Functional Macramé Lanyard in 10 Easy Steps (+Video Tutorial)

Hi Macramé lovers and knotters! We all love macramé for art, but how cool is it when your art becomes functional?

Today, we’re making a beginner-friendly macramé lanyard. This gorgeous vine leaf pattern is so pretty but also super functional.

Personally, I love a good lanyard. It allows me to keep tabs on keys and other important things while having my hands free to get stuff done.

This pattern is also super versatile. You can shorten it into a wristlet or lengthen it as a dog leash.

It also uses the double half-hitch knot quite a lot – that’s one of the most basic macramé knots. So, if you’re new to macramé, this is a great pattern to practice those basic knots on.

Working with long cords can be tricky since they easily get tangled while working. Luckily, there’s a hack for that:

Roll up each strand of cord into a little bundle and wrap it with elastic to create the first sections of knots. These cords will get shorter as you go along and so also easier to work with.

For more of these types of macramé hacks, check out our Patreon community. It’s an incredible platform to connect with other macramé lovers across a wide range of skillsets and experience levels.

It’s a great way to fast-track your learning from beginner to macramé master. We share exclusive monthly patterns and tutorials, and you get access to special macramé equipment and supplies. 

Speaking of supplies, we currently offer 17% off rolls of cord and other supplies in our Bochiknot shop. We also offer a two-for-one cord deal for new subscribers to our Patreon community.

If you’re new to macramé and would like to learn some basic knots, like the ones used in this tutorial, check out our free e-book.

Our Ultimate 50 Macrame Knots and Sennits e-book is available for free on our website.

You could also check out our Kami Wall Hanging Kit. This kit contains everything to get you started on macramé: an easy, beginner-friendly design with a step-by-step tutorial, along with all the supplies you’ll need for this project.

Macramé creations make for great gifts, and you can also sell them. That’s right! You can sell projects created using Bochiknot patterns.

All we ask is that you credit us as the original designers in your listing.

This project should take about 30 - 120 minutes, depending on your skill level.

Cord & Supplies

To create this pattern, you will need:

Materials

• 3mm Cotton Cord
• 1 x Keyring with D-Ring

For this tutorial, I used a 3mm single-strand cotton cord in Cappuccino color from our Rainbow Cord range. This cord is sturdy, so it’s super easy to macramé.

Cord Lengths Needed

• 4 x 700cm (276”)

Creating The Lanyard

Before you get started, tape or pin the keyring down to your working surface. It helps to have a sturdy point to work from.

Step 1: Attach all 4 of the 700cm strands onto the bottom of the D-ring using lark’s head knots.

Step 2: Make a diagonal double half hitch (DHH) knot about an inch down using the middle two cords.

Step 3: Make 3 diagonal DHH knots to the right and 3 DHH knots to the left. Use the same anchor cords as before.

Step 4: Take the middle right and left cords as the anchor cords for a diagonal row of 3 DHH knots, first to the right, then to the left.

Step 5: Make one more row of DHH on each side.

Step 6: Pull the far left and far right cords into the middle, making one more DHH knot in the center.

That completes one leaf pattern!

Step 7: Separate the cords in half and start another leaf pattern. For this, repeat steps 2 to 6.

Step 8: Make a total of 21 leaf patterns.

Step 9: Cut off a 70cm strand of cord from the bottom fringe and use it as a working cord for a gathering knot at the bottom of your design. If you can’t find a cord that’s long enough on your workpiece, cut a new strand from the roll.

Match the backs of the first and last leaf patterns.

Make a gathering knot over this section.

Step 10: Cut off the excess fringe at the bottom.

And there you have it! Now you have a beautiful, functional macramé that you can use nearly every day. What’s your favorite part of this design?

 VIDEO TUTORIAL

Until next time, have fun knotting!

Much love,