How To Make a Paracord Bracelet

How to Make a Paracord Survival Bracelet Out of 550 Paracord

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You can also purchase a kit like THIS ONE.

What is a Survival Bracelet?

Survival bracelets are a survival tool used by survivalists, climbers and campers. They can be helpful in survival and emergency situations. I found this great article: 10 Ways a Survival Bracelet Can Save Your Life.

What Size Paracord for Bracelet

Paracord comes in a variety of sizes and colors. The most common one used for paracord crafts is called 550 because it has a minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds.

Paracord Bracelet Instruction

How Much Paracord Do I Need?

measuring your bracelet size with a ruler

First measure the circumference of your wrist. I used one end of the cord and wrapped it once around my wrist allowing enough room for two fingers to fit underneath it. You’ll want that extra room since these bracelets are thick. Then I measured it out on a ruler. I ended up with 7 inches.

From there, I multiplied that number (7) by 12, and got 80 inches. That ended up being just enough, I’d maybe go with 87 inches in the future. I used a pair of fabric scissors to cut the paracord, but if you plan on making more paracord crafts, I would highly recommend getting a pair like THIS.

Fold the paracord in half, creating a loop in the center

Lace the loop through the top of one half of the buckle

Fold the entire length in half and loop through the top of one of the buckle pieces. Then pull the strings down through the loop and tighten.

Push the ends through the top of the other buckle piece. Pull them through until one end of the buckle and the string reach the finished length (in this case, 7 inches). I held the paracord at the buckle to keep it from sliding before the initial knot of the bracelet, but a piece of masking tape would also be helpful. I’ve also seen people use these jigs HERE.

Now for the knots. This is actually easier to do than you think! The two center strings will stay in place, while the longer, outer strings will knot around them. So first I make a “4” by bringing the left string over the center. Then, I take the right string and lay it on top of the left one. I take the right string and put it underneath the center. Then, I pull the right string out over the left before pulling the strings tight.

To keep the bracelet flat, I do the same knot again, in the opposite direction. So now I need to create a backwards “4” with what is now the right string.

Continue with the paracord down the bracelet

Halfway done with paracord survival bracelet

Continue working your way down the bracelet until the center is filled in.

How to Melt Paracord Ends

Trimming the paracord ends for the bracelet

The end should be cut short, but not too close in

Trim the ends almost flush with the edge of the bracelet. About an 1/8th of an inch long.

Use a flame to melt the end of the paracord

To melt the ends, I use a lighter. Hold the flame next to the end of the cord allowing it to melt and form a small bead of polyester on the end. While it is still hot, lightly press it against something metal and flat. Don’t squish too much, just enough to smooth it a bit, so it lays flat.

And there you go!