How to Make a Paracord Bracelet

Of all the bracelets out there, the Paracord Survival Bracelet is certainly the one that will help you in a pinch.  What started as a practical solution for survivalists and soldiers to access Paracord at a moment’s notice has quickly become a popular accessory seen on hunters, hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Of course, who can really blame them?  After all, there are so many practical uses for a paracord bracelet, and DIY paracord bracelets are super easy to make at home, it only makes sense we see them in practically every outdoor setting these days!

Today, we will walk you through the many practical uses of paracord bracelets and how to make a paracord bracelet at home in just a few minutes!

Practical Uses for a Paracord Bracelet

We were not kidding when we said paracord bracelets can really come in handy out in the wild!  Here are some of the best examples of how your paracord bracelet can quickly turn from an accessory to a helpful or even life-saving tool.

1. Set Traps, Snares, & Trip Lines
2. Make a Fire
3. Make a Tourniquet or Splint
4. Replace Boot Laces
5. Fishing Line
6. Mend Gear
7. Secure Shelter
8. Tie up Game or Gear
9. Mark a Trail

DIY Paracord Bracelet: What You Will Need

The most common type of paracord for a paracord bracelet is Type III, or, 550 paracord. The “550” indicates the weight in pounds of tensile strength the paracord can support before breaking.  

When made into a bracelet, you can effortlessly carry over 11 feet of paracord.  Although there are over 74 different paracord bracelet patterns out there, for simplicity’s sake, we will walk you how to make a paracord bracelet in a cobra pattern using 10’ of paracord.  Here is what you will need:

• 10’ length of 550 paracord
• Buckle Clip
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Lighter

DIY Paracord Bracelet: Instructions

1. Measure Your Wrist

• The general rule of thumb is that one foot of cord will measure out to be one inch of bracelet. To measure the right amount of cord to fit your wrist, measure the circumference of your wrist. It is completely fine to go a little bigger to give your wrist some breathing room (not to mention give you some extra paracord when you need it!)

2. Cut your Cord & Melt the Ends

• Once your length is determined, go ahead, and cut your cord, measuring one foot of cord per inch of wrist. Then with your lighter, melt the end of the cut cord so it does not fray.

3. Attach the cord to one side of the clip

• Find the two ends of the cord and pass them through the bottom of the clip (it does not matter which side of the clip you start with). Pull that through until you reach the loop at the end, leaving just enough room to pull the two loose ends through to make a secure knot.

4. Attach the cord to the other side of the clip

• With your two loose ends, attach the other half of the clip, feeding the loose ends through the top and pulling down towards the other end of the clip. 

5. Make sure your sizing is right

• Next, you will want to buckle the clip together to make sure you have the bracelet size you want. Remember, a little wiggle room is a good thing!

6. Braid your Paracord

• Here is where you want to pay very close attention!
• Separate the bracelet into a left loose end, middle, and right loose end.
• Take your left end and cross it over the top of the middle, leaving a small loop on the left side.
• Take the right end and cross it over the left end, around the back of the middle, and through the loop.  Pull it all tightly together.
• Continue to follow this looping pattern, switching which left or right side you start on each time.  PRO TIP: If you forget which side you are supposed to loop next, just look at what side the last bump is on the side of the bracelet. Whatever end that is on, do the opposite.

7. Make Your Final Touches

• Once you have reached the other end of the bracelet with your loops, cut off the excess paracord and burn the loose ends so they do not fray.  Now your paracord bracelet is ready to be worn on any adventure!

Stay in the Loop!

Whether it is learning how to master the art of how to make a paracord bracelet, or digging into the many Knot Tutorials that can help you in all sorts of situations, SGT KNOTS is the best place to find the tips, tricks, and inspiration you need to tackle any projects.

Be sure to share your DIY paracord bracelet results with us on Facebook (SGT KNOTS Supply Co) and Instagram (@SGTKNOTS), and visit the SGT KNOTS Blog to stay up to date on the latest DIY project tutorials!