How to Make Paracord Wristbands

Nylon parachute cord, simply called paracord for short, is a survival cord which is capable of holding several hundred pounds. Survival cord is used for everything from tying a makeshift harness to hanging line for a tent, and that's why so many campers keep the cord with them for various creative purposes. A paracord wristband contains between 8 and 12 feet of paracord when unraveled and takes up no pack space when worn around the wrist. In addition to practical benefits, the cord makes for an attractive wristband when properly braided.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 paracord strands
  • Tape measure
  • Knife
  • Lighter
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Fold the cord you wish to use as the base of the bracelet in half and tie a knot in the cord so that, when the fold of the cord is draped over the knot, the cord wraps around your wrist with the desired level of snugness.

    • 2

      Cut a length of cord 10 inches long for every inch long the bracelet is for a one color weaving cord, or two cords 5 inches long each for every inch if making a two-tone weaving cord.

    • 3

      Melt both ends of a single cord, or both ends of one cord and one end of the other if using two cords, by holding a lighter under the end of the cord then pressing on the end of the cord with the side of a knife blade.

    • 4

      Pull back the cover of the non-melted end if joining two colors, then snip about 1/2 inch of the interior strands. Insert one melted end of the second cord into the non-melted end and melt around the perimeter of the point the cords join to unite them together.

    • 5

      Place the center of the weaving cord behind the knotted cord, about 1/2 inch from the fold.

    • 6

      Pass the left loose end of the weaving cord in front of the knotted cord, creating a loop to the left of the knotted cord and passing the left end to the right.

    • 7

      Drape the right end over the section of the left cord that has moved to the right side, behind the knotted cord and through the loop. Pull the two ends apart to tighten.

    • 8

      Pass the right loose end of the weaving cord in front of the knotted cord, creating a loop to the right of the knotted cord and passing the right end to the left.

    • 9

      Drape the left end over the section of the right cord that has moved to the left side, behind the knotted cord and through the loop. Pull the two ends apart to tighten and finish the first pass of the braid.

    • 10

      Repeat the braid until you near the knot.

    • 11

      Cut both loose ends tight to the final stitch and melt the ends and press with the side of the knife blade.