In this article, we share two comprehensive tutorials on how to make a paracord bracelet.
The first, how to make a paracord bracelet without a buckle, is similar to the one Tom Hardy wears in the 2015 film, Mad Max Fury Road. It's an adjustable bracelet that uses a Cobra Weave (also called Solomon Bar) and is finished off by a knot.
The other paracord bracelet tutorial, how to make a paracord bracelet with two colours, uses the same knot but is finished with a buckle.
Paracord bracelets (any style) require a lighter or candle flame to seal the ends of the paracord, as it can fray very easily.
If you like this tutorial, how to make a paracord bracelet - check out some of our other bracelet crafts, right here on Gathered. We've got how to make loom bands, how to make chunky macrame bracelets, how to make friendship bracelets or how about browsing for more jewellery making ideas to get you feeling inspired?
Are you looking for gift ideas for men? Check out our round-up of the best Airfix kits and wood carving tools, perfect to keep them occupied during rainy days!
What is paracord?
So what is paracord? Paracord is a lightweight nylon rope, originally used in the suspension lines of parachutes - hence the name. It's made using a kermantle construction, where the inner core (providing the tensile strength of the paracord) is protected by a woven external sheath (which protects the core from abrasion during use). This type of construction means that it is incredibly strong, durable and flexible.
What is paracord used for?
As well as for its original use in parachutes, paracord is used today as a general-purpose utility cord - it's even used by military personnel. For craft purposes, paracord has been rising in popularity as not only is it easy to work with, but it comes in a huge range of colours and designs, too. Because the cord is so strong, it's easy to untie or detangle a knot and has practical applications too.
If you are a hiker or outdoor enthusiast, you'll have heard of paracord bracelets, as they're also called survival bracelets. If you're going rambling, a paracord bracelet can be very useful as it can be used to tie up your gear, secure camera equipment, make shelter or fish for your supper. Of course - you'll need to unbraid it, but that's the beauty of paracord, it's easy to braid and unbraid whenever you need it. You can even use it to make a padded handle for your utility knife. You can double your paracord for extra strength, or even deconstruct it for some finer thread.
Because of its nylon construction, its ends can be melted (or crimped) to prevent fraying and it will withstand the elements with ease. If you or someone you know is going travelling or embarking on a gap year - a paracord bracelet will be a useful tool and is widely recommended in emergency preparation kits.
How much paracord do you need to make a paracord bracelet?
Generally speaking, an inch of the bracelet equals a foot (or 12 inches) of paracord. So, measure the circumference of your wrist - if it's for example, 8 inches, you will need up to 8 feet of cord.
Buy paracord for bracelets!
Buy now: £11.99, Amazon
If you're looking to buy paracord for crafting, then this is the kit we used! It comes in 12 different colours, each bundle having 10 feet of paracord (so each bundle is enough for at least one paracord bracelet) plus 24 snap buckles. The paracord itself is made from high-quality polyester for the outer nylon, which dries quickly, is fade and UV resistant, and is pleasant to the touch. It's good value for money and comes with a useful tool to help you make (or unmake) your paracord bracelet. Plus - look at the rainbow paracord!
How to make a paracord bracelet without a buckle - Mad Max style!
In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a paracord bracelet using Cobra Weave (also called Solomon Bar), just like the one Tom Hardy wears in the 2015 film, Mad Max Fury Road.
You will need
- Paracord, 8-10 feet
- Scissors
- Lighter
- Ruler or measuring tape
Step 1
Measure the circumference of your wrist and make a note of it. Grab a bundle of paracord and find the middle by folding it in half.
My wrist circumference is 17cm or 6.5" and I'm using the whole 10 feet of this bundle of paracord.
Step 2
From the folded end, measure out the length of the circumference of your wrist. It doesn't need to be too precise as this is an adjustable paracord bracelet. I've measured down 17cm (my wrist circumference) and left around 2cm for the loop.
So, wrist circumference + 2cm for the loop. I've added a tiny strip of washi tape so you can see where I'm braiding to, but you can just keep your fingers there if you prefer. It's easy to lose the length of your bracelet when making your first knot, so I find the washi tape useful in that respect.
Step 3
Okay - let's start braiding! With the open end of the bracelet at the top, take the right cord and lay it across the left, creating a loop.
Step 4
Next, take the cord on the left and loop it down over the piece you just brought over from the right.
Step 5
Bring it through to the other side and pull it through the loop you made in step 3.
Step 6
Take the left cord, and bring it across the right, creating another loop, and bring the right cord down over the top of this.
Step 7
Bring that right cord round the back, and up through the new lefthand loop.
Step 8
Pull the ends tight to secure. Close the two loops at the top so that they are almost shut. These loops will be where we feed the paracord through to make the bracelet adjustable, so it's important they are quite small. I took the tape off after this step.
Step 9
Continue making knots down the "spine" of your paracord bracelet. Remember to alternate sides as you go.
If you lose your place or forget which side to do next - remember this: Always start with the side where the cord is going down (you'll notice one side is coming up and one side is going down - in the example above, the left is going down and the right is going up).
Step 10
Continue all the way to the bottom so that you are left with a small loop.
Step 11
Once you get to the bottom, starting with the weaving that is coming out the back, thread this through the loop from behind.
Step 12
Next, take the weaving strand that is coming out the front, and thread this through the loop from the front. Pull to neaten.
Step 13
Take the two ends and thread them through the two top loops from before to make your bracelet shape (the ones we closed up in step 8). You might need to use a pair of tweezers or a pokey tool to help you. This forms the adjustable part of the paracord bracelet!
Step 14
Tie a knot in the end and trim off the excess. Make sure you take into account how much you want your paracord bracelet to adjust when deciding on where to place your knot. I've gone for 4cm slack (so the bracelet will expand by 4cm).
In Mad Max Fury Road, Tom Hardy wears a paracord bracelet with a simple overhand knot, but I've gone for a diamond knot (also called a lanyard knot) as I think it looks neater.
If you've got quite a bit of excess - keep it - there are plenty of designs that use scraps of paracord.
Step 15
Finally, seal the open ends of your paracord with a flame to stop it from fraying.
How to make a paracord bracelet with two colours
In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a paracord bracelet with two colours, also using a Cobra Weave (aka Solomon Bar).
You will need
- 2 colours of paracord, 4-5 feet each
- Scissors
- Lighter
- Ruler or tape measure
The second knot is a mirror image of the first knot, so repeat steps 8-10 on the other side, so that your bracelet looks like this. Be sure to always use the primary colour as the cord that goes over the spine.
