How to Braid a Wide-Weave Paracord

Parachute cord is a survival tool used by outdoor enthusiasts as a precaution in the event that a stay in the wild is extended beyond initial plans. Rather than carry loose spools in a pack, paracord is often woven into braids, which allows for a large quantity of cord to be contained in a small braid, then clipped onto a bag or carabiner. The Solomon's bar braid, also known as a cobra stitch braid, is a paracord weave that is thin but wide.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 paracord strands
  • Key ring
  • Scissors
  • Lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fold one strand of paracord in half, then pass both loose ends through the ring and through the loop formed between the fold in the cord and the ring. Pull the loose ends to secure.

    • 2

      Tuck the second strand of paracord between the fold in the first cord and the ring, then through the ring, so one end of the second cord hangs between the ends of the first cord, while the second end hangs down on the left.

    • 3

      Wrap the left end in front of the fold in the first cord, through the loop from behind then through both the loop in the first cord and the loop in the second cord formed when you crossed the left end over. Each cord now provides one center strand, with the second cord providing the right strand and the first cord providing the left strand.

    • 4

      Adjust the cords so the left and right ends are approximately four times longer than the center strands. The outer strands are woven while the center strands hang straight, necessitating longer outer strands.

    • 5

      Pass the right end in front of the center strands and under the left strand.

    • 6

      Pass the left end behind the center strands and over the right strand. Pull the ends apart to tighten.

    • 7

      Pass the left end in front of the center strands and under the right strand.

    • 8

      Pass the right end behind the center strands and over the left strand. Pull the ends apart to tighten. This second stitch completes one iteration of the two-stitch pattern.

    • 9

      Repeat the stitching pattern until you near the ends of the cords. Snip each end individually and melt with a lighter.