60 Step By Step Plastic Lace Crafts For Beginners Pdf
Step by Step Plastic Lace Crafts for Beginners PDF
Introduction
Plastic lace crafts, also known as boondoggle or gimp, have been a popular pastime for many years. It's a versatile craft that can be used to create a wide range of projects, from keychains and lanyards to bracelets and even larger items like plant hangers. If you're a beginner looking to get started with plastic lace crafts, this step-by-step guide is just what you need. In this article, we'll explore the basics of plastic lace crafts and provide you with a downloadable PDF guide to help you along the way.
Getting Started
Before diving into the world of plastic lace crafts, it's important to gather all the necessary materials. These include:
- Plastic lacing cords in various colors
- Scissors
- Key rings or lanyard hooks
- Tape or clipboard for securing your work
Understanding the Basics
Plastic lace crafts involve weaving and braiding plastic lacing cords to create various patterns and designs. The most common techniques used in plastic lace crafts are:
- Box stitch
- Spiral stitch
- Twist stitch
- Butterfly stitch
Starting with the Box Stitch
The box stitch is one of the easiest and most versatile stitches in plastic lace crafts. To get started with the box stitch, follow these steps:
- Choose two lacing cords in contrasting colors.
- Cross the right cord over the left cord to form an "X".
- Bring the right cord under the left cord and through the loop created by the "X".
- Pull both cords tight to form the first stitch.
- Repeat steps 2-4, alternating between the right and left cords, until you've reached your desired length.
Exploring the Spiral Stitch
The spiral stitch is another popular technique in plastic lace crafts. Here's how you can create a spiral stitch:
- Choose two lacing cords in different colors.
- Hold both cords together and fold them in half to find the center.
- Tie a knot at the center to secure the cords.
- Separate the cords into four strands, with two strands of each color on each side.
- Take the left cord and cross it over the two center cords, forming a loop.
- Take the right cord and cross it over the left cord, forming another loop.
- Continue crossing the cords in a spiral pattern until you've reached your desired length.
Trying the Twist Stitch
The twist stitch adds a unique twist (pun intended!) to your plastic lace crafts. Follow these steps to create a twist stitch:
- Choose two lacing cords in contrasting colors.
- Hold both cords together and fold them in half to find the center.
- Tie a knot at the center to secure the cords.
- Separate the cords into four strands, with two strands of each color on each side.
- Take the left cord and twist it over the two center cords, forming a loop.
- Take the right cord and twist it over the left cord, forming another loop.
- Continue twisting the cords in a spiral pattern until you've reached your desired length.
Mastering the Butterfly Stitch
The butterfly stitch is a bit more intricate but produces stunning results. Here's how you can create a butterfly stitch:
- Choose two lacing cords in contrasting colors.
- Hold both cords together and fold them in half to find the center.
- Tie a knot at the center to secure the cords.
- Separate the cords into four strands, with two strands of each color on each side.
- Take the left cord and cross it over the two center cords, forming a loop.
- Take the right cord and cross it under the two center cords, forming another loop.
- Bring the right cord over the left cord and through the loop created by the left cord.
- Pull both cords tight to form the first butterfly stitch.
- Repeat steps 5-8, alternating between the left and right cords, until you've reached your desired length.
Creating Simple Projects
Now that you've learned the basic stitches, it's time to put them to use and create some simple projects. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Keychains
- Lanyards
- Bracelets
- Bookmarks
- Zipper pulls
Advanced Techniques
Once you've mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced techniques in plastic lace crafts. Some of these include:
- Adding beads
- Creating intricate patterns
- Making 3D objects
- Combining different stitches
Online Resources and Communities
If you're looking for more inspiration and guidance, there are plenty of online resources and communities dedicated to plastic lace crafts. Some popular websites and forums include:
- PlasticLaceCrafts.com
- The Boondoggle Man
- Boondoggle Forum
- Plastic Lace Crafts Facebook group
Conclusion
Plastic lace crafts are a fun and creative way to express your artistic side. With the help of this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to create beautiful projects in no time. Remember to start with the basics, practice different stitches, and don't be afraid to explore advanced techniques. And most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something unique and handmade with plastic lace. Happy crafting!
