Paracord bracelets are versatile and useful accessories, often worn for their survival capabilities. They’re relatively easy to make and a fun project for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial:
1. Gather Your Materials:
- Paracord:
- Type: 550 paracord is the most common.
- Length: Measure your wrist circumference (use a piece of string or a measuring tape). Then, multiply that measurement by 10-12. This is the amount of paracord you’ll need for one bracelet. Cut off the excess.
- Example: If your wrist is 7 inches, you will need 70-84 inches of paracord (2 cords).
- Color(s): Choose a color that you like. You can use one color or two colors for a more intricate design.
- Number of Cords: Two cords is needed for the standard weave.
- Buckle:
- Type: A curved or flat plastic buckle (usually 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch) that can be snapped together.
- Size: Choose a buckle size that is compatible with the width of your paracord.
- Style: Find the style you want.
- Scissors or a Sharp Knife: For cutting the paracord.
- Lighter: For melting and sealing the ends of the paracord.
- Optional:
- Fid or needle (to help thread the cord).
- Measuring tape or ruler.
- Paracord Jig (for holding the paracord and buckle in place) – not essential, but it can make the process easier.
- Scissors, lighter, and a needle.
2. Prepare the Paracord:
- Melt and Fuse Ends: Carefully melt and fuse the ends of each piece of paracord with a lighter. This prevents fraying. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Attach Buckle:
- Feed the Cords: Feed the ends of your paracord through one half of the buckle (the male end).
- Form a Loop: If you are using one color of paracord, fold the cord in half and create a loop so that you have two ends, the same size, on each side of the buckle. If you are using two colors of paracord, make sure that you use the correct color of cord.
- Tape Ends (Optional): Tape the cords down to a work surface, using the measuring tape to hold them in place. This will hold the cord in place while you weave the bracelet.
- Prepare Other Buckle: Repeat the process for the other half of the buckle (the female end), but make sure that you do not loop the cord. You will need to feed the cord, end by end, to the end of the buckle.
3. Begin Weaving the Cobra Stitch:
- Cobra Stitch Instructions:
- Cross Over: Take the right-hand cord and cross it over the top of the left-hand cord.
- Pass Through: Take the left-hand cord and pass it over the two center cords, then go through the loop created by the right-hand cord.
- Tighten: Pull the cord.
- Tighten: Tighten everything up. This is now one stitch.
- Repeat: Repeat the process, starting on the left side and alternating. You will continue the process over and over.
- Continue: Repeat the process until the bracelet is the desired length.
- Continue: Repeat until the weaving reaches a length that, when connected to the female buckle, will fit comfortably around your wrist.
4. Finishing the Bracelet:
- Trim Excess: Once you’ve reached the desired length, and before you close the weave, trim the extra cord from the sides. Leave about ½ inch (1.2 cm) of cord on each end.
- Attach to the Buckle: Thread the ends of the paracord through the remaining half of the buckle (the female end).
- Melt the Ends: Carefully melt the ends of the paracord with a lighter. Be careful not to burn yourself.
- Tuck the Ends (Optional): Use a fid or needle to tuck the melted ends of the paracord back into the weave for a cleaner look.
- Melt and Seal: Melt the melted ends to the weave and press it down.
5. Test and Adjust:
- Snap the Buckle: Snap the buckle together to test the fit.
- Check the Length: Make any necessary adjustments to the length by weaving a bit more or unraveling a bit.
Variations & Advanced Techniques:
- Two-Color Weave: Use two different colors of paracord to create a visually appealing design. Alternate the weaving pattern, making sure that you alternate the sides.
- Diamond Knot: Create a diamond knot in the center of the bracelet.
- Adding Beads: You can incorporate beads into the weaving pattern.
- Different Weaves: Experiment with other weaving patterns, such as the Solomon Bar, or the Fishtail Braid (more advanced).
Paracord bracelets are incredibly durable and can be a practical and stylish accessory. Have fun experimenting with different designs and techniques!