I need a thingamabob or a whatchamacallit

[Aparecium]

But I've no idea what it is to search for it.

I need something like a flat button that will grip a lace or ribbon and slip into a narrow space, and the lace/ribbon can then be pulled to tighten it. I envisage something like a sock-pairer, only very thin and 1-2cm diameter, with one slot in it.

Any ideas what this might be called, or where I might get some?

Elastic/tape threader? I have one made by Prym.

Not a threader. I'm visualising something more like my sketch. The ribbon or lace would be passed through the large part of the slit, and pulled sideways into the narrow part of the slit to lock it.

Based on your sketch, I don't know about dimensions but could you use a keyhole escutcheon?

Ok, first suggestion before I look…why not a button sewn on with narrow spacer then twist lace/ribbon under button around thread to hold?

but I’ll do a search too

“Elastic threader”
“drawstring threader”
”bodkin”

tons of variations available

Too thick?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BY1JLNM3/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0BY1JLNM3&pd_rd_w=mX1xk&content-id=amzn1.sym.46187d6a-4306-4bc6-830c-7b2085e0e39f&pf_rd_p=46187d6a-4306-4bc6-830c-7b2085e0e39f&pf_rd_r=5YPGD83A8SMM2N4CKGC4&pd_rd_wg=w9I0l&pd_rd_r=95c897a8-9290-4a5f-867b-7b1ebe51e85f&s=kitchen&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

Thinner
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DGLKCR4S/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pf_rd_p=6089d1b6-f184-42cf-9d58-0015ab58734a&pf_rd_r=5YPGD83A8SMM2N4CKGC4&pd_rd_wg=w9I0l&pd_rd_w=YvEGA&content-id=amzn1.sym.6089d1b6-f184-42cf-9d58-0015ab58734a&pd_rd_r=95c897a8-9290-4a5f-867b-7b1ebe51e85f&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM

If both of those still too thick…make your design from stiff plastic yourself…issue is that without clamp it won’t hold …probably why you can’t find one

My sketch shows a smooth slot, but it would actually be zigzag or toothed to grip the lace. I'm absolutely certain I've seen such a thing somewhere. I just can't think where.

The bungee locks you've linked are far too thick. these might possibly work, though the way the lace is doubled back might make them too thick as well. Worth trying, though.

Somehting like starlock washers?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Starlock-Washers-Internal-Fasteners-Assortment/dp/B09FP316FP/ref=sr_1_5?crid=QJEQPNKYEVG7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.a9Rib9QLbn3QR2pmpDKxX6m_mBrWvuvUKuakphyaTr1ijLbGE1vmpYbblFHi_uB667xNFJFyJSle5qm0QhKptq3z0yGv8we-JVQ32xInefGvA9QwuvZ9cpPKRSRYWvVf3yjKRCw8eMH4hbfPOXk9fbCLaUBRD5emTArI9UtZ6bocxwOGXqE7iyC7mXdWkVjbwife5vAnaa5IMbG-R7sscKg5-78IOZ2cqd8Y2TNzcQl5uukgCk5HhSNBcsgD6Ei2c-_yS9HM2Rgr9o1lM0QeRK_f3nDmRgFUIa9gFhqjFLoLxl-2stkLUmq5EnjWVBIxRztg7d9t5Q42wPKdGKtW5Vqu0xVan7iMrtMQqWpFWYQoQpzA0qjw00n869iLX6XzHbKlOetohlbzbBtDteQo5WvO8pnqpS43InX5QLzofmEvL9u2uoNn7C0vK5Pgin7m.ueHjbN6hKSIEaDWiPELPpcogRxzESl3MV4IJsXKawas&dib_tag=se&keywords=locking+star+washers+plastic&qid=1741212047&sprefix=locking+star+washers+plastic%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-5

Ooh eye safety backs
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TOAOB-Plastic-Washers-Stuffed-Amigurumis/dp/B09WJTGWDD/ref=sr_1_5?crid=EVYQ8GF4AWGI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dd6-Jd0t3NGNl2RmBAbJP776R2C0C6V35uXsmo0kO727zoHQxP1kVBO2sGxkuBwA7U8zE_pgDjHV4rlt7GWnheouT6tKeVUkLXbTolJS89l4ObtkwvwwTL_au2FDDzPTygPcxErdRVh1orzkg35bAxIEBB9GlI2jbimhil0YVgu16mqFeW4091k_KvIC8YJHa2Qrzy1U2Bblts_aHOGEppB8wqahLXeIdiX71BettnhMFaeUnVP5h_cCglCIIn-McyF1N_5bDkeTLB45qKd845zhwHDEeXt5pFS0n5gzHHDKi9pRwi0DwIyUHXJdCoPtna0ztWb7FLiCRoBeM_5cJJzu7uAz5NiwTSOzMm0quwO5_t2qL2bV7Tmy8AoOgKu5h7EQYMzdXIuuhbaPuS4dXm9BGzfkp6wDiMWcdOeGJaLzTOELw9mbNi9miuWj3C2y.noyJ6gCp8bpLdKlwFb0SbaY6RQamCfb2_ICGUHSm0NA&dib_tag=se&keywords=eye+safety+backs&qid=1741212317&sprefix=eye+safety+backs%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-5

Sorry for the annoying massive links

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005477991257.html

That AliExpress link looks promising! But for some reason I can't open it - I get just glimpse of the page and then it crashes. Could you post a screenshot?

What search terms are you using? You're getting far better results than me!

Trying to add screenshot but it doesn't seem to work
Clicked on "add image", then what

screenshot

does this work

Aarrrggh

https://www.lampspares.co.uk/cord-grip-push-through-type

OK the thing at AliExpress is called a "Plastic Shark Tooth Cable Clamp" or "cord grip pull through". You can get them elsewhere too.

I'm a big sewer, maker and DIYer and I'm forever needing bits and bobs that I don't know the name of/if they exist, so I've honed my skills! I use google lens a lot to find things that look similar to what I want, and keep selecting the most similar thing and google lensing that, and eventually you often find the right thing that way.

I started with search term "flat plastic slot washer"

Sorry I can;t add screenshot, don't know why. MN lets me add it to my post then doesn't show it when I actually post it

This is my favourite thread on Mumsnet for ages.

I’m baaaack

cable tie bases/mounts
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adhesive-Mounts-Holders-Multi-Purpose-Length/dp/B077TSNMGD/ref=pd_ci_mcx_di_int_sccai_cn_d_sccl_2_4/262-4312220-0003110?pd_rd_w=JpsSI&content-id=amzn1.sym.6448d24d-f04d-4e11-90e5-10165d266aa2&pf_rd_p=6448d24d-f04d-4e11-90e5-10165d266aa2&pf_rd_r=MWWTNQXQB864HXT3HGT2&pd_rd_wg=FazvK&pd_rd_r=a77877cb-639b-440f-a291-8fe217eaa1f4&pd_rd_i=B077TSNMGD&psc=1

Cable clips with bendable bit (these are metal)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111348619836?chn=ps&_ul=GB&var=410331649819&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-166974-033325-9&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=410331649819_111348619836&targetid=2275367127251&device=t&mktype=pla&googleloc=9046895&poi=&campaignid=22094821083&mkgroupid=174024748518&rlsatarget=pla-2275367127251&abcId=10154206&merchantid=7227844&geoid=9046895&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Lr1eXsUXfoWpWKWDSdULQSI7Wt&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5uyRx8T6iwMVZo5QBh0c_SYCEAQYBCABEgIIVvD_BwE

did you find a solution OP?