Handmade Jewelry Using Paracord: Knotting and Weaving Beautiful Bracelets
Introduction
Paracord bracelets and accessories have become a popular DIY craft over the past few years. These versatile bracelets allow you to showcase your personality through different colors and patterns. Beyond just looking stylish, paracord bracelets can also serve functional purposes like having rope on hand for emergencies.
The best part about paracord jewelry is that it’s inexpensive to make and you can create endless designs. All you need to get started is some paracord and buckles or clasps. From there, your imagination is the limit! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start knotting and weaving paracord into trendy bracelets and accessories.
What is Paracord?
Paracord, also known as 550 cord, is a lightweight nylon rope that was originally used in parachutes for World War II soldiers. It gets its name from having a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds.
These days, paracord is commonly used for other purposes beyond parachutes. The versatile rope has a variety of applications for the military, camping, hunting, and crafting.
For jewelry making, the most useful feature of paracord is that it has an inner core that contains seven to nine strands. You can use these inner strands for weaving and knotting. The outer sheath provides structure and durability for your designs.
Paracord comes in a wide range of colors, letting you personalize your projects. It’s also affordable and easy to find at most craft stores or online.
Paracord Bracelet Benefits
Beyond just being stylish, paracord bracelets offer many benefits:
Emergency Cordage
The inner strands of paracord can be unwound to provide rope in an emergency situation. A single bracelet may contain several feet of usable cordage.
Customizable
You can choose your own color combinations and patterns to suit your style. Mix and match colors to make each bracelet unique.
Durability
Paracord is made to be strong and withstand plenty of wear and tear. Bracelets made from paracord hold up well for everyday use.
Cost Effective Craft
Paracord is an inexpensive craft material, especially when purchased in bulk. You can make dozens of bracelets and accessories on a budget.
Fidget Device
Fidgeters and anxious people often like paracord bracelets because they can play with the rigidity and texture.
Survival Tool
In addition to the inner cordage, paracord bracelets can incorporate helpful survival tools like compasses, fire starters, whistles, and more.
Gather Paracord Bracelet Making Supplies
One of the appeals of paracord bracelets is that you don’t need many supplies to start crafting. Here are the basic items you’ll need:
Paracord
The most essential supply is paracord in your choice of colors. Opt for a selection of hues so you can mix and match. 550 paracord is the standard type used for bracelets.
Buckles/Clasps
Buckles or clasps connect the ends of your paracord bracelet together. You can choose metal buckles or plastic clasps. Make sure to get the right size for your wrist.
Scissors
A good pair of scissors will cut through paracord cleanly. Scissors with micro serrated blades work especially well.
Lighter
Use a lighter to quickly seal paracord ends after cutting to prevent fraying.
Ruler
Measuring your wrist and the paracord ensures a proper fit. A ruler also helps with weaving consistent rows.
Tape/Clips
Optional items like tape or clips can secure the paracord during the weaving process.
Beads/Accents
Add interest by stringing beads, charms, or found objects onto the paracord. Get creative with your embellishments!
How to Size and Cut Paracord
Sizing your paracord properly before cutting ensures you’ll have the right length for your bracelet project. Avoid frustration by following these sizing steps:
Step 1: Measure Wrist
Wrap a soft tape measure around your wrist where you want the bracelet to sit. Add about 1/2 inch to allow space for the buckle or clasp.
Step 2: Determine Cord Length
Take the wrist measurement and multiply it by 36. This gives you the approximate total inches of paracord needed.
For example, an 8 inch wrist x 36 = 288 inches of paracord.
Step 3: Cut Strands
For a two-strand bracelet, you’ll need two pieces of paracord cut to half the total length.
For the 8 inch example, cut two 144 inch strands of paracord.
Step 4: Heat Seal Ends
Lightly melt the cut paracord ends with a lighter to seal. This prevents fraying as you work.
Basic Techniques for Paracord Bracelets
Now that you have your paracord cut, it’s time to start knotting and weaving. There are endless creative ways to manipulate paracord into jewelry. Here are a few of the most popular techniques to get you started:
Cobra Stitch
This classic technique gives paracord bracelets their signature ridged texture. It resembles a snake or braid pattern. The steps are:
- Attach buckle and anchor paracord strands
- Cross the right strand over the left and under the buckle
- Bring the new right strand back over the new left strand
- Pull both ends to tighten rows and repeat
Solomon Bar
Also called the ladder stitch, this technique has a straighter appearance than the cobra stitch.
- Attach buckle and anchor paracord strands
- Take the left strand and go over the right strand and through the buckle
- Take the new right strand and go over the new left strand and through the buckle
- Continue alternating sides going over and through the buckle
Dual Cobra Stitch
As the name implies, this uses two strands woven together in a double cobra pattern. It results in a dense, rope-like texture.
- Attach buckle and anchor two paracord strands
- Cross the right strands over the left strands and under the buckle
- Bring the new right strands back over the new left strands
- Tighten rows and repeat
Alternating Colors
For a striped effect, use two colors of paracord and alternate which strand crosses over with each row. This works with any weaving technique.
Incorporating Beads
String beads onto the paracord strands before starting your weave pattern. Space beads apart by a few inches. Push beads out of the way as you weave and then back into position.
Advanced Paracord Bracelet Styles
Once you master the basics, try out some more advanced paracord projects. Here are a few stylish ways to take your bracelets up a notch:
Paracord Cuff Bracelet
Cuff bracelets use extra long strands of paracord woven around two buckles spaced several inches apart. This style wraps around more of the wrist.
Braided Fishtail Bracelet
A fishtail braid involves crisscrossing four strands of paracord in an over-under pattern. The full braid is attached end-to-end with a buckle.
Paracord Knot Bracelet
Intricate knots like the monkey fist, diamond knot, or Chinese button knot make for interesting focal points. Space knotted accents throughout a standard Cobra stitch bracelet.
Plastic Buckle Bracelet
Plastic side release buckles allow you to quickly take your paracord bracelet on and off. Weave the cords through the two sides of the buckle.
Survival Bracelet
Take paracord functionality to the next level by integrating tools like a fire starter, whistle, compass, or flint rod into the bracelet design.
Project Inspiration: DIY Woven Paracord Bracelet
Looking for a beginner-friendly project to start with? This adjustable basket weave paracord bracelet only requires two cords and comes together quickly. Follow along to make your own:
Supplies Needed
- Two 15 foot lengths of paracord
- 1/2 inch plastic side release buckle
- Scissors
- Lighter
Step 1: Prepare Paracord
Cut the paracord into two 15 foot lengths. Melt the ends with a lighter to prevent fraying.
Step 2: Attach Buckle
Take both lengths of paracord and make a knot 1-2 inches from the ends around the center bar of the buckle.
Step 3: Anchor Strands
Separate the strands, pulling 4 cords to the left of the buckle and 4 cords to the right.
Step 4: Start Weaving
Take the left outer cord over 2 cords then under 2 cords to the right.
Step 5: Weave Over and Under
Now take the right outer cord under 2 cords then over 2 cords to the left.
Step 6: Repeat Weaving Pattern
Repeat steps 4 and 5, taking turns weaving the cords over and under. Gently tighten after each pass.
Step 7: Finish and Adjust
Continue weaving until you reach the desired length. Trim excess cord and melt. Close buckle to adjust fit.
Tips for Improving Your Paracord Jewelry Making
It can take some practice to perfect your paracord jewelry making techniques. Use these tips to take your skills up a level:
- Start with simple designs and work your way up to more complex patterns.
- Keep tension consistent as you weave to make the rows neat and straight.
- Use a third hand tool or tape to secure cords if needed.
- Mix multiple colors and textures for visual interest.
- Look for inspiration online and modify designs to make them your own.
- Watch video tutorials of new weaving methods to expand your repertoire of stitches.
- Invest in higher quality buckles and clasps for a more polished finish.
- Add your own personal flair with beads, pendants, found objects, and more.
- Give paracord bracelets and accessories as gifts for a handmade touch.
Conclusion
Paracord crafting opens up an endless world of possibilities for DIY jewelry. With just basic knotting and weaving techniques, you can create stylish bracelets, lanyards, necklaces, keychains and more.
Part of the fun is choosing your own color combinations and patterns. Go bold with multiple hues or stick to subtler tones. Adding beads and other adornments lets you customize your designs.
The best part about paracord jewelry is that it doubles as survival cordage in an emergency. Just unravel the inner strands. Paracord accessories also make thoughtful handmade gifts.
With a bit of practice, anyone can master decorative knots and stitches to make paracord crafts. Follow tutorials, experiment with new techniques, and develop your own artistic flair. Let your inner craftsman shine through unique paracord jewelry pieces.