How to Make a Military Lanyard: A Complete Guide with Techniques, History, and Practical Steps
Have you experienced gripping a military lanyard and wondered about its true meaning?
Visually, it also seems to be a basic braided cord, consistent with which it has these layers of meaning introduced in the text, one being that the lanyard is not only a feature, but also a symbol of discipline, tradition, and sometimes rank recognition as well. A problem of many lanyard lovers is that they can only look at these items, but they don’t even have a clue about how to make a military lanyard themselves. Other people may want to copy it for uniforms, parades, or even as presents, but they are unable to move further in the knots and braiding patterns. Besides this, there are also those who simply want to sustain the tradition but do not know where to start.
The great thing is, though, that you don’t have to be a soldier or an expert craftsman to make one. Once you figure out the goal, items, and simple braiding, the work, you can come up with your own design. It is not only making a lanyard that is your goal, but it is also about advancing a piece of military culture. This is the main reason why in this tutorial, not only will I step by step explain to you how to make a military lanyard, but trace its origin, at the same time, and disclose and even let you decorate your lanyard to make it yours.
What Exactly Is a Military Lanyard?
So, before you know how to make a military lanyard, we can define it for you. A military lanyard is a wicker rope worn over the shoulder and generally looped under the arm and connected to the uniform. Originally, it was not only a feature of the uniform. It was a cord to carry a whistle, a gun, or some other small article in many armies. Later on, it came to serve as a highlight from where the regimental identity, rank, or medals are shown.
Lanyards are still used in some countries as part of the official uniforms. For instance:
- The French armed forces categorise lanyards according to the regiment.
- Moreover, the German army calls them Schützenschnur, a marksmanship award, and presents lanyards as a symbol of excellence in shooting.
- Identifying British and Commonwealth forces, colors, and knots shows the organizations that the corps or units belong to.
So the next time you braid these threads, you figure out that you are not just weaving the braids; you are carrying on the same tradition that soldiers all over the world honor.
Why Would You Make a Military Lanyard?
Perhaps you are still wondering why you should learn this skill; well, here is a list of some plausible reasons why you should:
- Save Heritage – Military lanyards are not mere cords. They stand for the highest values and service. Making one, you draw closer to that history.
- Do it Yourself – Pride in every knot goes up when you make something by hand.
- One of a Kind – Whether it is for clothing, decor, or past works, the lanyard you make becomes your own with colors and patterns that match your idea.
- Present – Veterans, members of the armed forces, and people who share an interest in the military will be glad to receive a lanyard made by your hand as a present.
- Upgrade – Besides military works, you can apply the knotting and braiding skills that you got during the training in survival crafts and camping times.
To learn how a military lanyard is made involves yourself in a program that consists of the past, present, and future.
Materials Needed before You Start
Not to discuss the procedures, let’s take a look at what you’ll require- a list of things easy to find in craft stores or even online.
- Paracord or nylon cord (3-5mm thick braided works best)
- Scissors
- While or glue (to end the cord)
- Clip/button/ring made out of metal (for lanyard attachment to the uniform or gear)
- Measuring tape
- Board or safety pins (to hold the lanyard in place while braiding)
Pro tip: The Extra cord should always be cut. Having a few inches left over is more advantageous than running out halfway through.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Military Lanyard
Let’s go through the process that is actually different from most methods, but I will describe an easy one, and still very authentic, that you can easily master without confusing yourself.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Cord
First, decide on the necessary length of your lanyard. Usually, a shoulder lanyard is about 30–40 inches when folded. To braid and fold, leave twice as long a cord length for your work.
Step 2: Secure the Starting Point
Fix the cord on a metal ring or button. It will be your anchor. Pin it to a board or use tape to secure it to a steady surface.
Step 3: Begin the Braiding
Cobra knot braid is the most prevalent military braiding pattern. The procedure to begin is as follows:
- Put two cords side-by-side.
- Take the right cord, cross it over the middle, and then let the left cord go over it, under the center cords, and by the loop.
- Draw it tight.
- Continue with the next step, varying sides so that you get a neat square pattern.
Step 4: Continue the Weave
Work with the braid until the desired length is reached. It is also very important that each knot is even to have a lanyard of a neat, clean look.
Step 5: Finish the Ends
After you are finished with your work, first get rid of the extra cord. Use a lighter to prevent fraying the ends of the cord. You can also put a little glue on the ends for extra strength.
Step 6: Attach the Clip
At the end, fix a hook or clip. Hence, the lanyard may be connected to the uniforms or tools.
And that is it, your first hand-made military lanyard.
Styles and Variations You Can Try
If you want to understand how to create a military lanyard in numerous different ways, you can first get a hold of the basics.
Once you are confident with the basics, getting new variations is doable. Below are a few well-known ones:
- Cobra Braid – It has the characteristics of a standard type and presents most uniforms with a stable look.
- Box Braid – Is shaped in a square and styled with a bigger thickness, which results in a more eye-catching outfit.
- Spiral Braid – Ropes are turned in this way, giving them a more ornamental character.
- Two-Tone Lanyards – Combine two colors that stand out from each other to create more vividness.
When you master these variations, you can vary the style of the military lanyard according to the event.
Historical Touch: Where Did Lanyards Come From?
First, a short talk on how we can add a bit of history to our creations. Lanyard’s etymological root is the French word lanière, which means strap. Sailors started using them in the 1400s to fasten knives or whistles on their uniforms. Once they saw the potential, soldiers converted these straps into cords to hang revolvers or support their uniforms.
These cords had largely become symbolic by the 20th century.
Different colors and knots represented regiments, special training, or awards. For example:
- In the Dutch army, white lanyards were for the artillery, while green was for the cavalry.
- In the German army, lanyards were worn only after shooting distinctions had been achieved.
Thanks to this past, history, and every braid and them you do, will become more meaningful.
Practical Uses Beyond the Military
By applying the method of making a military lanyard, you may accomplish points other than the purpose of the military.
- Scouts and cadets often wear them as part of their uniforms.
- One of the most simi…Lanyards are popular in historical reenactments and parades.
- Campers and outdoor enthusiasts create them to hold whistles, knives, or small tools.
- Fashion crafters incorporate lanyard braiding into their work to make bracelets, belts, and keychains.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
While making your first lanyard, take care not to fall into these traps:
- Uneven Knots – You must always pull the cords with the same tension.
- Wrong Length – Always measure properly before you cut.
- Loose Sealing – If you don’t seal the ends firmly, the cord will fray.
- Maintenance: How to Keep a Military Lanyard in Good Shape
Once you have successfully created it, you will definitely want it to last. This is the way to do it:
- Clean using gentle soap and water.
- Before putting away, dry the item fully so that no mold can develop.
- You can store it by laying it flat or hanging it up, but do not wrap it up in a drawer.
- In case of frays, it is better to have a look at your lanyard regularly and reseal the ends if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yeah. Working cord, scissors, and things to secure your work are the major things you need. The usage of a few advanced tools is optional.
A simplistic braid can go quickly, 30–60 minutes. Complex styles can prolong the time to even a couple of hours.
One of the most popular choices for lanyards is paracord due to its strength, durability, and the great variety of colors in which it is available.
Indeed. Each regimental or army color tradition exists in most of the world’s armies, where literature about one color represents a regiment or a specialty area. But when referring to personal use, you can wear or choose just any color.
Of course. Just let it air dry completely before using it again after washing it with a mild soap and water solution.
Yes, you are free to do it. Keep in mind that while military lanyards carry tradition, adapted versions are widespread in crafts and fashion.
Final Thoughts
First of all, learning the process of making a military lanyard is not just a craft project but also a link to history, which provides a practical skill and allows one to make something unique with of your own hands. The process itself is your reward, no matter the reason, whether it is for military pride, uniform display, or just a creative project.
After understanding the knots, you will find yourself trying different colors, styles, and lengths. Then not only a cord but a piece of heritage will be in your hand every time you make one.