Easy Crochet Lanyard Pattern With Badge Clip and Keyring

Whether you’re heading back to school, attending a conference, or just tired of losing your keys at the bottom of your bag, a handmade crochet lanyard is one of those small projects that delivers big satisfaction. It works up in an hour or two, uses barely any yarn, and results in something genuinely useful that you’ll reach for every single day. This pattern is designed with beginners in mind, but even seasoned crocheters will appreciate how quick and customizable it is.

In this post, you’ll find a complete, easy crochet lanyard pattern with a badge clip and keyring attachment, along with tips for choosing the right yarn, hook, and hardware, plus ideas for making it your own.

Why Crochet a Lanyard?

Handmade lanyards have become increasingly popular in the crafting community, and it’s easy to understand why. Store-bought lanyards are typically made from flat nylon webbing — functional, sure, but not exactly exciting. A crocheted lanyard, on the other hand, has texture, personality, and the kind of charm that gets noticed. People will ask where you got it, and you’ll get to say you made it yourself.

Beyond aesthetics, crochet lanyards are surprisingly durable. When made with a sturdy cotton or nylon yarn, they can hold up to the daily wear and tear of being tugged in and out of bags, clipped and unclipped dozens of times, and generally lived in. They’re also washable, which matters more than you might think once yours gets a year of daily use under its belt.

From a practical standpoint, this project uses a minimal amount of yarn — often less than 50 grams — which makes it a perfect stash-buster. Got a partial skein of cotton yarn sitting in a basket somewhere? This is what it was waiting for.

Materials You’ll Need

Before diving into the pattern, let’s go over everything you’ll need to gather. Having your materials ready before you start makes the whole process smoother.

Yarn: Approximately 30–50 grams of worsted weight or DK weight yarn. Cotton yarn is the most popular choice for this project because it’s strong, holds its shape well, and doesn’t stretch out over time the way acrylic can. Good options include Paintbox Simply DK Cotton, Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, or Drops Safran. That said, any smooth yarn in a weight that complements your hook size will work. Avoid anything too fuzzy or textured, since you’ll want your stitches to be visible.

Crochet Hook: A 3.5mm or 4mm hook works well for DK or worsted weight cotton. If you’re using a thinner yarn, size down; thicker yarn, size up. The finished lanyard should be firm but not stiff — you want a bit of flexibility without it feeling floppy.

Badge Clip (also called a swivel clip or lobster clasp): These are small metal or plastic clips that attach to the end of your lanyard and snap onto a badge holder or ID card. You can find them at most craft stores, on Amazon, or at office supply shops. Look for something with a smooth opening mechanism so it doesn’t snag on your crochet work.

Split Ring or Keyring: A standard 25mm split ring (the kind used for key chains) works perfectly. You’ll attach this at the opposite end from the badge clip, or you can add it at the same end depending on your preference.

Scissors and a yarn needle: For weaving in ends and finishing.

Tape measure or ruler: To check your length as you go.

Optional: Stitch markers, a key fob hardware piece if you prefer that style over a split ring, and additional beads or pendants for decoration.

Finished Measurements

The standard lanyard length for wearing around your neck sits at approximately 45–50cm (18–20 inches) from clasp to clasp when laid flat, which creates a loop of around 90–100cm (35–40 inches). This lets the badge hang at a comfortable chest height for most adults.

If you prefer a shorter lanyard — say, one that clips to a belt loop or bag strap rather than worn around the neck — aim for a flat length of around 20–25cm (8–10 inches).

This pattern is written for the standard neck-wearing length, but notes are included to help you adjust easily.

Understanding the Stitches

This pattern uses only two basic crochet stitches, making it truly beginner-friendly.

Chain stitch (ch): The foundation of most crochet projects. Pull yarn through the loop on your hook to create a new loop. Repeat.

Slip stitch (sl st): Insert your hook into a stitch, yarn over, and pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook in one movement. The slip stitch creates a tight, dense fabric that’s ideal for a lanyard because it doesn’t stretch much and holds hardware securely.

Some crocheters prefer to use single crochet instead of slip stitch for a slightly thicker, more textured lanyard. Both work well. Single crochet gives you a bit more body, while slip stitch gives you a sleeker, flatter result.

Pattern Instructions

Foundation Chain

Begin by making a slip knot and placing it on your hook. Chain 4. Join with a slip stitch to the first chain to form a small ring (this is where you’ll attach your badge clip or keyring at the end).

If you’re using hardware with a larger opening — like some lobster clasps — you may want to chain 5 or 6 for a bigger loop.

Working the Lanyard Body

Row 1: Chain 1, then slip stitch into each chain across. You should have 4 slip stitches. Turn.

Wait — working flat in rows for a lanyard can feel fiddly. Here’s the method that most crocheters find easier for lanyards: working in a continuous chain tube, or using the simple single-crochet cord method outlined below.

Easier Method — I-Cord Style Lanyard:

After forming your foundation ring, work as follows:

Step 1: Chain 200 (for a standard neck lanyard). This long chain forms the core of your lanyard. Don’t panic — it works up faster than it sounds.

Step 2: Slip stitch back down the chain from the beginning, inserting your hook under both loops of each chain stitch. Work all the way back to the ring you started with.

Step 3: Once you’ve slip stitched back to the beginning, you’ll have a neat, round cord. Chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a second ring at this end.

Step 4: Fasten off and weave in both ends using your yarn needle.

This creates a smooth, round cord with a ring at each end — exactly what you need to attach your hardware.

Alternative Method — Slip Stitch Flat Braid:

If you want a flatter, more ribbon-like lanyard (which can feel more comfortable against the neck), here’s an alternative approach:

Foundation: Chain 4, slip stitch to form ring.

Row 1: Chain 150–160. Turn.

Row 2: Slip stitch in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across. When you reach the end, chain 4, join with a slip stitch to form your second ring. Fasten off.

This creates a flat cord that looks more like a traditional lanyard. It’s slightly quicker to work and lays very nicely against clothing.

Attaching the Hardware

Once your lanyard body is complete and ends are woven in, it’s time to add the badge clip and keyring.

For the badge clip: Open the swivel clip and thread it onto one of the rings at the end of your lanyard. If the ring is too small for the clip’s opening, use a small pair of pliers to open the clip’s loop slightly, thread it through your crocheted ring, and squeeze it closed again.

For the keyring: Thread the split ring through the ring at the other end of your lanyard. Split rings can be fiddly — try using a split ring tool (it’s like a small opener that separates the coils) or carefully work the ring open with your fingernail. Thread it through, letting it close around your crocheted loop.

Some makers prefer to put both the badge clip and the keyring on the same end and simply wear the lanyard as a loop with both attachments at the front. Others prefer to have one at each end so the lanyard hangs straight. Either approach works — do what suits your needs.

Adjusting the Length

The chain count given above (around 200 chains for the I-cord method, 150–160 for the flat method) is a starting guideline, not a rule. Yarn weight, hook size, tension, and personal preference will all affect your finished length.

The best approach is to chain your foundation and hold it up against your neck before you begin working back. Let it hang loosely — remember, it will shorten slightly when you work the slip stitches back. For most people, a starting chain of 180–210 hits that comfortable chest-height badge position. If you prefer the badge to sit lower, chain more. Shorter? Chain fewer.

Write down your chain count once you find the right length for you, especially if you’re making several lanyards as gifts. You’ll thank yourself later.

Tips for a Neat Finish

A few small habits make a big difference in how polished your finished lanyard looks.

Keep your tension consistent throughout. Because slip stitches worked into chains can vary wildly depending on how tight or loose you work, try to stay mindful. If you tend to work tightly, go up a hook size. If you work loosely, try going down a size.

When weaving in ends, weave in at least 4–5 different directions to prevent them from working loose. Cotton yarn has a tendency to un-weave itself if you’re not thorough. A small drop of fabric glue or bead tip glue on the woven end is an extra precaution that some makers swear by.

If your lanyard curls or twists instead of lying flat, spritz it lightly with water and stretch it out gently. Pin it to a blocking mat if you have one, or just lay it flat on a towel and let it dry. This is especially effective with cotton yarn.

Yarn Color Ideas

One of the most fun parts of this project is choosing your colors. Because you’re working with such a small amount of yarn, this is a great opportunity to use leftover skeins, try out colors you’ve been curious about, or make a coordinated set of lanyards.

For a classic, professional look, solid navy, black, grey, or forest green in a cotton yarn works beautifully. If you’re making a lanyard for a child or student, bright, cheerful colors like coral, turquoise, or sunshine yellow make it easy to spot in a backpack.

Variegated or self-striping yarn creates a lovely effect without any extra effort — the colors shift on their own as you work, and the result looks intentional and polished. Malabrigo Sock, Paintbox Simply DK Yarn Balls, or any hand-dyed cotton in a long color repeat will give you gorgeous results on a lanyard-sized project.

You can also make a two-color lanyard by working half the chain in one color and joining a second color partway through. The join point will be hidden inside the cord, so you get a clean color switch with no visible seam if you weave in your ends carefully.

Making It a Gift

Crochet lanyards make genuinely lovely gifts, especially for teachers, nurses, office workers, and students. They’re small enough to make in an evening and personal enough to feel thoughtful. Here are some ways to make a lanyard gift feel extra special.

Match the color to the recipient’s workplace or school colors. Ask what color their lanyard is currently — chances are it’s boring, and they’ll love having something that reflects their personality.

Add a charm or pendant to the badge clip end. Small enamel pins, polymer clay charms, or beaded tassel drops can be threaded onto the ring before attaching the hardware.

Make a matching set — lanyard, keyring, and a small bag charm using the same yarn — and present them together as a coordinated gift. This approach is especially popular for teacher appreciation gifts.

Package the lanyard in a small gift box or tie it in a loop around a card. It photographs beautifully, so if you’re sharing on social media, try photographing it coiled on a wooden surface or hanging from a hook.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

My lanyard is too stretchy. This usually means you’re using an acrylic yarn rather than cotton, or your tension is very loose. Try tightening your tension, going down a hook size, or switching to cotton.

The clip keeps sliding off the ring. The crocheted ring is probably too large. Try making it with fewer chains — just 3 chain stitches joined in a ring rather than 4, or work an extra slip stitch around the ring to tighten it.

My finished lanyard looks twisted. This is very common and not a mistake — it’s just the nature of worked cord. Block it (wet it and lay it flat) and it will relax. If it keeps twisting in use, you can add a swivel between the lanyard and the clip, which allows the badge to rotate without twisting the cord.

I ran out of yarn before finishing. Join a new length by leaving a 15cm tail, working over it as you continue, and weaving both ends in afterward. With slip stitch, joins are nearly invisible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about a project this small producing something this useful. A crochet lanyard is a gateway project for beginners who want to practice their tension and get a feel for working in a straight line, but it’s also just genuinely enjoyable to make regardless of skill level. The entire process — from slip knot to finished lanyard — can happen in a single sitting, which is a rare and wonderful thing in the world of fiber arts.

Once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make more. They’re perfect for using up the last of a skein, for trying a new yarn you’re not sure about, and for giving as thoughtful handmade gifts that actually get used. Keep a few in your gift basket, customize them for every occasion, and enjoy the look on someone’s face when you tell them you made it.

Happy hooking.