Key Lanyards for Teacher or Nurse
Lots of different jobs require you to wear a lanyard for security and identification purposes. However, often these lanyards can be boring. Some businesses and institutions require you to wear one of their custom branded lanyards, but others will allow you to use whichever lanyard you please. So I thought I would post a tutorial for how to make your own lanyard so you can make something a bit more personal to you.
Materials:
H Hook
Preferred Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Measuring tape (to check gauge)
Key Chain Ring
Key Clip
Pearl for flower center if desired
Skill level: Beginner
Gauge:
With H hook:
2” x 2” square = 7hdc by 5 rows
A Note about Gauge: For those of you who do not understand how gauge works, or are looking to learn more on the subject, I have written a very helpful blog on gauge that has proved helpful when trying to figure out how big/small of a hook/yarn to use. If you still need help after you’ve browsed this, please let me know and I will try to help in any way that I can. https://articlesofadomesticgoddess.com/2014/05/matching-gauge-and-why-it-is-so-important/
A Note about Technique (The Golden Loop Method): This is not just for amigurumi items; it will help in ALL areas where crochet is involved. (Although, it helps most with amigurumi because of the nature of tight stitching.) I know I often hear of people having trouble “making their stitches tight enough” or they frequently have problems matching gauge (even if their items turn out okay on sizing, it doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t improvement to be made.) I too had many problems when learning to create amigurumi objects when I first started out. I have written a helpful blog that should help to pinpoint the areas that need improvement so that you, too, can create beautiful amigurumi items. There is ALWAYS room for improvements to be made, no matter how long you have been crocheting. Later, you will notice that all items are improved by using this easy method! If you still need help after you’ve browsed this, please let me know and I will try to help in any way that I can. https://articlesofadomesticgoddess.com/2014/04/amigurimi-technique-that-will-always-work-and-will-change-the-way-you-crochet-forever/
Tips: Ch 1, Ch 2, or Ch 3 turning chain at the beginning of the round does not count as first stitch. First stitch in the round will be in the same stitch as the turning chain.
PICK UP THIRD LOOPS OF HDC FOR ENTIRE PATTERN.
(This makes the lanyard more sturdy, so that it can hold more weight.
You may also just do a regular hdc if you feel more comfortable doing that and it will work.)
If you are unsure how to pick up 3rd loops in hdc, see this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEDVgAhhtpU
Neck Length:
Insert hook and yarn into circle of key chain ring. 3sc in circle, turn
Row 1-100: Ch 1, hdc in each across, turn (3)
FO and fold like picture and then sew to back of first row.
You may also sl st to attach back across last row if you don’t want to finish off.
Whichever you decide to do, make sure it is attached to through the 1st row of sc.
This was written for an average sized woman. (Should fit comfortably around a woman’s neck who has a 22 inch head) You may want to add more rows for larger women or men. Remember, it must fit over their head and you want it not to be tight around the neck. It is better to be longer than too short!
Wrist Length:
Insert hook and yarn into circle of key chain ring. 3sc in circle, turn
Row 1-30: Ch 1, hdc in each across, turn (3)
FO and fold like picture and then sew to back of first row.
You may also sl st to attach back across last row if you don’t want to finish off.
Whichever you decide to do, make sure it is attached to through the 1st row of sc.
This was written for an average sized woman. (Should fit comfortably around a woman’s wrist who has a 7 inch wrist) You may want to add more rows for larger women or men. Remember, it must fit over their hand and you want it not to be tight around the wrist. It is better to be longer than too short!
Contrasting edging:
Sl st in circle with contrasting color, then sl st into side of lanyard and sc around
(Do this on both sides of lanyard)
Large Flower for neck lanyard:
With light color
Round 1: 6sc in mc, join (6)
Color change to dark contrasting color in join
Round 2: Ch 1, (sc, ch2), RPT () around, join to first sc (6 ch2 sps)
Sl st into next ch 2 sp
Round 3: (Ch2, 3dc, ch2, sl st into next ch 2 sp), RPT () around (6 petals)
Sew pearl to center and attach to lanyard.
Small Flower for wrist lanyard:
With light color
Round 1: 5sc in mc, join (5)
Color change to dark contrasting color in join
Round 2: Ch 1, (sc, ch1), RPT () around, join to first sc (5 ch1 sps)
Sl st into next ch 2 sp
Round 3: (Ch1, 2dc, ch1, sl st into same ch 1 sp, sl st into next ch 1 sp), RPT () around
(5 petals)
Sew pearl to center and attach to lanyard.