A paracord bracelet is both stylish and practical. These knotted bracelets are so cool and colourful, and they’re surprisingly simple to make!
Paracord Bracelets
Paracord, or parachute cord, was originally used in World War II as a synthetic replacement for silk. Nylon paracord is known for being durable. It can handle weather and daily use without showing wear.
Bracelets made of paracord were originally created for outdoor enthusiasts as an emergency preparedness item. In an emergency situation you can take the bracelet apart and use the cord for various purposes, such as replacing a shoelace or securing a tent.
Paracord bracelets may be more of a fashion accessory than a functional survival item for most people, but they are still plenty durable. This makes them great for kids because they can take lots of wear and tear.
We made these bracelets using the “cobra weave”, also known as a square knot pattern. This is the most recognizable pattern for paracord bracelets, and it’s actually really simple to make.
Check out our Paracord Bracelet video tutorial:
*Note: Scroll down for the step-by-step photo tutorial.
Looking for more bracelet ideas? Here’s some of our favourites:
Straw Weaving Bracelets
Braided Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Finger Knitting Bracelets
4 Strand Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Here’s what you’ll need:
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The full printable instructions are at the end of this post, but here’s a list of products on Amazon that are similar to the supplies we used:
Where can I get the supplies to make a paracord bracelet?
You can get paracord and buckles from Amazon, Michaels, or any other craft store. The dollar store and Walmart are other places to look. There are also specialty survival stores online that carry lots of different cord and buckle options. (Try Googling “where to buy paracord”).
We used a paracord bracelet kit from Amazon for the bracelets you see in the photos. The kits come with plenty of paracord colours and lots of bracelet buckles.
Can I wash my paracord bracelet?
Yes, but keep in mind that paracord bracelets will generally shrink by about 1/4 inch the first time they are submerged in water. After that, you are fine to get them wet.
There are several options for cleaning your bracelet. The first option is to scrub the bracelet with baking soda and water.
Another way is to hand wash your bracelet in the sink with dish soap. You can also clip your bracelet to a belt loop and throw it in the washing machine.
Because nylon can melt at high temperatures, you’ll want to avoid putting your bracelet in the dryer. You are best off hanging the bracelet in open air to dry naturally.
What size cord should I use?
When people say “paracord” they usually mean the Type III, or 550 weight, cord. This is the usual type of paracord for making bracelets and crafts. It’s also the size we used for the paracord bracelets you see in the photos.
You can also use thinner paracord such as 325 or micro. These strands will generally be less strong, which is fine if you are only using the bracelet as an accessory.
If you want to use the bracelet as a survival item, such as for fishing or camping, stick with the thicker 550 cord.
What else can I make with paracord?
Paracord has so many crafting uses! You can make keychains, rings, zipper pulls, or belts.
You can also use paracord to make collars and leashes for pets. Some artists have even been using paracord for sculptures!
How to Make a Paracord Bracelet
These DIY paracord bracelets are so fun and easy to make! Both kids and adults will love these fashionable and functional bracelets.
PARENTAL SUPERVISION: HELP FROM AN ADULT IS REQUIRED WHEN USING THE BBQ LIGHTER.
Materials:
- 8 feet paracord (4 ft each colour)
- 1 bracelet buckle
Instructions:
Step 1: Measure cord length & join colours together
Choose 2 cord colours. Measure out and cut 4 feet of each colour of cord.
Carefully hold the flame of a BBQ lighter over one end of each of the 2 cord pieces until they start to melt. The flame on the lighter will be on the cord end for about 3 seconds each.
Quickly and carefully stick the hot cord ends together until they cool off (keep your fingers at least an inch away from the melted ends). You should now have a 2 colour cord that's 8 feet long.
Step 2: Attach cord to buckle
Clip together the 2 pieces of the bracelet buckle. Push the loose ends of the cord through one side of the buckle. Keeping the ends together, pull them through the buckle until you have about an inch of the centre loop remaining.
Open the loop and pull it over top of the buckle to the other side. Pull down on the loose ends to secure the cord into a cow hitch knot.
Push the loose ends of cord through the other side of the buckle. Pull them through the buckle until it's just large enough to fit over your wrist.
Unbuckle the two sides of the bracelet buckle and set aside.
Step 3: Measure bracelet length
Wrap a piece of paracord around your wrist. Measure this against a ruler to get your wrist measurement.
(Video) 10 Reasons you need a Paracord BraceletPlace the open bracelet against a ruler. Pull the loose side of the buckle until it measures your wrist measurement PLUS one inch (eg. for a 6 inch wrist you want a 7 inch bracelet length). Include the length of the buckle in your measurement, but not the length of the male prongs.
Step 4: Knotting Pattern
To make knotting easier, secure the loose end of the buckle to your working surface with tape. The buckle with the cow hitch knot should be free at the bottom. Place 1 cord on the left and 1 cord on the right of the buckle.
Take the left cord (green in this case) and bend it over top of the two centre strands. Lift the right (blue) strand over top so the green strand is under the blue strand.
Take the end of the blue strand and push it through the loop made by the green strand. Pull the blue strand through, making sure you lift the buckle so it's over the blue strand, but under the green strand.
Pull both cords to tighten the knot.
Repeat these steps in a mirror image, starting from the right side this time.
Take the right cord (green in this case) and bend it over top of the two centre strands. Lift the left (blue) strand over top so the green strand is under the blue strand.
Take the end of the blue strand and push it through the loop made by the green strand. Pull the blue strand through, making sure you lift the buckle so it's over the blue strand, but under the green strand.
Pull both cords to tighten the knot.
Continue this knotting technique, alternating sides until the knots reach the bottom bracelet buckle.
Step 5: Finish off bracelet
Snip off any leftover, unknotted cord, close to the bracelet. Carefully melt the end of the cord with a BBQ lighter for about 3 seconds.
Quickly and carefully push the rounded edge of the BBQ lighter against the melted end and the nearest knot until it cools. This will prevent your knots from coming undone.
Repeat for the opposite side.
Your paracord bracelet is complete!
Helpful Tip:
Sizing - 4 feet of each colour of paracord will fit wrists up to 7 inches around. For wrists that are larger than 7 inches use 5 feet of each colour (10 feet total).
With so many colours of paracord available, you can create any colour combination you want! Or even single coloured bracelets.
These paracord bracelets are so satisfying to make! I love seeing them come together one knot at a time. Such a fun and easy craft for kids and adults!
Here’s even more bracelet ideas:
Straw Weaving Bracelets
Braided Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Finger Knitting Bracelets
4 Strand Pipe Cleaner Bracelets
Our bookLow-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon |Barnes and Noble | Books- A- Million | Indiebound |Indigo |Amazon Canada
FAQs
How much paracord do you need for a paracord bracelet? ›
Actual amount of cord used for the bracelet is about 1 foot of cord for every 1 inch of knotted bracelet length. So if your wrist is 8 inches you'd use approximately 8 feet of cord.
How much 550 cord is needed for a bracelet? ›To make a paracord bracelet you will need approximately 1 foot of 550 cord for every inch of the knotted bracelet. The sheet bend knot and the cobra stitch knot are most commonly used when making paracord bracelets.
How do you make a simple cord bracelet? ›- Step 1: Preparing the Cord and Beading. ...
- Step 2: Overlap the Open Ends. ...
- Step 3: Form a Loop Around the Finger Tip. ...
- Step 4: Form the 2nd Loop and a Knot. ...
- Step 5: Pull the Open Ends and Form the Sliding Knot.
- Obtain about 3m (10 feet) of paracord. ...
- Grab the middle of the paracord to fold it in half. ...
- Wrap the looped end around your wrist to get the circumference of your wrist. ...
- Tie off the end. ...
- Double check that the bracelet will fit. ...
- Begin weaving the strings. ...
- Pass strand 2 over the loop and then under strand 1.
The 1100 Paracord is a durable and strong cordage for heavy-duty tasks at camp or in the field. With 5.5 mm thickness and 16 inner strands, it is twice as strong as regular 550 paracord. Perfect for securing shelter and gear, it can be used to tie down luggage, tarps, tents, or equipment on vehicles, kayaks, and rafts.
Can a 550 cord get wet? ›Yes and no. Paracord will shrink the first time it gets wet. Other than that, no adverse effects will be had by getting your paracord wet. A word to the wise: If ANYTHING is dunked in stagnant lake water, it will retain a certain smell unless well-rinsed in clean water afterward.
What size paracord is best for bracelets? ›550 Paracord is our most popular variety because it offers a great balance of strength and flexibility. It has countless uses and is perfect for crafting bracelets, repairing clothing, constructing handle wraps, and for hunting, fishing, and camping.
How do I calculate how much paracord I need? ›* 1 inch of bracelet length equals about 1 foot, or 12 inches of cord needed. So, if your wrist circumference is 8 inches, measure out 8 feet (96 inches) of cord (see step 2).
What is an emergency paracord bracelet? ›A Paracord bracelet is a bracelet woven out of paracord. Paracord bracelets are also known as survival bracelets, 550 cord bracelets, or parachute cord bracelets and are considered a survival tool. The bracelets are worn by survivalists, hikers, climbers, campers, or anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Why do soldiers wear paracord bracelets? ›To them, wearing a paracord bracelet meant they had each other's back in the face of danger—that they were going to get each other back home. For some soldiers, it became a kind of good luck charm—If their paracord bracelet was what kept them safe thus far, they better not jinx it by taking it off.
Can paracord start a fire? ›
Paracord by itself will burn, but paracord with a flammable core makes an even better fire starter in a survival situation. If you melt the cut ends of your paracord (which is a great way to keep it from unraveling), you already know the material is somewhat flammable.
Can paracord bracelets get wet? ›You can indeed shower with your paracord bracelet. Paracord will shrink a little the first time it gets wet, and then stabilizes.
Why should you carry paracord? ›It's Invaluable in Emergency Situations
Arguably the most common reason why people carry paracord is for its use in emergency situations. Rig a shelter by tying branches together when there's nowhere else to sleep. Cut the cord, pull out the inner threads, attach a hook and you have a makeshift fishing line.
Wrap a length of paracord around your wrist, noting where the end hits the cord. Measure the length with a ruler. Ours measured 7.5 inches. If you are using one color for your bracelet, multiply the number of inches in Step 2 (your wrist circumference) by 12.
How much paracord do I need for a 2 color bracelet? ›To make the two-color bracelet, you will need about 4-5 ft. in two colors of paracord. You will also need a 3/8” or 1/2” buckle. The basic tools of a paracord crafter are a scissors and a lighter.