Box styled gimp, also known as boondoggle or plastic lacing, is a fun and creative technique often used for crafting keychains, lanyards, and bracelets. The box stitch is one of the most popular and easy-to-learn methods to create colorful and attractive gimp designs. Here are three ways to make a box styled gimp that will add flair to your projects.

1. Classic Box Stitch (Two Colors)

The classic two-color box stitch is a simple yet attractive way to create a sturdy and vibrant pattern. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Gather your materials: You’ll need two contrasting colors of gimp strings, each about 3 feet long.

2. Align the strings: Place one string over the other, forming an “X” shape.

3. Over and under: Hold the top-left string, fold it over the center to the bottom-right side. Then, take the bottom-right string and fold it over the center to the top-left side.

4. Left and right folds: Now take the remaining top-right string, fold it over the center to the bottom-left side. Next, fold the bottom-left string over the center towards the top-right side.

5. Tightening: Gently pull all four ends simultaneously to tighten the knot.

6. Repeat: Continue steps c-e until you reach your desired length.

7. Spiral Box Stitch (Three Colors)

The three-color spiral box stitch adds a twist to your design by using an additional color in sequence.

1. Gather three different colors of gimp strings, each about 3 feet long.

2. Start with a two-color classic box stitch by following steps a through e listed above.

3. For subsequent stitches, add in your third color by knotting it onto one of your current strings before making each fold in steps c through e above.

4. Continue adding the new color in sequence and follow the folding pattern.

5. Keep repeating until you reach your desired length or until all colors have been used equally.

8. Multi-Colored Box Stitch

Creating a multi-colored box style gimp really lets your creativity shine. The process is straightforward and allows you to use as many colors as you like.

1. Gather multiple colors of gimp strings (as many as you want), all about 3 feet long.

2. Arrange the strings in a circle, so that their midpoint creates the center.

3. Starting with one string, fold it to its opposite end across the center.

4. Continue with each string, working clockwise, folding each over its opposite end on the other side of the circle.

5. To create the box stitch, begin with any one string and fold toward the center, over the next string and under the following one.

6. Continue around the circle in this over-and-under pattern with each string.

7. Tighten by pulling all strings simultaneously and repeat steps e-g until you reach your desired length.

These are just three ways to make a box styled gimp that will keep your creations looking fresh and fabulous! By trying different techniques and experimenting with various color combinations, you’ll soon be creating beautiful and unique gimp masterpieces!