How to braid a lanyard?

Question

I am looking to braid a lanyard out of round leather lace or a small diameter line. I DO NOT want boondoogle, gimp, or any other plastic. This is for an adult made by an adult. Any suggestions would be great. Iv searched the local library and craft stores and the best iv been able to come up with is Hemp jewelery.

Answer 1

In these instructions they tell you to use cotton, doubled, you can use leather instead too: http://guidinguk.freeservers.com/lanyard.html

Pictures for the round braid with leather:
http://www.carbidecamps.net/CombinedActivities/LanyardsPage/round.htm

Cow-whip site, they use paracord, but their instructions on braiding are pretty good:
http://www.dallasdogsled.com/Whips/CowWhip.htm

If that is not enough yet, on these three forums you can get more information.

This one is mostly a collection of links, but the people there will also answer questions:
http://knotical-arts.com/pineapple/index.php?sid=c1b6861195415aed8588d64dffdb0843

This forum is more active in that more people will be there to answer questions:
http://www.khww.net/news.php

The forum of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, mostly string and rope people, but many of us tie and braid with everything:
http://www.igkt.net/sm/index.php

On all three forums you need to be member to ask questions, but that is free.

And one more site, most of the techniques that are used can also be found on this site, so that gives you a different set of instructions:
http://knopen.ismijnhobby.nl/frames/homepage_frame_eng.html
Specially in 'knots used' and 'braids' you can find them.

Instructions written for scoubidou and gimp will work too, as the writers of those often used the leather and cord sites and books and copied those instructions.

There are also many books on leatherwork, and string, but weather your library has them depends on where you live and how good your library is.
For leatherwork, look for books by Ron Edwards among others.

Answer 2

I looked at my husband's lanyard pretty closely and it actually reminded me of the friendship bracelets we used to make as a kid. Maybe you could check out some of these patterns and use one or modify one to create what you have in mind. We used to use crochet cotton or embroidery thread. I'm not sure how that compares in size to the leather you are talking about.

I tried searching for "leather braiding instructions" but everything I found was books that are for sale.

Hope these links help