Quick & Easy – Ribbon Lanyard Tutorial

This ribbon lanyard tutorial is great for using your ribbon, fun fabric and holding keys, name badges or whatever! Simple to follow and sew.

A lanyard is something that comes in handy so often.

Whether you are networking at a function and need a place for your name and cards to go, hanging out with the kids a the pool and don’t want to lug around your purse, but need a place for your keys, kids going to summer camps and not loving the name badge system, or get pins and want to display them….a lanyard can fill the need any time, for anything.

You name it the lanyard can help. Sewing a custom one is quick and simple.

They don’t take much time or supplies and are great for giving out to scouts or other group activities. They seriously come in handy.

Use fabric scraps and ribbon to customize your own lanyard. The options are endless.

Materials Needed:

• 28″ X 2 1/2″ fabric strip {can be pieced so it’s scrappy, or one long piece}
• 30″ X 1/2″ ribbon
• 2″ X 1″ ribbon
• Swivel Clip

Key Takeaways

Quick & Easy Project – This lanyard comes together in minutes and is perfect for beginners or a last-minute gift.

Great for Scrap Use – Ideal for using leftover ribbon or fabric strips from other sewing projects.

Customizable Length – Easily adjust the ribbon length to fit kids, adults, or specific uses like name tags or scissors.

Hardware Adds Functionality – Adding a swivel hook or clasp makes your lanyard super practical for keys, badges, and more.

Perfect for Gifts & Craft Fairs – These make great handmade gifts, party favors, or quick-sell items for markets and swaps.

No Special Tools Required – Basic sewing supplies and a ribbon or fabric strip are all you need!

Basic Quilting Supplies

• Rotary cutter or a new sharp blade
• Cutting Mat
• Quilt Ruler
• Sewing Machine  this brother is my favorite!
• Iron here
• Thread
• Bobbins
• Scissors
• Seam Ripper  not my favorite thing to do!

Pointers For Making A Ribbon Lanyard

1. Great scrap buster: Perfect for using leftover ribbon or even trimming from previous projects.
2. Choose a sturdy ribbon: Opt for grosgrain or tightly woven ribbons that won’t fray or stretch with use.
3. Length matters: A standard lanyard is around 36” long, but feel free to customize it for kids or personal comfort.
4. Don’t skip the topstitching: It adds strength and gives your lanyard a polished, professional finish.
5. Use a swivel hook or key ring: These hardware pieces make your lanyard functional for ID badges, keys, or scissors.
6. Get creative with embellishments: Add a decorative button, charm, or a little fabric tab to personalize your lanyard.

Ribbon Lanyard Tutorial:

1)  Fold the sides of the long strip 1/4″ and iron

2)  Repeat so both sides of the long strip are ironed and creased 1/4″

3)  Fold the ends 1/4″ and iron

4)  Fold in half and iron

5)  Fold the 2″ ribbon in half, tucking the swivel clip in between

6)  Sew to secure in place

7)  Open the folded strip and tuck the ribbon in between the lanyard strip at one end and sew across to secure

8)  Fold the lanyard strip in half again and sew down both sides of the lanyard

9) Taking the long ribbon, place in the center of the lanyard. Sew down both sides of the ribbon to secure.

10)  At the other end, tuck the extra ribbon in between the folded lanyard, leaving a loop and sew the end to secure. This is optional, but I kind of like having an extra little spot to hang another badge to hold my personal business cards, or keys…or whatever.

11)  Fold the lanyard in half and overlap the ends, leaving a 1/2″ extra at the end with the swivel clip. Sew across the bottom of the end to secure the placement.

12)  Clip the clear name tag on the end and wear!

What other fun projects do you make with your ribbon?

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Here are some other great kid sewing projects you’ll love

• THE ROUND ROBIN EDITION 25 TEACHING KIDS TO SEW
• SPORTS BALL CINCH BAG
• COMPOSITION BOOK COVER WITH ELASTIC CLOSURE
• FABRIC HEADBAND
• EMBROIDERY PILLOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What type of ribbon works best for a lanyard?
A: Grosgrain, twill, or woven polyester ribbons are ideal because they’re strong and hold up well to daily wear.

Q: How long should my ribbon be?
A: A typical adult lanyard uses about 36″ of ribbon. For children or custom lengths, you can adjust shorter or longer as needed.

Q: Can I use fabric instead of ribbon?
A: Yes! You can create a fabric strip (folded and stitched like binding) to use in place of ribbon for more design flexibility.

Q: What kind of hardware do I need?
A: A swivel hook, lobster clasp, or D-ring works great for attaching keys, ID badges, or small sewing tools.

Q: Do I need to line or reinforce the ribbon?
A: If the ribbon is thin or delicate, you may want to add interfacing or a second layer to increase durability.

Q: Is this project beginner-friendly?
A: Absolutely! It’s a fast and simple sewing project perfect for all skill levels—and a great way to practice topstitching and working with hardware.

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