How to Make a Lanyard Fish

A lanyard fish is a simple craft made by weaving plastic lace or lanyard string into a small fish-shaped decoration. It can be attached to a key ring, clip, bag, or zipper pull. The basic project uses a square-style weave, alternating colors, and a tapered tail.

Materials and tools

• Two equal lengths of lanyard string or plastic lace, about 3 feet each
• A key ring or small clip
• Scissors
• A lighter for sealing the cut ends
• Optional beads or charms

Choose flexible, durable string that bends without kinking. If you are using more than one color, lay the strands together first to check that the colors create the effect you want. Keep the materials organized so the strings do not become tangled while you work.

Prepare the strands

1. Cut two strands to the same length. Uniform strands make it easier to keep the fish balanced.
2. Fold both strands in half.
3. Place the folded ends through the key ring, then pull the loose ends through the loops to secure them to the ring.

You should now have four working strands hanging from the key ring. Arrange them so they are separated by color and easy to identify. Keeping the strands in the same order throughout the project will help maintain symmetry.

Start the weave

Hold the strands so that two run vertically and two run horizontally. The first knot creates the foundation of the fish body.

1. Fold the top vertical strand down across the center.
2. Fold the bottom vertical strand up over the strand you just placed.
3. Move the left horizontal strand over the vertical strands.
4. Pass it under the right horizontal strand.
5. Pull all four strands evenly to tighten the knot.

This basic sequence forms a square or box-shaped weave. It is important to tighten each knot steadily rather than pulling one strand much harder than the others. An even foundation produces a smoother fish body.

Build the fish body

Repeat the same over-and-under weaving pattern several times. After each knot, smooth the strands and check that the woven section is straight. If you are using two colors, alternate them consistently or change their order at regular intervals to create stripes or a patterned body.

For a neat result:

• Keep the tension firm and consistent.
• Make each knot sit directly against the previous one.
• Check the sides often so the body does not twist.
• Adjust a loose or uneven knot before continuing.

Continue until the body reaches the length you want. Do not use all of the remaining string for the body; leave enough length to form the tail.

Shape the tail

Begin the tail by crossing the center strands into an X shape. Tighten the crossing to create a clear transition from the wider body to the narrower tail.

Continue weaving with the same over-and-under motion, but gradually reduce the width of the woven section. Pull the strands inward as you work so the tail tapers toward its end. A contrasting color can make the tail stand out from the body, while matching colors create a more unified design.

Keep checking the shape as you go. If the tail begins to lean to one side, loosen the most recent knot and reposition the strands before tightening it again.

Add decoration

Beads and charms can be added after the main weaving is complete, or threaded onto a strand while you are working if the bead hole is large enough. Use them sparingly so they do not interfere with the weave. A bead can serve as an accent on the body, while a small charm can be attached near the key ring or tail.

Finish the lanyard fish

1. When the tail is the desired length, pull the strands firmly to secure the final weave.
2. Trim the loose ends with scissors, leaving a small amount beyond the last knot.
3. Carefully melt or seal the cut ends with a lighter to help prevent fraying.

Use the lighter cautiously and work in a well-ventilated area. The plastic lace can become hot or melt quickly, so this step should be handled by an adult or completed with close adult supervision. Allow the sealed ends to cool before handling the finished fish.

Simple variations

• Use alternating colors to make stripes.
• Choose a contrasting color for the tail.
• Add beads for extra texture or a decorative eye.
• Attach a clip instead of a key ring for a different use.
• Experiment with tighter or looser spacing to change the texture of the body.

The essential technique is consistent tension: secure the starting weave, keep the body even, taper the tail gradually, and seal the ends carefully. Once the basic fish is comfortable to make, different color arrangements and embellishments can give each one a distinct design.