I’ll naturally incorporate all the semantically relevant keywords you listed (core, related, descriptive, nostalgic, etc.), keeping the writing smooth, engaging, and human. This part will take us about halfway (900–1000 words). When you say “continue,” I’ll write from exactly where I left off.
What Is a Scoubidou?
If you grew up in the 80s or early 2000s, chances are you’ve seen, or made, a scoubidou. Known for its bright colors and endless creative possibilities, a scoubidou (plural scoubidous) is a craft made by weaving plastic laces or cords into knots and braids. These cords, often called scoubidou strings or scoubidou lace, are flexible plastic tubes that can be twisted, woven, or braided to make keychains, bracelets, and even small figures.
The word Scoubidou actually comes from a 1958 French song by Sacha Distel, and the craft took its name soon after. Originating in France, it quickly became a childhood craze, spreading through playgrounds and summer camps across Europe. Some countries even call it by other names, like boondoggle, gimp, or plastic lanyard craft, but the idea remains the same: colorful plastic strands turned into cheerful creations through knotting and weaving.
What makes the scoubidou craft timeless is its simplicity. It’s easy enough for beginners to try, yet open-ended enough that you can keep experimenting with advanced patterns and intricate scoubidou techniques once you’ve mastered the basics. Whether you’re teaching kids, making gifts, or reliving a bit of nostalgia, scoubidous are the perfect mix of creativity, relaxation, and fun.
Materials & Basics for Getting Started
You don’t need a lot to begin your scoubidou DIY journey. Most crafters start with a scoubidou kit for kids or a simple pack of multicoloured scoubidou laces, which are widely available online from places like Amazon UK, Baker Ross, or Bright Minds.
What You’ll Need
- Plastic laces or tubing – sometimes called gimp string, craft lace, or boondoggle cord. These are flat or hollow plastic cords made from flexible PVC.
- Scissors – for trimming excess cord once your design is done.
- Keyrings or clips – if you want to turn your piece into a scoubidou keychain.
- Beads or charms – optional, but perfect for creative designs or scoubidou bracelet tutorials with beads.
You can find scoubidou cords in every imaginable color, fluorescent pinks, blues, metallic shades, and even transparent versions. Mixing scoubidou cord colours adds depth and style to your design. Beginners often start with flat plastic lace because it’s easier to control, while more advanced crafters love the smooth look of hollow plastic tube cord.
Choosing the Right Length
A common beginner question is: “What length of scoubidou string do I need?”
It depends on what you’re making. For a bracelet, each lace should be about a meter long, while keychains usually need two cords of around 80 cm each. It’s better to start long, you can always trim the excess later.
Safety Tips
If you’re doing scoubidou for kids, remember to supervise when using scissors or melting the cord ends. Some schools banned scoubidous back in the day because they became so popular during class hours! But when used safely, they’re a kid-friendly craft activity that develops patience, focus, and hand-eye coordination.
Basic Techniques & Popular Patterns
At the heart of every scoubidou project lies a few fundamental stitches. These scoubidou patterns are the building blocks for everything, from simple bracelets to elaborate 3D figures.
The Square Stitch (Box Stitch)
The square stitch (also known as the box stitch) is the best starting point for beginners. You use two cords crossed at the center, weaving each strand over and under the others to form a neat, box-shaped braid. This pattern is sturdy, balanced, and ideal for scoubidou keychains or friendship bands.
It’s part of any good scoubidou beginners guide, and once you get the rhythm, you’ll find it almost meditative, making it great as a stress relief craft.
The Spiral Stitch
Once you’ve got the square stitch down, try the spiral stitch (also called the barrel stitch). It’s similar in technique, but the cords are twisted slightly as you weave, creating a beautiful spiral effect. Many people compare scoubidou spiral stitch vs square stitch projects to decide which they prefer, square for structure, spiral for a twist of flair.
Cobra, Butterfly, and Chinese Staircase
For those eager to experiment, there’s a world of advanced scoubidou patterns beyond the basics:
- Cobra Stitch – flat, wide, and ideal for bracelets.
- Butterfly Stitch – decorative and intricate, perfect for pendants or bag charms.
- Chinese Staircase – produces a spiral with stacked knots that looks great in multicolour designs.
Once you’re confident, you can even try 3D shapes, stars, animals, or keyrings that stand upright. The possibilities are endless once you get into scoubidou weaving and creative scoubidou knotting.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Weave
- Keep your cords untwisted and taut.
- Pull evenly after every knot for consistent tension.
- Use bright, contrasting colors for striking designs.
- Secure the ends with small knots, clasps, or a touch of gentle heat (with supervision).
Fun Project Ideas & What You Can Make
One of the best things about scoubidou crafts is how versatile they are. You can make something simple in minutes or spend hours on an intricate piece. Here are some fun ideas to get you inspired:
Scoubidou Keychains and Bag Charms
The classic scoubidou keychain is where most people start. With just two cords and a keyring, you can make a square or spiral design in minutes. Add beads, initials, or metallic threads for a more personal touch, think of it as a scoubidou keychain tutorial with beads brought to life.
Keychains also make fantastic party favours, stocking stuffers, or gifts for friends. Use different scoubidou cord colours to match school teams or seasonal themes. Many craft stores even sell scoubidou keyring supplies or full scoubidou craft sets for beginners with everything included.
Bracelets & Friendship Bands
If you love wearable crafts, try turning your cords into scoubidou bracelets. The friendship bracelet craft style works perfectly with bright laces and mixed textures. For something simple, use the square stitch with two cords. For a more advanced touch, try a scoubidou bracelet tutorial with 4 strings or experiment with patterns like the cobra or Chinese staircase.
Scoubidou friendship bands are ideal for kids to exchange, especially during school holidays or summer camp craft sessions. They’re durable, water-resistant, and full of personality.
Creative & Advanced Designs
Once you’ve mastered the basics, unleash your creativity. You can create unique scoubidou designs such as mini animals, keychains shaped like stars, or even little handbags. Some crafters incorporate wires or small beads to shape 3D figures, a fun way to push your craft further. These scoubidou advanced patterns often combine different knot types and cord styles, turning something simple into a statement piece.
You’ll find that plastic cord weaving isn’t just for kids. Adults are rediscovering it as a mindful, tactile hobby that offers a break from screens making scoubidous as stress relief craft a trend again in 2025.
Gift & Event Ideas
Scoubidous are also great for themed projects or gifts:
- Create keyrings in wedding colors as bridal craft ideas.
- Organize a summer camp craft activity using scoubidou kits for kids.
- Customize multicoloured scoubidou laces into friendship tokens for school events.
- Try creative scoubidou ideas for gifts by mixing metallic and neon cords for a modern twist.
They’re small, budget-friendly, and personal, making them a heartfelt DIY present that feels handmade and thoughtful.
The History & Rise of Scoubidous
The history of scoubidous is as colorful as the cords themselves. The craft began in France in the late 1950s, shortly after the release of the catchy pop song “Scoubidou (des pommes, des poires et des scoubidous)” by Sacha Distel. Inspired by the tune, children began using plastic laces to create playful woven accessories.
The scoubidou craze in the 1980s took Europe by storm, and decades later, it saw a revival in the early 2000s—thanks to craft kits appearing in toy stores and classrooms. Many adults today remember them as kids’ crafts from the past, made during lunch breaks or at camp.
Interestingly, the craft goes by different names worldwide. In the UK and parts of Europe, scoubidou remains the common term. In the US, it’s more often known as boondoggle or gimp string craft. You might even come across phrases like scoubidou vs boondoggle craft or scoubidou vs scoobie in online searches, they all describe the same colorful weaving hobby.
Across generations, scoubidous have symbolized creativity and connection. They’re a tangible reminder of simpler times, making them one of those nostalgic crafts from the school playground that never truly fade away.
Why Scoubidous Still Appeal Today
In an age of digital everything, scoubidous bring back something wonderfully tactile. They’re a kid friendly craft activity that encourages imagination, but they’re also trending again among adults as modern scoubidou crafts 2025, a soothing, screen-free way to unwind.
People love scoubidou weaving for different reasons:
- Accessibility – You only need cords, scissors, and creativity.
- Flexibility – Choose from countless scoubidou cord colours, stitches, and shapes.
- Creativity – Every pattern can be made unique by changing techniques or color schemes.
- Nostalgia – The familiar feel of plastic cords instantly brings back childhood memories.
- Mindfulness – Repetitive knotting acts like meditation; many crafters describe it as their calm-time ritual.
Craft enthusiasts are also modernizing the look. Today’s creative scoubidou ideas blend metallic, fluorescent, and eco-friendly materials. TikTok tutorials now showcase scoubidou keychain step-by-step videos, and even schools are bringing them back for art and design projects.
Troubleshooting Common Questions
What Is Scoubidou in French?
The word scoubidou is French in origin, meaning both the material and the craft itself. In French, you’d say un scoubidou for one and des scoubidous for several. It’s pronounced “skoo-bee-doo,” similar to the sound of the cartoon name but unrelated.
What Is Scoubidou Made Of?
A scoubidou is made of plastic lace, usually flexible PVC. You can find both flat plastic lace and hollow plastic tube cord varieties. These materials make the craft strong, glossy, and long-lasting, perfect for daily wear or keychains.
Scoubidous: The Colorful Craft That Never Gets Old
Few childhood memories are as vibrant as sitting with a handful of bright plastic strings, twisting and knotting them into something uniquely your own. Scoubidous, also known as boondoggles or gimp strings, are more than just a nostalgic craft. They’re a timeless blend of creativity, patience, and fun that keeps reinventing itself generation after generation.
What is a Scoubidou?
A scoubidou is a form of plastic lace weaving used to make bracelets, keychains, and decorative charms. It’s a craft built on simple knots and braids using hollow or flat plastic cords, usually in bright, eye-catching colors.
Originating in France in the 1950s, the name “Scoubidou” comes from a French pop song by Sacha Distel, which became synonymous with the playful art of twisting plastic strings. Since then, it’s been known across the UK and Europe as a favorite kids’ craft activity, and in the U.S., a similar version goes by the name boondoggle craft or gimp weaving.
Over the decades, scoubidou has evolved from a playground pastime into a creative art form, appealing to both children and adults alike. Whether you’re making friendship bracelets, keyrings, or even 3D animal designs, this simple craft still sparks joy for everyone who picks up the colorful cords.
A Brief History of Scoubidous
While scoubidous are often remembered as a retro craft from the 1980s and early 2000s, their roots reach back to postwar France. During the 1950s, young people began using leftover PVC plastic laces to create knotted trinkets, usually worn as badges of friendship or given as small handmade gifts.
By the 1980s, scoubidous had spread throughout Europe, turning into a massive schoolyard craze. Every child seemed to carry a bunch of colourful plastic braids on their backpack, trading scoubidou keychains with friends. That playful spirit continues today, with modern brands like Janod, BrightMinds, and Fred Aldous selling scoubidou kits for kids and adults who want to rediscover the joy of hands-on creativity.
Today’s resurgence, fueled by social media DIY trends, has revived the art form once again. Scoubidous have found their place among modern crafting circles, where nostalgia meets innovation.
Materials You’ll Need for Scoubidou Crafting
One of the best things about scoubidou DIY is its simplicity. You only need a few items to get started:
- Scoubidou strings or laces – Usually made from flexible PVC in a rainbow of colors.
- Keyring clips or hooks – Perfect for turning finished pieces into accessories.
- Scissors – For trimming the ends neatly.
- Optional beads or charms – Add flair to your scoubidou keychains or bracelets.
These materials are widely available online and in craft stores such as Amazon UK, Baker Ross, or scoubidous.co.uk, often in multipacks labeled scoubidou strings pack or craft lace set.
Getting Started: Basic Scoubidou Patterns
If you’re new to scoubidou weaving, start with two of the most classic stitches, the square stitch and the spiral stitch.
- Square Stitch: This beginner-friendly technique involves crossing the strings at right angles and weaving over-under in an even rhythm. It produces a smooth, boxy braid that’s perfect for keyrings and bracelets.
- Spiral Stitch: With a small twist in the weaving process, you can create a beautiful, spiraling pattern that gives your scoubidou craft a dynamic look.
Once you’ve mastered these, you can experiment with diamond patterns, multi-strand designs, or even 3D figures, like animals, stars, or hearts.
For those eager to learn visually, there are countless scoubidou tutorials online, including videos that break down each step in detail.
Scoubidou Techniques: Knotting and Weaving Mastery
The heart of scoubidou craft lies in its knotting techniques. Each scoubidou pattern begins with a firm base knot that keeps the structure stable. From there, you weave one lace over another in repetitive, rhythmic motions.
For smoother results:
- Keep the laces tight and even throughout the weave.
- Alternate colors to create eye-catching contrasts.
- Experiment with flat vs. tubular cords to see which texture you prefer.
Many crafters enjoy mixing gimp strings and craft lace together for added visual texture. You can even combine scoubidou weaving with friendship bracelet craft styles to make hybrid designs.
Scoubidou for Kids: A Fun and Educational Craft
Crafting scoubidous for kids is a wonderful way to encourage imagination and fine motor skills. It’s easy enough for beginners yet endlessly customizable for creative play.
Teachers often include scoubidou activities in art lessons or summer camp craft ideas because they teach focus, pattern recognition, and hand-eye coordination, all while being fun and mess-free.
Children can design scoubidou friendship bands, bracelets, or keychains for friends, learning color theory as they experiment with different combinations of scoubidou cord colours.
Parents also love this craft because it’s screen-free entertainment that keeps kids engaged for hours. Plus, when finished, each piece feels rewarding, a little handmade treasure they can proudly show off.
Nostalgia and the Scoubidou Revival
For many adults, the scoubidou craze of the 1980s brings back fond memories of playground trades, colorful keychains, and laughter-filled afternoons. What started as a fad became a universal language of friendship and creativity.
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable scoubidou revival. Crafters around the world are rediscovering their love for boondoggle crafts, not only for nostalgia’s sake but also as a way to unwind and relieve stress.
Many even describe scoubidou DIY as a mindful art form, offering the same therapeutic benefits as knitting or crocheting. The repetitive motions of scoubidou knotting calm the mind, making it an ideal stress relief craft for adults.
Modern Scoubidou Trends
In 2025, modern scoubidou crafts are more creative and versatile than ever. Artisans are combining the traditional techniques with new materials, such as biodegradable cords, metallic finishes, and neon plastic laces.
Trendy scoubidou projects now include:
- Scoubidou bracelets with 4 strings – More intricate and stylish.
- Scoubidou keychain tutorials with beads – Adding a bit of sparkle.
- 3D scoubidou animals or shapes – Perfect for decoration or gifts.
Social media platforms are full of unique scoubidou designs shared by crafters, showcasing how this once-simple hobby continues to inspire new generations.
Scoubidou vs. Boondoggle: The Same Craft, Different Names
The terms scoubidou and boondoggle often confuse people, but they refer to the same concept—weaving plastic laces into creative designs.
- In Europe and the UK, it’s known as scoubidou.
- In the U.S. and Canada, people say boondoggle or lanyard craft.
The main difference lies in the type of cord used. Scoubidou strings are often round and glossy, while boondoggle laces can be flatter. However, both crafts use similar weaving and knotting techniques.
So, whether you call it scoubidou weaving or boondoggle crafting, the essence remains the same, a joyful act of creativity and color.
How to Make a Scoubidou (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making your first scoubidou is easy. Here’s a simple step-by-step tutorial for beginners:
- Choose your colors – Pick two or more cords. Contrasting shades make patterns pop.
- Create a base knot – Cross the strings to form an “X” and tie a secure loop.
- Start weaving – Fold each string over and under the others to form the pattern.
- Tighten evenly – Pull each cord firmly so the knot sits cleanly.
- Keep going – Repeat until you reach your desired length.
- Finish it off – Tie a final knot and attach a clip or ring if you’re making a keychain.
Once you master the basic square stitch, try spiral or diamond designs for variety. Add beads or metallic charms for a personal touch.
The Joy and Benefits of Scoubidou Crafting
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, scoubidou crafting offers numerous emotional and mental benefits. The repetitive weaving action can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Enhance concentration.
- Boost fine motor skills.
- Spark creativity through color experimentation.
Many adults find scoubidou knotting to be as relaxing as meditation, while kids enjoy the instant gratification of creating something tangible and fun.
In a world dominated by screens, scoubidou crafts remind us of the joy of making things by hand, a simple, colorful act that brings people together.
What is scoubidou in French?
In French, scoubidou means both the plastic lace and the braiding technique itself. It originated in France in the 1950s, named after a pop song by Sacha Distel.
What is scoubidou made of?
Traditional scoubidou strings are made from flexible, colorful PVC, though modern versions may use eco-friendly materials or recycled plastic.
How to make a scoubidou?
Weave two or more plastic cords in patterns like square, spiral, or diamond stitch to create keychains, bracelets, or figures.
How do you say scoubidou?
It’s pronounced “skoo-bee-doo,” like the cartoon, but unrelated. The name simply comes from the French pop culture term for the craft.
