How to Make a Dummy Clip? | Pacifier Clips Made Simple

Whether you call it a dummy clip or a pacifier clip, the project takes about thirty minutes and a handful of craft supplies. The finished strap keeps a soother off the floor and within reach, and the best part is that you control the beads, colors, and length. The method you use comes down to one choice: beaded cord or sewn ribbon.

The Beaded Cord Method

This is the most common approach and the one most tutorials follow. It uses silicone beads on a sturdy cord, which makes a clip that is easy to wipe clean and satisfying for little hands to grip.

Before you start, cut about 56 to 60 cm of cord — enough for roughly ten 10 x 15 mm beads plus the clip. Fold the cord in half so the clip hangs from a doubled strand, and lightly burn the cut ends so they thread through bead holes without fraying. Pass a safety bead over both ends first, larger hole facing the knot, then add your pattern of beads. Finish with a second safety bead, large hole facing outward, and tie a tight knot to lock everything in place.

Thread the remaining cord through the clip’s ring, tie a firm double knot, and seal the ends with heat so they cannot work loose. Tuck the burned ends into the nearest bead to hide them. Give the whole thing a solid pull test before you hand it over.

Ribbon and Fabric Clips

Sewing gives you a softer, more polished look. For a ribbon version, cut a piece of grosgrain ribbon about 7/8 to 1 inch wide, attach one half of a snap to each end, and fold the ribbon lengthwise with right sides together. Sew along the edge, turn it right side out, and insert the clip at one end. Sew the clip down in a criss-cross pattern, then add a square stitch for extra security before finishing the other end with the snap.

A fabric version works the same way but starts with two rectangles about 12 by 4 inches. Press the raw edges inward, sew the pieces together, and add an elastic loop before closing the final seam. Attach a suspender-style clip at the end and sew it firmly in place. Whatever material you choose, every attachment point needs strong stitching — a loose clip is a choking hazard.

Safety Rules That Matter

The 22 cm limit is the one number that appears in nearly every guide, and it is worth taking seriously. A clip that long reaches a baby’s neck when they lean forward. Also check your hardware: look for clips that are explicitly lead- and nickel-free, and use non-toxic, food-grade silicone beads if the pacifier might end up in your child’s mouth. When you seal cord ends with heat, work quickly so you fuse the fibers without weakening them. And remember that no DIY clip replaces adult supervision — these are handcrafted items, not certified products, so inspect the stitching and knots before every use.

If you would rather buy a tested clip than make one, our roundup of the best pre-made dummy clips covers the safest, sturdiest options on the market.

Not the Same “Dummy Clip”

Music producers use the same name for something else entirely. In Ableton Live, a dummy clip is a silent control clip that carries no audio but triggers effects, automation, or preset changes when you play it. It is a clever way to switch synth settings mid-performance without touching the interface. If you came here for that, you have the wrong article — but you now know both meanings.