Lanyards and Nametags: Lanyard Resources & Ideas

Kelly, the incoming President, asked everyone make a lanyard and a nametag that reflects them and their style. There will be a special show and tell to see your beautiful work.

Lanyards are about 37" long before finishing. You may want to adjust this length if you are taller or shorter.

If you want some direction on making lanyards, here are some links:

• Learn with Joann: Make an Easy Lanyard (YouTube video)
• Gen X Quilters: 10 Minute Project: How to Sew a Lanyard
• Two Peas in a Pod: Patchwork Lanyard Tutorial
• Pink Buckaroo Designs tutorial looks like it uses bias binding. That might be worth a try as it might make the lanyard hang better
• Double-sided Lanyard from  Ellison Lane
• Sew Can She.com tutorial for Pretty Lanyard
• Simply Cotton Little Lanyard tutorial
• Pile o' Fabric combination lanyard and nametag (2 birds one stone)
• Sew 4 Home lanyard with secret pocket
• Cold Hands Warm Heart tutorial - good indications and photos of where to sew
• Sheena Griffith has a Pinterest Board of Key Chains and Lanyards

A couple of the above use a cover to finish the lanyard where you have sewn the clasp or hook on to the fabric. You can also finish the end of the fabric before sewing on the clasp or hook.

There are, of course, many other tutorials available. Use your favorite along with some pretty scraps to reflect your quiltmaking style or personality.

Hardware
Some patterns call for various hardware. Think about the following, but check the pattern before purchasing:

• swivel hooks (Try Studio Kat Designs and Atkinson Designs)
• swivel clasp (one tutorial mentioned TWPMango* as a source.
• O ring (try the hardware store, if you can't find a good size at your LQS)
• Badge clips with swivel (JKMribbon* has them)
• Nickel sanphooks have an interesting shape. I am not sure how to connect them to a fabric lanyard, though.

I did find O rings in a variety of sizes as well as rectangle metal things other hardware that might be useful at a couple of non-chain hardware stores in the City - Standard 5&10 on California Street in Laurel Heights as well as at Cliff's Variety on Castro in the Castro. Check your local mom and pop hardware stores to see what you can find.

Shops*:

• JKMribbon
• USA Lanyard
• TWPMango 
• Voodoo Rabbit (Australian shop, so plan ahead)
• Sew Thankful

 Other thoughts:

• Try some ribbon instead of fabric. Britex has some lovely thick ribbons that would make some special looking lanyards.
• Use scraps to make the main part of the lanyard
• Add beads or buttons to personalize it
• Make it more of a chatelaine by adding a scissor pocket and other handy accessories, such as a Lip Balm Key Fob. I found a few chatelaine tutorials here.
• The You Sew Girl blog has a Convertible Strap tutorial, which will give you ideas about how to add other types of hardware to your lanyard. Need some extra rings? Check  out this tutorial. Want to use your bias tape maker? This tutorial is for you.
• Perhaps you want your lanyard to be adjustable? Take a look at the adjustable strap tutorial.

There are a lot of options for you to personalize your lanyard. Let your imagination spiral off into magical directions.

While you are making your own, why don't you make one for the officers as a thank you gift? These also make great gifts for teachers.

Look for a nametag post coming to this blog soon!


 *Your editor has no personal experience with the sources provided