You’ll see boondoggle string sold under a few names. Common terms include plastic lacing, craft lace, lanyard lace, and gimp. Some crafters also call the projects “scoubidou.” It’s typically a flexible PVC or vinyl cord used for keychains, bracelets, and lanyards.

• Shapes: Flat (ribbon-like) or round (cord-like).
• Finishes: Solid brights, pastels, neon, glow, glitter, and holographic.
• Packaging: Spools for bulk crafting or pre-cut kits that may include clips, rings, and clasps.

When choosing, think about color, width/diameter, and total length for your project. If you’re crafting with a group, consider multi-color assortments and longer yardage. Pickup and delivery options can make it easier to get supplies when you need them.

Finishing neatly helps your project last. One common approach is to lock the last stitch, then secure and trim.

1. Tighten the final weave evenly so the shape holds.
2. Lock it: Feed each working strand back under/through the last stitch to create a friction lock.
3. Tie a small square knot using two opposite strands close to the base.
4. Optional: Add a tiny dab of clear‑drying craft adhesive to the knot.
5. Trim the ends carefully without cutting the stitch.
6. Attach hardware (key ring or clip) if it’s not already on.

Keeping tension consistent and knots compact can help reduce fraying. Adhesive use and durability can vary by cord finish, so test on a small area first. Supervise young crafters around small parts.

All three show up, but they refer to slightly different things in crafting.

• Plastic lacing/craft lace/lanyard lace: The material itself—the flexible PVC or vinyl cord.
• Gimp: A common nickname for the same plastic lacing used in kids’ craft projects.
• Boondoggle: Often refers to the finished project or the knotting/weaving style (like box or round stitches).

Product listings may use these terms interchangeably, so focus on the cord’s width/diameter, shape (flat or round), and length to match your project needs. You can shop color assortments or bulk spools and choose pickup or delivery for convenience.

There are a few ways to begin. Here’s a simple, hardware‑friendly start that many crafters use:

1. Cut four equal lengths of lacing, giving yourself extra for tying and trimming.
2. Anchor to a ring or clip: Fold two strands in half and attach with two lark’s head knots, creating four working ends.
3. Arrange a “plus sign”: Position strands as north/south and east/west.
4. Make a box stitch: Lay the horizontal pair across the center, then weave the vertical pair over one horizontal and under the other. Pull gently to tighten.
5. Repeat the over‑under pattern, keeping tension even.

You can switch to a round stitch later for a tubular look. Cord thickness and finish can affect feel and grip, so practice a few rows to find the tension that works best.

Both work for keychains, bracelets, and lanyards, but they behave differently.

• Flat lacing: Ribbon‑like, easy to pinch, and great for box/ladder stitches. It produces wider, flatter sides and is often beginner‑friendly.
• Round lacing: Cord‑like, creates a tighter, more tubular look (nice for round stitches). It may thread through beads and narrow hardware more easily.
• Feel & control: Flat can feel grippier; round can glide more, which some crafters prefer for speed.

Choose based on the look you want, who’s crafting, and any beads or clasps you plan to use. Check the listed width/diameter to ensure compatibility. Multi‑color assortments and longer spools are handy for group projects and classes.