Scoobies, also known as scoubidou, are plastic laces that are made to braid into different patterns and shapes. The inexpensive plastic laces some in a wide variety of colours and can be braided into animal shapes, or into simpler braided strands. Before you start in on complicated scoobies, an easy four-strand braid is a good place to start as a beginner.

Align the ends of the four different laces and tie the ends together with a tight knot.

  • Scoobies, also known as scoubidou, are plastic laces that are made to braid into different patterns and shapes.
  • Align the ends of the four different laces and tie the ends together with a tight knot.

Separate the four strands into a cross shape with one to the left, one to the right, one to the bottom and one to the top. You are looking straight down into the knot at this point.

Fold the left strand straight over the top of the knot to the right side.

Fold the top strand straight down over the top of the knot to the bottom over the top of the straight you brought to the right.

Fold the left strand straight over the top of the knot to the right side over the top of the straight you brought to the bottom.

Fold the bottom straight over the top of the knot, bringing it to the top while weaving it over the strand you brought to the left and under the strand you brought to the right. Pull all four strands in their respective directions to tighten the braid.

  • Fold the top strand straight down over the top of the knot to the bottom over the top of the straight you brought to the right.
  • Fold the bottom straight over the top of the knot, bringing it to the top while weaving it over the strand you brought to the left and under the strand you brought to the right.

Work your way around the straights, bringing them over the top of the piece to the opposite side weaving them as you did the first time around. Do this until you have braided all but 7.5 cm (3 inches) of the laces. Bring the four laces together and tie them in a tight knot tight against the top of the braid.

TIP

You can use four strands of lace in the same colour, but using different colours make it simpler to keep track of the different strands. Attach your finished scoobies to key rings or zip tabs. You can learn more advanced scoobies to make animals and other fun shapes with plastic lace.