materials You'll Need
- 4× 700cm lengths of 3mm or 4mm single-strand cotton cord — shop 3mm cord or shop 4mm cord
- 1× D-Ring or swivel lobster clasp with keyring — shop keychain clasps
Not sure which cord to pick? Read our complete guide to selecting macramé cord and materials. All supplies are also on the Bochiknot Amazon storefront if you prefer Prime shipping.
Knots You'll Use (With Tutorial Links)
The entire lanyard uses just two knots — the Lark's Head (used once at the top) and the Double Half Hitch (used throughout the leaf pattern). If you're new to either, the tutorial links below cover both:
- Lark's Head Knot — attaches the cord to your D-Ring at the start. Learn this knot →
- Double Half Hitch (DHH) — the workhorse knot for every leaf. This is the one you'll be tying the most. Learn this knot →
- Gathering Knot — used only at the end (Step 9) to bundle the cords together for the finishing fringe.
How Long Should a Lanyard Be?
Lanyard length depends on how you want to wear it. Here's Nicole's guide:
| Wear style | Total length (finished) | Leaves needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short badge (chest-height) | 36–40 inches (~90–100 cm) | ~18 leaves | Corporate ID badges, teacher IDs |
| Standard lanyard (mid-chest) | 40–44 inches (~100–112 cm) | 21 leaves (this tutorial) | Standard work badges, event passes |
| Long lanyard (waist-height) | 46–50 inches (~117–127 cm) | ~25 leaves | Festival passes, con badges, VIP credentials |
| Wristband / short strap | 18–22 inches (~46–56 cm) | ~8 leaves | Wristlet-style, keychain-length |
Nicole's tip: Check the length against your body every few leaves as you work — hold it up to your neck and see where the bottom would sit. It's much easier to add or subtract a couple of leaves early than to redo the whole thing at the end.
Project Details at a Glance
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Time to complete | ~1–1.5 hours (45 min once experienced) |
| Finished length | ~40–44 inches (standard lanyard) |
| Number of leaf sections | 21 leaves |
| Cord needed | 4× 700cm lengths of 3mm or 4mm single-strand cotton |
| Hardware | 1× D-Ring or swivel lobster clasp |
| Knots used | Lark's Head, Double Half Hitch, Gathering knot |
Watch the Video Tutorial
Watch the full walkthrough first so you can see the tension, cord placement, and finishing details Nicole demonstrates. Come back to the step-by-step photos below to match individual frames as you work:
▶ Watch this tutorial full-screen on YouTube →
Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial
Every step has photos so you can pause and match your work to the reference at any point. Take your time — this project is about building rhythm as much as skill.
Attach the Cords to the D-Ring
- Attach all four 700cm cords to the bottom of the D-Ring using Lark's Head knots.
- Slide each knot snugly against the D-Ring so they sit evenly across the metal — this creates the clean top edge of your lanyard.
Start the First Diagonal Row
- About an inch (2.5cm) down from the D-Ring, use the two middle cords as anchor cords to make a diagonal Double Half Hitch knot.
- This first knot sets the angle for the entire leaf pattern — keep your tension consistent as you go.
Complete the Diagonal Rows
- Continue the diagonal by making three Double Half Hitch (DHH) knots to the right.
- Then mirror the row: make three diagonal DHH knots to the left.
- The two rows meet at the top center, forming the pointed top of your first leaf.
Build the Second Row of Knots
- Using the middle cords on both sides as anchor cords, make three Double Half Hitch knots diagonally to the right, then three to the left.
- This builds the second row of the leaf shape — it should mirror the first row you just made, one row below.
Add the Third Row of Knots
- Add another row of Double Half Hitch knots on each side, directly below the previous row.
- Three DHH knots to the right, three to the left — same technique, same angle. Your leaf now has three visible rows on each side.
Finish the First Leaf Pattern
- Bring the far-left cord and far-right cord to the center and make one Double Half Hitch knot to join them in the middle.
- This closes the bottom point of the leaf — the two sides meet at a single knot, completing your first leaf shape.
Split the Cords for the Next Leaf
- Split the cords in half — four cords on each side.
- You'll use these to start a new leaf pattern, just like Step 2. The new leaf sits directly below the one you just finished, creating the chain-of-leaves structure.
Repeat Until You Have 21 Leaf Sections
- Repeat Steps 2–7 to build additional leaf sections.
- Continue creating leaf patterns until you have a total of 21 leaf sections down the length of the lanyard. Nicole's tip: check the length against your body every few leaves so you get the badge-hanging position exactly where you want it.
Finalize with a Gathering Knot
- Cut a 70cm cord from the bottom fringe and use it to make a Gathering knot at the very end of the lanyard.
- The Gathering knot bundles all the working cords together in a clean finished band — this is what holds the fringe in place.
Trim and Complete
- Trim off any excess fringe at the bottom to tidy up the design.
- Brush the fringe out first with a fringe comb before trimming — you'll get a much cleaner, straighter edge. Cut in one clean pass with sharp scissors.
Perfect For
Handmade macramé lanyards work beautifully for anyone who wears a badge or lanyard daily. Six audiences Nicole hears from most:
Teachers
Replaces the polyester school-issued lanyard with something that feels intentional. Popular back-to-school and teacher appreciation gift.
Nurses & Healthcare
Cotton is soft against skin during long shifts. Neutral tones pair with any scrub color.
Event Coordinators
Stand out at conferences and events — a handmade lanyard signals thoughtfulness and personal brand.
Festival & Con Attendees
Longer wear length works perfectly for VIP credentials and festival wristbands.
Office ID Holders
Elevates the daily commute to work — a small piece of intentional design in your everyday carry.
Handmade Gifts
Teacher gift · Nurse thank-you · Coworker Secret Santa · Retirement gift · Back-to-school. Costs pennies in materials, reads as a keepsake.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| The leaves look uneven — one side wider than the other | Check tension. The left and right rows of each leaf should be pulled with the same firmness. Redo the affected row if one side is noticeably looser. |
| The lanyard is shorter or longer than expected | Length depends on both the number of leaves AND the tightness of each DHH knot. Tighter knots = slightly shorter lanyard. Loosen your tension by 10% or add/subtract a leaf to hit your target length. |
| DHH knots aren't sitting flat | The working cord isn't at the right angle. Aim for roughly 45° between the working cord and the anchor cord — adjust and re-tighten. |
| Cords tangle mid-project | Bundle the far ends of your working cords with small clips or hair ties to keep them from crossing over each other. Add clips every 5-6 leaves as needed. |
| Fringe frays after wearing daily | Cotton fringe naturally softens over time. Brush it out with a fringe comb periodically to keep it looking clean. A tiny dab of clear-drying craft glue on the ends prevents fraying. |
Try These Next
Loved the leaf pattern and want to keep going? Here's what to try next in the Bochiknot keychain cluster:
👀 See all 6 keychain patterns: This lanyard is one of 6 patterns in our full roundup — see the complete 6-keychain guide with video tutorials for all patterns →
🔗 Loved this technique? Try the beaded macramé keychain deep dive — same skill level, 12 detailed steps, different knot rhythm.
Want a finished piece instead? Handmade Bochiknot lanyards are also on our Etsy shop.
What Makers Say
"I made 8 of these for the teachers at my kids' school. They loved them so much I got 3 custom orders. Nicole's tutorial made it feel completely doable — even for a beginner like me."
— Marissa T.
Teacher appreciation gift, Sep 2025
"I'm a nurse and I've been wearing my handmade lanyard for a year now. It's held up beautifully through daily wear and washing. So much better than the plastic ones the hospital gave us."
— Jamie L.
Nurse, daily wear
"The leaf pattern was the perfect first tutorial for me. Once I got the rhythm of the Double Half Hitch, it became meditative. I finished my first lanyard in one afternoon."
— Sofia R.
First macramé project
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to make a macramé lanyard?
About 1–1.5 hours for a first-time beginner. Once you've made one or two, you'll finish subsequent lanyards in 45 minutes to an hour.
What cord should I use for a macramé lanyard?
3mm or 4mm single-strand cotton cord both work well. 3mm creates a slightly more delicate look; 4mm is more substantial and holds shape better for daily wear. Nicole prefers 4mm for lanyards that see heavy use.
How much cord do I need?
Four 700cm (7 meter) lengths of cord. That gives you enough to work all 21 leaf sections plus the finishing fringe.
Can beginners really make this lanyard?
Yes — this is one of the friendliest beginner projects. The whole lanyard uses just 2 knots (Lark's Head + Double Half Hitch), and the leaf pattern is very forgiving with tension.
What's a Double Half Hitch knot?
A Double Half Hitch is two Half Hitch knots tied around the same anchor cord. It's the workhorse knot for most macramé patterns and the primary technique used in this tutorial. Learn it in our Double Half Hitch tutorial.
What hardware do I attach the lanyard to?
A D-Ring or swivel lobster clasp works best. The swivel version lets the lanyard rotate freely — helpful if you're clipping badge holders that turn. Both are available at bochiknot.com.
Can I make a shorter version for a wristband or keychain?
Absolutely. Reduce the number of leaf sections from 21 to about 8 for a wristband, or 4-5 for a short keychain-length. Same pattern, just fewer repeats.
How long should my lanyard be?
Standard work-badge lanyards are 40–44 inches finished. That's the length this tutorial produces (21 leaves). See the lanyard length guide above for other options.
Is a macramé lanyard durable enough for daily wear?
Yes — cotton cord holds up beautifully for daily wear. Members regularly report their lanyards lasting 2+ years of continuous daily use before showing any wear.
Can I wash a macramé lanyard?
Spot-clean with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid full submersion or machine-washing — it can loosen the knots and shrink the cord slightly.
What's the best macramé lanyard for a teacher gift?
The 21-leaf standard length works perfectly for classroom badge display. Use cream, sage, or dusty rose cord for a versatile color that goes with any school lanyard color scheme.
Where can I buy the exact materials Nicole uses?
All materials are on bochiknot.com — the 3mm and 4mm cord, swivel lobster clasps, and D-Rings are all in stock. You can also find them on the Bochiknot Amazon storefront for Prime shipping. Prefer a ready-made lanyard instead of DIY? Nicole's handmade pieces are also on our Bochiknot Etsy shop.
What size D-Ring do I need?
A 25–32mm D-Ring or swivel clasp with a small ring works well. That's the standard size for badge clips and keychains.
How do I attach a badge holder to the lanyard?
The swivel lobster clasp lets you clip any standard badge holder (retractable reel, plastic ID sleeve, or vinyl badge holder) directly to it. No sewing or additional hardware required.
Can I sell macramé lanyards on Etsy?
Yes — handmade macramé lanyards sell for $18–$32 on Etsy. Personalized versions (matching school colors, initials on the clasp) fetch higher. See our 6-keychain roundup for more details on selling handmade macramé.
How do I fix a mistake mid-project?
Untie back to the last correct knot and redo. Cotton cord forgives untying — nothing gets permanently damaged. Nicole restarts pieces all the time; it's part of the practice.
What's the difference between a lanyard and a keychain?
A lanyard is designed to be worn around the neck (typically 36–50 inches long). A keychain is shorter (5–8 inches) and holds keys directly. This tutorial makes a lanyard, but the same technique scales down to a keychain length.
Can I combine the leaf pattern with beads?
Yes — you can add a small bead at the top of each leaf or between leaves for a more decorative look. Once you're comfortable with the base pattern, personalizing is where creativity comes in.
Keep Learning with Bochiknot
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📸 Made a lanyard? Share it.
Tag #BochiknotLanyard on Instagram — Nicole loves seeing what makers create, especially first-project photos.
About Nicole Woo
Nicole is the founder of Bochiknot and has been teaching macramé for 5+ years to a community of 100,000+ makers across YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon. She specializes in beginner-friendly cotton cord projects that feel approachable no matter your skill level. When she's not knotting, she's testing new organic cord blends or answering questions in the Bochiknot community.
Join her on Patreon for exclusive patterns, or explore individual ebook patterns.
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