How to Make a Para Cord Bracelet
The parachute cord is also known as para cord or 550 cord. It is a type of a kermantle cord. A kermantle cord is a cord where the internal cord is protected by an external, woven sheath. The para cord found its usage in the World War II when the US paratroopers used it. After the war, it became available to civilians as war surplus. Para cord has found large number of civilian usages as well. The para cord comprises of several threads of nylon of varying lengths to give it, a smooth finish. The para cord can also be woven flat. Para cord is often used in place of rope by both civilians and military personnel. The most popular use of para cord was to make whips.
1. This tutorial talks about making a Para cord survival bracelet with a side lock button. For making this bracelet, you will need a length of para cord, your side release buckle. You can try getting the buckle at some craft supply store. If you are unable to find it, cut it out off any old rug sack or backpack which you are planning to throw away. You will also need a pair of scissors, a tape measure or a ruler and a lighter. Using a torch lighter is ideal for this case.
2. The next step in making your para cord bracelet according to your wrist size. Wrap the cord around your wrist. Measure the cord with a ruler or a tape measure to know your correct wrist size.
3. Take the length of your cord (Your paracord should be larger than double your wrist size. If your wrist size is six inches, you need at least 15 inches of cord) Double the cord and make a loop. Pass the loop through the loop of the buckle and fix the buckle to the cord. Make sure that the buckle is fixed tightly.
4. Take the buckle apart, i.e. a buckle has two parts, one is the plastic case, the other part is the one with the prong. Take the prong part apart and slide it towards the free ends of the cord. The size of the bracelet is measured by measuring the distance between the two ends of the buckles. The prongs are not measured as they go inside the casing. If your wrist size is six inches, you will need a seven inch long bracelet to make it, a comfortable fit.
5. Take another length of paracord and pass it through the buckle in a manner that the older string comes in the centre and the new string forms the two ends.
6. Now you start with the difficult part of knotting the bracelet. You have numerous ways of knotting the four lengths of string you have. You could use macramé techniques which are basically used for making hemp bracelets. You could also use the sinnet technique of knotting. The sinnet technique is also known as Portugese sinnet, owing its origin to Portugal. The cobra stitch is another popular knotting technique which is used. Different knotting techniques will result in an unusual pattern.
7. You will need to alternate the left and right sides or else the cord will start twisting. When you pull the cords, pull them hard to tighten them but don’t overdo pulling them. Para cord has a woven sheath like exterior. Pulling too hard will cause that sheath to fray.
8. You will have to continue to knot, till you don’t achieve the desired length. We placed the two ends of the buckles, according to our desired length. You will just need to knot enough to fill the space between the two buckles.
9. Tighten all the knots to the same degree. Pulling some knots hard and leaving the others loose will result in knots of unequal sizes.
10. The next step in finishing your para cord survival bracelet is finishing. If you see any loose para cord or fraying ends, cut it very closely with a scissor. You may also burn the fraying ends with a torch lighter. Use a butter knife or any other tool to fold the melted para cord into the bracelet itself. The melted para cord will get attached to the bracelet giving it a very neat look.
11. If you have a large buckle, you can loop more para cord and start knotting again. This will make your bracelet thicker and it will also fill up the loop of the buckle. If you are planning to do this, try a different coloured para cord for making your bracelet look funky.
You can experiment with varying thicknesses of 550 cord and various kinds of buckles. Para cords can also be used to make necklaces etc.