How to Make a Simple Face Mask Strap Lanyard

Do you keep losing your mask or are tired of having to carry it when you take it off?  Make a face mask strap lanyard so it can hang around your neck like a necklace when not using it.

These face mask chains are a great way to keep track of your mask when running errands.  These mask straps are a super simple project and do not require any sewing skills.   This face mask lanyard diy tutorial will give you step by step instructions to make one.

Our face mask holders are made using grosgrain ribbon which can be personalized for almost any theme.  We have Disney, Star Wars, Minion, Harry Potter, and Batman but there are many other options too.  Look at the end of this tutorial for places to purchase the themed ribbons.

Keep reading for our written tutorial or click the link below to watch our full tutorial video on Youtube.  If you have any questions, please comment on the Youtube video and we will answer!

WHAT YOU NEED to make a face mask lanyard

• 28" length of 7/8" - 1" wide Grosgrain Ribbon (themed if desired)
• Kam Snaps (4 caps, 2 female, 2 male sections)
• Kam Snap Pliers
• Ruler

How to make a mask strap lanyard

STEP 1: Select a Ribbon

For our mask lanyards, we used a 7/8" - 1" grosgrain ribbon.  Grosgrain ribbon has ribbing on it, so it's not a smooth ribbon.  This is the best type of ribbon for this project as it will hold up better.

You can find many fun ribbons on Etsy in different shops.  Click the link for a general search for grosgrain ribbon or look at the end of this article for specific shops we found that sell the ribbon.

We selected Star Wars, Minion, Harry Potter, unicorn, and sewing themed ribbons.  You will need about 28" of ribbon for each lanyard so a 1 yard amount is plenty for one.

Step 2: Select Kam Snaps

You will need two sets of Kam Snaps for this project.  You can find a Kam Snaps starter set through the link.  Be sure to purchase a set with the pliers and an awl along with different colored snaps.

For this mask strap lanyard, you will need four pointed caps, two male snaps and two female snaps.  Select the snaps you need an place them on your table.  Each set, is two pointed caps, one male and one female. 

Lay the snaps out on your work surface as shown above.  It is very easy to pick up the wrong pieces and end up with two of the same type of snap on one side.  This will not snap together so I always sort them in groups so I won't get them mixed up.

Step 3: Measure the ribbon

We used 28" length of ribbon to make our mask staps.  The length of the ribbon can be adjusted for your own taste and how low the strap will hang around your neck.  

For a strap for kids, you may want to make it a bit shorter.

Measure and cut 28" of ribbon.

Step 4: Fold the ribbon

To keep the ends of the ribbon from fraying and to provide more support for the Kam Snaps, the ribbon will be folded over twice.

Place the ribbon on your work surface with the printed side facing down.  Fold the end of the ribbon 1/2" as shown below.

Next, fold the ribbon 1" as shown below.  The raw edge of the ribbon is inside the folded area.

Step 5: Add The Male snap

In order to have some ribbon to hold onto when snapping and unsnapping the lanyard, we will place the ribbon towards the triple folded side.  Using the awl, poke a hole in the center of the ribbon and about 1/4" from the folded edge.  See the photo below for a sample of where to poke the hole.

From your first set of snaps, take one of the pointed caps and push it through the hole in the ribbon from the printed side of the ribbon.  See the photo below.

The point will stick through to the back of the ribbon. 

Place the male snap to over the point with the flat side facing the ribbon.  We have started with the male side first.

Slide the Kam snap into the pliers with the flat side facing down.  Press firmly and straight down to set the snap. 

If you need more information on how to install Kam Snaps, please click the link to see our tutorial.  This video tutorial will help you get your Kam snaps installed properly.

Step 6: Add The FeMale snap

To finish this side of the mask lanyard, we will add the female snap.  Lay the ribbon on your work surface and measure from the end of the folded ribbon 1 -1/2".  This is where to place the female snap.  

In the photo below, we will install the snap where my fingernail is pointing.

Insert the pointed snap cap through the ribbon from the printed side of the ribbon.  Place the female snap piece over the point with the flat side facing the ribbon as shown below.

Use the Kam Snap pliers as before to set the snap in place.

Always test snapping and unsnapping the snaps two or three times to make sure they do not come apart.  Sometimes the snaps will come apart in the first few uses.  

If the snap comes apart, simply install that half of the snap again.  Be sure to pick the correct pieces!

Half of the lanyard is complete!

Step 7: Add a second snap set

To complete your mask lanyard, add another snap set to the other end of the ribbon.  Follow steps 4 - 6 again with the other end of the ribbon and remaining snap set.

Fold the ribbon and add the male snap.  Then add the female snap.  Test your snap and the lanyard is complete!

STEP 8: Snap the lanyard to your Mask

The face mask strap lanyard should look like the below photo from the printed side of the ribbon.

And this is the finished backside of the ribbon.  Notice there is a little extra ribbon at the ends which helps to snap/unsnap the snaps.

Below are photos of another lanyard and the finished snaps.  This is the front side.

And the backside of the ribbon.

Snap each side of the mask strap lanyard to the two sides of your ear loop mask.  Place the lanyard around the back of your neck so the strap hangs in front of you like a necklace.  

You won't lose your mask again!

Don't miss our Face Mask Pattern roundup post which gives many different types of face masks you can make.

We also have a Key Lanyard Tutorial.  Learn how to sew a lanyard for your keys or office badge with our free tutorial.