How to Crochet a Chic Lanyard

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Prepare your materials

Gather all your materials before starting. Number 3 weight mercerized cotton yarn is the best choice for this project — it is smooth, durable, and holds its shape well under the daily wear a lanyard receives. The mercerized finish also gives the finished piece a subtle sheen that contributes to the refined look. Make a slip knot on your 3mm hook to begin, pulling the loop snug but not so tight that the hook cannot move freely through it.

Step 2 — Work the foundation chain

Chain 130 stitches. This long foundation chain forms the entire length of the lanyard body, so keep your tension as even as possible from the first chain to the last — any variation in tension here will show in the finished piece. If you tend to chain tightly, consider going up half a hook size for the foundation chain only, then returning to the 3mm for all subsequent rows. Count the chains carefully before moving on; it is much easier to correct the count now than after the first row of single crochet has been worked.

Step 3 — Work the first row of single crochet

Insert your hook into the second chain from the hook and complete a single crochet stitch. Continue working one single crochet into each chain across the full foundation chain, ending with a single crochet in the final chain. Keep your tension consistent throughout — single crochet worked in cotton yarn can pull tighter than in wool or acrylic, so take care not to grip the yarn too firmly as you work. At the end of the row, chain one and turn your work to begin the next row.

Step 4 — Continue single crochet rows to desired length

For each subsequent row, chain one, turn, and work a single crochet into each stitch across. Repeat this process until the lanyard body has reached your desired width — typically two to four rows of single crochet produces a lanyard of comfortable thickness. The slip stitch edging worked later will thicken the edges further and give the finished piece its refined, polished look. Check the width against your neck or wrist periodically as you work to make sure the lanyard will sit comfortably when worn.

Step 5 — Add the keyring loop

Once the lanyard body is at your desired width, it is time to add the keyring loop at one end. Chain 30 stitches, then slip stitch back into the very first chain to close the loop into a ring. This 30-stitch loop is large enough to accommodate most standard keyring hardware and ID badge clips. Weave in all ends at this point using the yarn needle, threading each tail through the back of several neighbouring stitches in two directions before trimming, to make sure the loop is firmly anchored before you move on to joining.

Step 6 — Join the two sides

To complete the lanyard, the two long edges of the crocheted strip are joined together to form a tube. Pick up the loop with your working yarn and insert the hook into the first stitch on the second piece of fabric. Yarn over and pull through, then insert the hook into the corresponding first stitch on the first piece and complete a single crochet. Continue alternating between the two pieces — one stitch on the second piece, one stitch on the first — working single crochets across until both sides are fully joined from end to end. The joined seam runs along the back of the lanyard and is largely hidden when the piece is worn.

Step 7 — Weave in all ends and finish

Using the yarn needle, weave in all remaining yarn tails throughout the lanyard — at the cast-on end, the keyring loop, and anywhere a new length of yarn was joined. Thread each tail through the back loops of at least four or five neighbouring stitches in two different directions before trimming close to the surface to prevent any ends from working loose with regular use. Once all ends are secured, attach your keyring or ID clip through the 30-stitch loop and your crochet lanyard is complete and ready to use.

Frequently asked questions

How many stitches do I chain for the crochet lanyard foundation?
Chain 130 stitches for the foundation of the lanyard. This long foundation chain forms the full length of the lanyard body and is worked entirely in single crochet across subsequent rows.

How do I add a keyring loop to the crochet lanyard?
Once the lanyard body has reached your desired width, chain 30 stitches and slip stitch back into the first chain to form a closed loop. Weave in all ends at this point to secure the loop firmly before attaching your keyring or ID clip.

How do I join the two sides of the crochet lanyard together?
Pick up the loop with your working yarn and insert the hook into the first stitch on the second piece of fabric. Yarn over and pull through, then insert into the first stitch on the first piece and complete a single crochet. Continue alternating between the two pieces with single crochets until both sides are fully joined from end to end.

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