How to Braid 550 Cord

Woven nylon cordage, often called "paracord" or 550 cord, is most often used for the suspension lines in parachutes. With a breaking strength of 550 pounds, it has numerous uses aboard boats where a strong, lightweight cord of small diameter, with some "spring," is appropriate. The weave used allows the cord to flex easily and, since it's made from nylon, it can stretch to 140 percent of its length before it begins to deform or risks breaking. It can be "welded" or cut with a disposable lighter and is frequently used for decorative rope work.

Things You'll Need

  • Unsharpened pencil
  • Disposable lighter
  • Scissors
  • Paint
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut three equal lengths of 550 cord, all 30 percent longer than the total length you need.

    • 2

      Tie one end of each of the three pieces side by side on an unsharpened pencil. Use three small pieces of tape to make tags marked "1," "2," and "3," then fold one of these tape-tags around the bottom of each piece of cord, so that the numbers go in order from left to right.

    • 3

      Lay the pencil and cord segments on a flat surface. Lift the cord marked "1" and place it between the cords marked "2" and "3." Lift the cord marked "3" and place it between the cords marked "1" and "2." Lift the cord marked "2" and place it between the cords marked "1" and "3." Repeat until the braid is the proper length.

    • 4

      Cut the cord from the pencil with scissors and trim any excess cord from both ends. Dip each of the ends of the three cords into sailmaker's glue, or scorch with a disposable cigarette lighter until the ends melt together to prevent the braid from unlaying.

    • 5

      Dip the scorched ends into paint the color of the cordage if the braid will be used in decorative work.