Paracord Braiding Instructions

When going into the wilderness, it is best to bring along basic survival tools which can mean the difference between life and death should things go wrong. Paracord is the cord used in packing parachutes, and is very strong, making it an ideal cord to carry when out hiking or camping, for emergency use in a snare or for supporting a hanging shelter. By braiding your cord in a barrel braid, you can bring a long piece of cord in a compact cylinder, which can be tied off on a key chain for easy carrying.

Things You'll Need

  • Paracord
  • Scissors
  • Keyring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut your paracord into two even lengths. You can make your braid from any length of cord, but at least 10 feet ensures an ample supply should you need it.

    • 2

      Make a cross out of the paracord. For reference, the two ends of the top piece of paracord will be referred to as north and south, and the two ends of the bottom piece of paracord will be referred to as west and east.

    • 3

      Take the west piece of paracord, and bend it over the north piece of paracord.

    • 4

      Take the north piece of paracord, and bend it over the east piece of paracord. In doing so, it will also pass back over the west piece of paracord.

    • 5

      Take the east piece of paracord and pass it over the south piece of paracord. In doing so, it will also pass over the north end of paracord.

    • 6

      Weave the south piece of paracord over the east piece of paracord and under the West piece of parcord, then pull on all four ends to tighten the knot.

    • 7

      Repeat the knot until there is just enough cord left at each end to tie off around a key ring. As each end passes across the middle while making a knot, the north end from the prior knot becomes the south end for the next knot, while the east end from the prior knot becomes the west end for the next knot, and vice versa.

    • 8

      Tie the ends of cord to a keyring.