Scoubidous: The Colorful Art of Knotting Your Way to Fun

Scoubidous—also known as gimp, boondoggle, lanyard, or plastic lace craft—are playful, colorful knots you weave from plastic cords. If you grew up making keychains or friendship bracelets, you've likely touched one. But scoubidous aren't just nostalgic—they're creative, therapeutic, and educational. Read on for an engaging deep dive into this crafty art!

1. Introduction

Scoubidous are more than just plastic strings—they’re a gateway to creativity, stress release, and making something with your hands that’s colorful and fun.

They’re small but meaningful. Just a few minutes at the craft table yields a bright keychain you can hang on a backpack or gift to a friend.

Simple to learn, yet full of possibilities. That’s the magic of scoubidous.

2. A Brief History of Scoubidous

The story begins in the 1950s. French inventor Marie‑France Berthier introduced Scoubidou, using a term derived from an English folk song, “Scoubidou‑wita‑war‑bam‑ba.” These colorful plastic laces became wildly popular in the 1960s.

By the 1970s, scoubidou spread across Europe and the U.S. Kids made keychains, bracelets, and zipper charms. In the ’90s and 2000s, scoubidou resurged in popularity in schools and camps due to their simplicity and low cost.

3. Why Scoubidous Are Still Popular

Scoubidous stand the test of time because they:

1. Encourage creativity: endless color combos, patterns, and shapes
2. Boost fine‑motor skills: knotting is great for dexterity
3. Are easy and low‑cost: basic materials cost just a few cents
4. Promote mindfulness: rhythmic knotting helps focus
5. Are social: kids pass cords around and exchange creations

From elementary students to crafty adults, everyone finds value in scoubidous.

4. Materials You Need to Get Started

Getting started is easy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Scoubidou cord (aka plastic lace, lanyard string) – smooth or textured, 2–5 mm wide
• Scissors – to cut your cords
• Optional: keyrings, beads, charms

You can buy cords in packs online or at craft stores. They come in single colors or multicolor packs—great for pattern play!

5. Basic Knots: Square (Box) & Spiral

• Square Knot (Box Knot)

This versatile, flat knot creates a box‑like braid. It’s ideal for keychains, bag tags, and zipper pulls.

• Spiral Knot (Round or Barrel)

This knot spirals around itself, forming a rounded braid. It’s perfect for lanyards or bracelet-style charm holders.

6. Step‑by‑Step: How to Make a Square Knot

Materials: 2 strands, different colors, each ~60 cm (24 in)

1. Fold both strands in half to find the midpoint.
2. Clip midpoint to a stable surface or pin in place.
3. Arrange two colors going left and right.
4. Take the left cord (Color A), cross over the center so it becomes the right cord.
5. Take the right cord (Color B), cross over the center so it becomes the left cord.
6. Repeat steps 4–5, tightening after each cross.
7. Keep alternating until you reach your desired length.
8. Tie a tight overhand knot at the end. Trim excess.

Voilà, you made a square‑knot scoubidou!

7. Step‑by‑Step: How to Make a Spiral Knot

Materials: Same as square knot

1. Fold cords in half and secure the midpoint.
2. Lay Color A on top of Color B.
3. Take the left upper cord (Color A), pass it clockwise around both strands, and tighten.
4. The knot will naturally spiral. Continue wrapping until desired length.
5. Finish with an overhand knot and trim.

You get a beautiful spiral braid—great for bracelets or lanyards.

8. Advanced Techniques and Designs

Ready to go beyond basics? Try these:

1. Multi‑cord braids: use 3, 4, or more cords to create wide bands
2. Double square knot: two adjacent square knots with four cords
3. Cage design: wrap narrow cords around a wider core to make a beaded look
4. Animal shapes: weave cords into bows, hearts, flowers, and more
5. Color patterns: stripes, chevrons, random speckles—experiment!

You can find tutorials online, but these are fun to tweak yourself.

9. Benefits of Crafting Scoubidous

Scoubidou crafting offers:

• Fine‑motor skill development: great for kids
• Cognitive focus & concentration
• Mindfulness & relaxation: repetitive motion soothes
• Creativity boost: color mix, shapes, styles
• Low‑cost, portable fun: easy to travel with
• Social interaction: kids gather, trade, share patterns
• Giftability: homemade gifts are meaningful

10. Great Examples and Gift Ideas

Personalized Keychains

Pick your friend’s favorite colors and attach a charm. Add their initials with alphabet beads.

Backpack Charms

Make embroidery‑style designs (bow, star, flower). Clip them on zippers.

Friendship Bracelets

Use spiral knots in colors matched to your friend.

Holiday Decorations

Red/green scoubidou can become miniature Christmas trees or candy canes.

School Fundraisers

DIY kits that teach cords and safety. Sell completed crafts for charity.

11. Scoubidou for Kids: Educational Benefits

Kids love scoubidous—and they learn too!

• Counting & math: measure cords, count knots
• Patterns & sequencing: planning designs
• Hand‑eye coordination: manipulating small parts
• Instruction following: sequential thinking
• Self‑esteem: finish a project, feel proud

Pair scoubidous with a graphing notebook and have kids plan patterns on paper before weaving!

12. Scoubidou for Adults: Stress Relief & Mindfulness

For grown-ups, it’s a quiet, analog break.

• Repetitive motion helps lower stress
• Color focus uplifts mood
• Craft completion gives a sense of reward
• Conversation starter: make a scoubidous with a friend or child

Use them as fidget crafts too—stash a half‑finished piece in your bag.

13. Customizing Your Scoubidou Creations

Here’s how to take things up a notch:

• Mix textures: combine smooth and suede cords
• Add beads or charms: slide them onto cords as you knot
• Use layers: double the width for durability
• Try reflective cords: great for safety zipper pulls
• Glow‑in‑the‑dark or metallic cords: for nighttime or festive flair

Combine patterns and colors to match events (e.g. school spirit, holiday themes).

14. Common Mistakes & Fixes

• Loose knots: tighten after each cross
• Cords twisting: pinch cords flat as you knot
• Uneven tension: pull each strand equally
• Wrong length: estimate 60 cm makes about 10 cm finished—adjust accordingly
• Fraying ends: carefully trim; tuck or melt ends with a lighter (adult supervision)

15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are scoubidou cords made of?

They’re typically made of soft polypropylene or polyethylene, sometimes suede, textured, or with glitter. Smooth is easiest for beginners.

Q2: What length of cord should I cut?

Use around 60 cm (24 in) per color for a 10 cm keychain. Adjust depending on project size.

Q3: Can I use yarn or string instead?

Yes, but rougher materials make it harder to tighten knots. Plastic cord glides best.

Q4: How long do scoubidous last?

They last years—plastic resists fraying. However, stretchy or textured cords may show wear with heavy use.

Q5: Are scoubidous safe for kids?

Generally, yes, but supervise little ones under 7—cords could be a choking hazard or risk of strangulation. Watch out for melting ends.

16. Conclusion: Start Your Scoubidou Adventure!

Scoubidous are an easy, fun craft anyone can pick up. They’re low-cost, portable, and endlessly customizable. You can DIY keychains, bracelets, bag charms, or craft for gifts and fundraising.

Whether you’re 7 or 70, scoubidous offer mindful focus, playful creativity, and an instant sense of accomplishment. Gather some cords, choose your colors, and start stitching!