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Are you a DIY enthusiast? If you are, chances are that you’ve heard about parachute cords, popularly known as paracord. This is a lightweight albeit strong cord that can be used to make different types of survival gear.

Paracord projects are well known among both civilians and military personnel. You’ll find a wide variety of diy paracord projects and cool paracord ideas you can try during your free time in this guide list.

Table of Contents

A brief history of paracord and its application

Paracord derives its name from the parachutes that soldiers utilized during World War II. The number of 550 cord fastened before paracord indicates the breaking intensity of approximate lbs. Paracord designs are attractive, strong, and durable. Their light weight came in handy to enable soldiers to utilize chutes on the battleground and wrap them up for future use. Soldiers also used it for sewing string, to make shelters, and harness different gear in their heavy-duty vehicles.

More helpful reading:

Super paracord ideas you can try at home

You can make nearly anything using paracord – even a paracord bullwhip, giant monkey fist, water bottle, or paracord hammock!

We encourage you to please look through the entire list. Some projects are more difficult than others, but you’ll find that several of them are good for any age group – like kids starting out.

1. How to make a paracord lanyard

We love this one. Making a lanyard is a fun and exciting way of exercising your craft skills using paracord. To successfully make a paracord lanyard, you’ll require a few supplies and some patience. Here’s how to go about it.

Setting the paracord

Collect the materials you are going to need. These are:

  • A metal key ring or snap hook
  • Metal carabiner
  • Approximately 6 to 13 feet of paracord 550
  • Tape measure or ruler
  • A twist tie or a tool to help you mark the center of your cord
  • A lighter and
  • Scissors

Remember, the length of your cord will vary depending on your desired lanyard length. For every foot of paracord length, your braiding knots will be slightly an inch. If you need to make a lanyard with cobra stitching only, you’ll need around 6 to 8 feet of it. However, you’ll need approximately 13 feet if you’re interested in making a stitched lanyard king cobra. 8 feet of paracord will give you approximately 8 inches of lanyard braiding knots.

Mark your paracord at the center

Fold your 6 to 13-foot paracord. Tie a rubber band or fasten a twist tie around it to hold it in place.

Fasten a lanyard knot

If you’re fastening this knot for the first time, you may want to utilize a sheet of paper to envision how your cords interweave to tie a knot. Make two holes approximately 4 inches apart in the middle of your paper. Stuff loose ends of your paracord in the holes in your paper. The looped end of your cord should appear on your paper’s left side.

The loose ends through your paper should penetrate to its right. Drag the cords through your paper to ensure there’s no visible loop left hanging on its side. The loop should be even against your paper. When you complete the knot you’ll need approximately 2 inches of loop. Pulling your cords evenly against paper will come in handy to help you achieve it.

Place the paper flat on a table

Hold your paracord that penetrates through the bottom hole of your paper and proceed to create a loop near its hole. Now pick your paracord that penetrated via the top hole and put it below your bottom loop. Make sure your cord rests at the loop’s center. For instance, the top cord should appear like a middle pupil flowing across an eyeball. You’ll also need to put the superior cord below your loop’s bottom tail cord. Stuff the tag end of your paracord’s top via its eyeball’s right side below its pupil and up via its eyeball’s left side. Drag both cord tails gently to stiffen the knot further.

Make sure you’ve got elaborate and illustrated knot paracord patterns. Pick your paracord’s tag end from the knot’s bottom and draw it around to trace your knot’s right side past its top hole, where your cord will be emanating from, and below all upper cords, to penetrate through its eyeball center. Use this same technique for the remaining paracord tag end. Draw your paracord’s upper tail to find the knot’s left side past its bottom hole. This is where previous cords will be emanating from, beneath all lower cords to penetrate through the knot’s eyeball center.

Rip off your piece of paper and grasp on to your looped cord that was on the opposite side of your paper. Haul on both tag ends of your cords as you hold on to your looped cord. Ensure the lanyard knot’s looped side has an approximately two-inch loop. Your paracord’s center should be along the two-inch loop. You can braid until you achieve your desired height. Ensure the paracord knots are tight. Cut and melt your ends. By now your paracord lanyard will be complete. Measure it around your neck or wrist, depending on where you plan to use it and cut off the ends. Melt and flatten the ends to complete your paracord lanyard.

Helpful reading:

2. How to make a paracord keychain

One of the most popular paracord projects (besides a paracord wallet) has to be a keychain. This accessory is ideal and helps you secure your keys. Key chains can be made from a vast range of materials but if you’re looking for the perfect survival savvy keychain, why not make one from paracord?

Here are simple paracord key chain instructions to make the process easier.

Pick approximately 3 to 4-foot long pieces and use a lighter to melt both ends.

Fold your paracord in half and pass its center through a key wing. Stuff its ends via the loop and tighten it.

Measure approximately 5 inches from your key ring and put a mark. You’ll use the mark as your starting point for weaving your keychain.

Spin your right cord over and pass it above itself and the left cord. Pick your left cord and pass it over the right cord. Pass it beneath and up via the right loop and tighten it.

Pass the left cord through both cords. Pick your right cord and pass it through the left cord. Move it beneath and up via the left loop and be sure to tighten each knot as you proceed.

Repeat the forth and fifth step until you achieve your desired length.

Use scissors to trim both ends near the keychain once you’re done weaving.

Melt the ends and flatten them using a pair of scissors while they’re still hot.

3. How to make a lanyard bracelet

For survival, one of the paracord lanyards instructions you need to master is how to make different bracelet patterns.

How to choose paracord bracelet patterns

There are various factors to consider here as seen below.

Wrist size

If your wrist is small, you want to choose a light and thin paracord pattern.

Amount of lanyard

Some paracord bracelet patterns take up a lot of lanyards. Choose a pattern that uses more lanyards because they produce an attractive end product.

Style

Paracord survival bracelets can also be stylish. Go for a pattern that suits your style. There are lots of ideas to choose from.

Buckle size

If your buckles are wide, you’ll require a wider weave. People with small buckles will need narrower weaves. If you’ll be using a loop as closure, you may want to choose narrower weaves.

Quantity of paracord per inch

The general rule is to use 12 inches of cord for every inch of your bracelet. Still, the quantity of paracord per inch varies depending on these factors.

  • The size of lanyard
  • Pattern being used
  • The tightness of your knots
  • Size of the lanyard
  • Amount of paracord you need to make your closing knots. If you’re a beginner, you may need extra length to complete the knots.

Remember, starting with more paracord is better than running out of it in the middle of your paracord project. Unfortunately, there’ll always be wastage and there’s nothing much we can do to avoid it.

Measuring your wrist

Before you can create your bracelet, wrap a piece of paracord over your wrist. Measure and mark its size. Your bracelet will be thick which will consume some of its circumference. Ensure the length of your bracelet is longer than your wrist size. If you realize that the bracelet is too big, soak it in water. Once it dries it’ll shrink. Remember to calculate the buckle depending on your measurements. For instance, if your wrist size is eight inches and you’re using a one-inch buckle, the length of your paracord buckle should be 7 inches.

Cobra knot

This is one of the most well known patterns and a big percentage of paracord bracelets sold in stores are made using this pattern. You can use two different strands or one depending on your preferences. Additionally, you can make it with a lanyard knot or buckle. While it’s not quite thick, it takes a lot of paracord to make each bracelet. Cobra patterns are easy to create.

Here’s the amount you’ll need per inch for your paracord project with L being bracelet length per inch.

  • First color: 5 inches x L + L
  • Second color: 5 inches x L + L
  • If you’ll be using one strand, choose 9 inches x L+ 2 L and remember to deduct your buckle from the length.

An easy to deploy cobra pattern

In the event of an emergency, you want to make sure that your survival paracord bracelet is easy to unravel. This is where a quick to deploy pattern comes in handy. To execute this pattern, you’ll need a slightly loose weave, a slipknot to tie the cord as opposed to burning it, and a good stretch.

Amount of paracord per inch

This pattern utilizes almost a similar amount of cord per inch as the conventional cobra knot.

King cobra pattern

This is a popular and easy to make pattern. The only difference between this and traditional cobra pattern is that it’s wider and takes up more lanyards. For this pattern you’ll need:

  • Approximately 1 3/8” wide paracord compared to ¾ inch for standard cobra weave
  • A wider buckle
  • Around ⅝ inch thick paracord as opposed to ⅜ inch for standard cobra weave

Amount of paracord per inch needed will be 12 inches x L+L for king cobra pattern. This amount varies depending on how tightly you make your bracelet.

Quick deploy millipede

If you want to use more lanyards in your bracelet for a more robust weave, this should be your go-to pattern. This pattern takes up more paracord, makes a thicker bracelet, doesn’t produce as much stretch as other patterns, is easy to execute, and will be more attractive if two colors are used.

Amount of paracord per inch required

You’ll need approximately 18 inches x L + L

4. How to make a paracord belt

These belts take up lots of paracords. You can use a military-grade 550 cord since it’s good quality and durable. You can find these from different stores within your local area or online retailers. You’ll need a buckle as well. For a cheaper option, buy a belt, remove your buckle, and discard the belt.

Whether you choose the huge flat buckles that come with a prong underneath or tongue pass through buckles, they should work accordingly. If you choose the flat buckle that features a prong, ensure it’s long or you’ll have difficulties keeping it in place. Other materials you’ll need include:

  • Heat for sealing or melting the ends
  • A measuring device which can be a tape measure or ruler
  • Small needle-nosed pliers which you can use to drag your cord across tight areas
  • Sharp diagonal cutters or scissors
  • You may also need rubber bands or masking tape to make longer lengths manageable

Paracord Lengths

Tightness of your knots will have an impact on the length you’ll need. For two core strands, measure your waist, double that number, and add 24 inches. Have two of these. For the core strands you’ll be working with, you’ll need a foot of cord for each inch of your required belt length and an additional 24 inches.

You’ll need two of these too. The final piece should be 36 inches long. For instance, if your waist is 38 inches and you need a 43-inch belt, your calculation should be 38*2+24=100. You’ll need two 100 inches (4 inch 8foot) core strands. To make a 43-inch belt, your calculation should be 43*12*24=540. You’ll need two 540 inches (45 foot) pieces of working strands. Belt buckles come with a front and a back. The front part is always away from you when you wear your belt. The backside is usually in front of you.

Tuck a core strand in half and hold your buckle with its back facing you. Pass the core strand loop across your buckle to one side of its tongue. Haul core strand ends through the loop to form a cow hitch. Repeat this process with your other core strand on the opposite side of its tongue. Turn your buckle over and repeat this process working with the strands and placing them through your core strands.

Haul all strands to ensure the knots are tight. You may need to finish off the long ends of your working strands to ensure they don’t tangle. Use your masking tape or rubber bands for the finishing process.

Make a cobra knot

The cobra knot, in this case, is not just a sequence of square knot ties across a core strand. This belt comprises two cobra knots that run parallel and exchange a working strand after each square knot. Place your buckle on the table with its back facing up. Move your belt’s inner right working strand above the inner left working strand.

Drive your outer left working strand, left core strands, and inner right that’s at this point your inner left working strand to the side. Drag your outer right working strand slightly outward and move the end in front of your right core strands straight to their length. Take your current inner right working strand straight through the outer right core strand. Take it back behind the right core strands and up through your belt’s outer right core strand loop. Pull your working strands to tighten them.

Repeat this process in reverse using the same strands. This will complete the inaugural right square knot. Drive all your right strands to the side. This will allow you to work on the left strands. Repeat the previous process on your left side. Remember to reverse your sides to ensure you begin by moving the outer left strand over your core strands.

When you finish your first square knot, move the inner right working strand through your inner left working strand. Repeat the process of creating square knots until you arrive at three inches less than your desired belt length.

Tapering

Cut your belt’s two inner core strands from each side and melt the ends. Proceed with making your square knots and exchanging the inner working strands as you did before until you complete your three inches. Tie your belt’s outer strands in a square knot around all the other knots. Cut all strands to remain with around one and a half inches long. Use pliers to weave all your strands backward via stitches on the back of your belt.

Catch loop

Determine where you want your catch loop to be and haul your 36-inch strand via your V-shaped stitch at the back of your belt. Place the center of your strand under your V-shaped stitch. Haul the ends through your belt’s side loops on each side of its V-shaped stitch. Haul your belt’s strands directly through its front and across its side loops on the opposite side of your starting point.

The loops across your belt’s front created in this way should be loose to allow it to penetrate through. Further, you should create an extra room since the strands will thicken over time. Using the loops at your belt’s front as your core strands and loose ends of its strands as your working strand create a sequence of square knots leading back to where you first placed a strand in your belt.

This method is similar to the one used to make belts except that you’ll be using one cobra knot as opposed to two parallel knots. Once you tie your final knot, you want to trim your working ends, melt, and weave them to the back of your belt.

Two colored belts

While two-colored belts created using double cobra knots are attractive, they may look dull if your working strands on each end are different. If you want to get good patterns using two colors, uniquely set your working strands. Rather than making one working cow fasten over each core cow knot, put one working cow knot between the core cow knots. Proceed to put your other working cow over both core cow knots and the middle working hitch. Everything else that comes after your knots should be the same process of making a single color belt.

5. How to paracord wrap a handle

Giving your tools a paracord knife wrap is a great way of enhancing your handle’s traction to make it easy to hold and even more useful for survival. There are different ways of wrapping paracord, many of which are simple, aesthetic, and practical. This can also apply toward making a paracord bottle.

Here is how to go about it.

Materials you’ll need

  • The tool whose handle you need to wrap
  • Paracord
  • Sharp scissors or knife
  • Soldering iron or lighter
  • Spring clamp
  • Something you can use to hold your tool in place

The setup

Settle down on a stool or somewhere comfortable where you can work from. For this example, we shall use an axe. Oil your steel and polish it using beeswax. This will come in handy to prevent rust. You can also wrap your handle with a clean piece of leather to enhance the finish of your tool.

There’s no right estimation of the amount of paracord you’ll need. You may have to keep on practicing before you can master exactly how much you’ll need for different types and sizes of handle. A good trick is to use extra paracord since you can always cut off the excess. In this example, for instance, our handle was a quarter-inch thick and 9 inches long. 20-foot braids were used at the beginning of this project and only 2-foot were cut off on completion.

The wrapping process

  • Identify the middle of your cord and place it over one side of your tool
  • Grab both ends and proceed with them to the opposite end
  • Swaddle each end of your cord around the other once
  • Send your two paracord ends to the opposite side and repeat your process
  • If you’re to achieve a clean looking end product, you’ll need to be consistent. Monitor which end of your cord extends across each other’s top and repeat the process as you continue wrapping

Keep it up

The trick to this entire process is maintaining an excellent amount of tension on your cord always. Confirm your progress at the end of each inch to ensure it’s consistent and proper. It’s always better to fix any errors earlier than later.

Take a break

For effective results, you want to take breaks in between your tasks. Remember, the consistent tension on your cord can cause strain on the hands. Take short breaks to relax and stretch your muscles.

Tying your knot

Have a clamp in place to hold your string as you prepare the knot. This is the step where you’ll be melting your cord ends as well. Determining the final length at this point becomes more practical. You can utilize a lighter to complete this task but you can also use a soldering gun. When your nylon is molten you need to work very fast to form a point before it hardens up. Do this by rolling it on a cool solid surface which can be a piece of wood or steel.

Some people use their fingers but you should be careful while doing it to avoid getting burned. Secure your wrap on the handle with a square or reef knot depending on your preferences. Take a homemade blunt needle and poke it at the end of your cord through a hole on your handle. Your melted end will stop your needle from stroking through the cord. Passing your knot ends through a hole secures them further while ensuring the wrap doesn’t slide down your handle’s end.

End of the line

You’ve successfully managed to create a lightweight handle that you can also transform into a rope during an emergency. This wrap gives your handle a better grip whether it’s dry or wet. If you need more paracord on your handle, you can begin by doing more layers of standard wrapping beneath this wrap style. Cleaning your cord will make the wrap flatter. Some people opt to coat the cord in epoxy to create a harder surface and a more durable handle.

Things to make with Paracord

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed a dependable easy to carry cord or rope? Do you long for a readily available robust cord that you can use to set a game trap, build a shelter, or make a splint?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you can choose to either execute these tasks with bulky and costly equipment and supplies or experiment with a paracord.

There’s a wide range of things you can make using paracord such as bracelets, key chains, weaves, and braids as we’ve seen above. Additionally, you can wear a paracord around your neck or even feet. It’s a versatile tool that you can use in nearly all circumstances. Did you know you can use paracord when stuck in an emergency? Use it to set snare triggers and nooses, make hunting bows, help with campsite setting, and go fishing.

If you’re a survivalist, make sure you’ve got paracord survival straps and a paracord pouch always with you. They could come in handy to help you out of survival situations. One of the advantages 4 paracord accessories is that they’re easy to carry and lightweight. Are you an outdoor fanatic, prepper, or even a crafter? You can use 11 paracord in various ways as we shall see below.

Paracord Uses

Outdoor and camping survival

If you’re a regular hiker you’ll agree with us that you can’t predict the outcome of your trip. So many things could go wrong and the best way to stay safe is to be prepared. Some of the most important things you need include water, food, shelter, and fire. Did you know that with just one paracord product you can have easy access to the aforementioned components? If for instance you’ve got a paracord belt or keychain with you and are stuck in an emergency, you can unravel it and utilize it in diverse ways as seen below.

  • Survival arrows and bows for self-defense and hunting game meat
  • Paracord rock sling
  • Replacing suspenders, bootlaces, and belts to secure your clothing
  • Making a fishing line complete with a 550 cord, bait, and sharp hook
  • Handles, nets, and straps for carrying supplies and gear
  • Bow drilling to facilitate fire starting
  • Shelter
  • Paracord hanging chairs and hammock for sleeping
  • Paracord snowshoes

Prepping and Emergencies

Having a paracord belt or necklace is one of the ideal techniques you can use to prepare for an emergency. For instance, if during our hiking escapade you or one of your colleagues is wounded and in need of a tourniquet or splint, all you need to do is unwrap your paracord belt and convert it into a life-saving tool.

Paracords are made from flexible and robust materials which when properly knotted you can use for self-defense. Are you aware that you can use a small piece of paracord weapon to get out of a desperate situation? Whether you’re attacked by a monkey in the wilderness or want to secure your backpack, a paracord will come in handy. You can also convert your paracord items into:

  • A pouch for preserving essential survival items
  • Key fob for self-defense purposes
  • A bullwhip for self-defense
  • Bandolier for the safety of your items

Fashion and Crafting

While there are numerous paracord projects you can experiment with, not all of them are designed for survival and emergencies. Designing paracord projects is a way of converting every-day-one-use products into multi-functional items. If you’re a bracelet enthusiast, there are different paracord ideas and weaves you can choose from. Paracord projects are diverse and you can make exclusive accessories for your pets and gadgets as seen below.

  • Dog toys
  • Harnesses for your laptops
  • Dog collars
  • Lanyards for storing your ID badges and keys
  • Watchbands
  • Wallets
  • Koozie for storing and keeping your favorite drinks cold and
  • Drawstring bags for your laundry

Types of Paracord

There are different types of paracord which differ depending on the minimum length, strength sheath structure, and sore yarns. 550 paracord, also known as Type III is the most commonly used type. 550 define a cord’s strength and are among the strongest, only thrashed by 750 Type IV paracords. 550 paracords are military-specified and come with an inner core and three nylon fibers as opposed to commercial versions that come with two fibers. The best paracord is one that’s designed to balance a blend of long length and robust strength.

While you need a durable paracord, it’s also important that you get enough of it that you can use in different situations. Further, the ultimate paracord options are specially designed to resist rot, UV rays, mildew, and fading. Why should you buy the 550 paracord? Because it’s robust, has a minimum length of 225 per round, and comes with seven inner strands.

There are longer options that don’t match the robustness of 550 paracord, making it perfect for heavy-duty situations. The best paracord for you depends on your needs. Cheaper and less robust paracord is ideal for basic crafting. However, 550 paracord or a higher grade is specially designed for survival and outdoor-related activities.

Where can you get paracord supplies?

You can purchase paracord items from different survival online stores as well as physical stores near you at friendly prices. Some stores stock 550 paracord supplies and kits which you can use to learn and experiment with various paracord patterns, knots, weaves, and braids, especially if you’re a novice.

Types of paracord weave, braids, and knots

Are you looking for paracord craft-making tips and ideas? Once you’ve identified your desired paracord item, you need to decide its length and color. After that, you’ll want to understand the different types of paracord weaves, braids, and knots available. These are the various methods that you can use to craft and tie your paracord together to come up with your desired item.

What should you avoid as a beginner?

Knowing how to overcome mistakes as a beginner helps you achieve success in your paracord projects. As a beginner, make sure you do the following.

Research

Conducting research can be overwhelming. Still, it’s only through research that you can succeed in your paracord projects. We’re living in the digital age where you’ll get numerous research resources that can help you get started. Don’t be in a hurry. Rather, take time to establish what suits your needs best. Read available reviews and see what techniques attract the best reviews. Mastering the art of making survival items takes time and you’ll need to be patient and practice regularly to succeed.

Have enough cord length

One of the most common mistakes that beginners make in their paracord projects is starting with a short cord length. How do you determine the right length? Doing so can be a difficult task and even some expert paracord designers admit that they use a trial and error method that works for them. You may want to practice regularly until you can determine the length that works for your designs. Whatever you do, always begin with a longer cord to avoid frustrations. Remember, dealing with a longer cord is easier than having to undo the entire project.

Exercise caution when joining or melting two different cords

Melting is a popular method used to join two pieces of cord. However, it can be dangerous and you need to be careful to avoid getting burned.

Master your finishing skills

Your paracord craft finishing skills can influence the item’s functionality. Avoid using the overhand knot, or the knot that many people use when tying their shoes. This method isn’t secure enough. Take time and learn how to execute a good finishing knot such as a lanyard knot and save yourself from problems that may emanate from poorly done knots.

Understand that learning isn’t an overnight affair

Learning takes time and mastering the skill may take even longer. Experts who have videos on how to make paracord projects online make it appear easy, which isn’t the case. You need to be patient even though the process can be overwhelming. Don’t be disappointed if your 17 paracord braid, knot, or weave doesn’t turn out as expected on your first or even second trial. Practice regularly and you’ll enhance your skills as you go by. Here are some paracord knots and how to make them.

Snake paracord knot

You can use the snake paracord knot to make different paracord chains, projects, and lanyards.

Materials you’ll need

A piece of paracord whose length will be determined by the craft you plan to make.

How to go about it

  • Fold your cord into half
  • Create a loop on the cord’s left side
  • Tuck in the right end over your loop
  • Take the right end of your loop and put it behind a left one. Place it across the loop that you just created
  • Tighten your knot carefully and ensure there’s a loop appearing at the end
  • Spin your knot over. Put your right cord side behind the left. Detach your first knot and place the end across your loop
  • Repeat this process and spin the knot every time

Trilobite paracord knot

The Trilobite knot is a simple method you can use to make paracord braids. It’s also ideal for making key chains.

Materials you’ll need

  • Two different colors of paracord each measuring 5 feet or more depending on what you intend to craft
  • A hook or nail for hanging the cords on as you braid

How to go about it

  • Hang your two pieces on a nail one behind the other. Make sure you hang them from the middle and keep them folded over.
  • On your left hand, hold the first second color on your right hand. You’ll work with your fingers to braid the paracords.
  • The two middle cords are your foundation. The two outer strings are what you’ll weave. Begin with your right outer string and place it over the two core cords and beneath your left string. Pick your left string and weave it underneath the two core strings across your right one.
  • Fold the left string once over your right string. Repeat this process on the opposite side.
  • Repeat this process for your paracord weaves. Once you finish, you’ll want to snap the bar. You can achieve this by taking off the hook and hauling your paracord weave bottom two core cords. Drag its strings at the top once more.

Fishtail Paracord Knot

This knot creates a sturdy and clean look. You can use this design to create different projects.

Materials you’ll need

  • A Buckle
  • A piece of paracord measuring between 8 and inches long
  • A pair of scissors or sharp knife and
  • A lighter

How to go about it

  • Thread your cord around the buckle from its outside. Thread in the second half of your buckle. This will help you establish whether or not the bracelet fits.
  • You’ll have four lines of cord to work with between the two buckles. That is two cores and two exteriors. Pick your left cord, haul it over the second cord and pass it through your third one.
  • Tighten your knot and pick the right exterior cord. Weave it through your third cord and pass it through your second cord. Repeat this process.
  • Ensure every knot is tight without leaving any space. Cut off the ends and use a lighter to seal them.

Lanyard Paracord Knot

This knot resembles the overhand knot. The only difference is that this lanyard paracord knot is more visually appealing and durable compared to overhand knots.

Materials you’ll need

  • A piece of paracord. The length will vary depending on what you’re designing
  • A lighter
  • A pair of scissors or sharp knife

How to go about it

  • Fold your paracord into half
  • With your ring and middle finger, twist the cord around and be sure to leave a piece of cord hanging on each side
  • Create a loop using the right hanging side. Lay it on the left hanging side.
  • With the left strand, penetrate below to establish a correct strand hanging side. Pass it through the loop. Repeat the process of moving your strand over and below. Your outcome should be something that resembles the figure 8 with two cord strands penetrating out on each side. Pick your strands on each end, take them around and across the center. This will form a diamond shape in the middle and move anticlockwise.
  • Pull your two strands that you’ll have pulled at the center. Use your fingers to make a knot and adjust without tightening it.
  • Pull your knot as tightly as possible. Cut off any hanging strands and melt the ends with your lighter.

Monkey Fist Paracord Knot

While creating this knot can be a challenging affair, it’s also fun. You can use this knot to make decorations or a self-defense tool.

Materials you’ll need

  • Paracord measuring approximately 4 feet
  • A golf ball, steel ball-bearing, marble, or any other item that you can insert on the fist’s inner part. What you choose to use depends on the purpose of your monkey fist paracord knot. For the purpose of this tutorial, you can use a marble.

How to go about it

  • Using your fingers as a jig, begin by twisting the cord across your index, ring, and middle fingers. Pass it across three times. If you want to make a larger monkey fist, you may want to pass it through more times.
  • With your thumb, pinch what would have become your fourth pass. Pick your strand and move behind your fingers and across the three strands. Repeat this three times while ensuring that you keep them properly lined.
  • Place your marble at the center that you’ve just created. Twist your cord around the marble.
  • Proceed horizontally through a twist before moving it back down across the bottom.
  • Repeat this while ensuring that you’ve got three strands on all of the fist sides.
  • Remove all the slack and remember it can be an arduous and time-consuming task.

Understanding the benefits of paracord

If up to now you’re yet to know why paracording can be beneficial, read below.

  • Not only are paracord projects cheap, but it’s also available in a vast range of colors
  • It’s lightweight meaning that you can easily carry it in your backpack
  • It’s weather-resistant and will remain in good working condition regardless of the time of year. What’s more, it’s durable.
  • It’s versatile and you can use it to make a wide range of items such as bracelets, necklaces, belts, and even shoes.
  • Paracord projects are specially designed to help you when you’re stuck in an emergency situation as we’ve seen before.
  • You don’t have to be an expert to make paracord projects. There are numerous video tutorials online which can help you learn how to properly tie paracord knots for different emergencies. Learning how to create paracord weaves and braids is an ideal way of enhancing hand-eye coordination and mastering skills that can come in handy in any field.

6. Easy to make paracord key fob

A fob, also referred to as a key fob is a compact security hardware gadget that comes with inbuilt authentication. It’s used to regulate and secure access to mobile gadgets, data, computer systems, and network services. The key fob showcases a randomly produced access code which changes rhythmically after every 30 or 60 seconds.

Users have to validate themselves on the key fob first using a personal identification number and a code displayed on your gadget. Let’s find out how to make a simple paracord key fob. Often, you can use it when stuck in a survival situation because it can give you 4 feet of cord when unraveled. That cord is capable of holding up to 45lb.

Materials you’ll need

  • Approximately 4 feet of Paracord
  • Ruler
  • Key ring
  • A pocket knife or scissors and
  • A lighter

How to go about it

  • Fold your paracord strand in half
  • Haul your folded paracord across the key ring
  • Carry base pieces up around your key ring and across the loop’s top
  • Tighten your strands

How to weave the fob

Assuming you’re using two colors in this project, use a square knot to tie or melt them together. Put one of your strands behind the other using lanyard knots on both sides. Make an S with the strand on your right hand. Take the strand on your left hand. Pass it beneath the bottom part of your S symbol that you created when starting. Pass it in the middle and up through your strand’s left side. Pull your strands tight before repeating the process.

Finishing

Continue weaving until you’re satisfied with total knots at the front side of your key ring. Make sure your last knot is tight before cutting off any excess cord. Melt down your edges to prevent unraveling.

Use your paracord key fob

Attach your finished paracord key fob to your keys. The advantage of this gadget is that it provides a safe way of carrying your keys. What’s more, you’ll have something to save your day in case you’re stuck in an emergency.

FAQ

How do you test the quality of your paracord?

There are various factors to consider when it comes to determining the quality of your cord as seen below.

String count

A good paracord will have between seven and nine strands on the outer layer. Avoid any that come with fewer strands as it will be of poor quality. The mil-spec 550 paracord often comes with strands made of three yarns which is a critical indicator of reliability and strength. Some cords come with two strands and while they can offer excellent strength, they’re not ideal for survivalists. If you notice that your cord has a single strand, you should never use it.

Bonding test

This is a great way of establishing the physical build of your strands. In this test, you’ll need to burn two ends of your cord to melt them so that you can bond them together. Melted paracord usually bonds robustly and you can use dowels to make the connection strong and smooth. Other substandard materials such as nylon and polyester will also bond using this method. However, polyester and nylon won’t bond strongly and this is how you can tell whether or not the material is authentic or not.

Strand color

If you’re purchasing some that claims to be of excellent quality, you can test it by looking at the strands. An authentic military category paracord usually comes with at least one colored strand. This is a sign that a certain manufacturer that produces military-grade paracord uses. If you cut through it and notice that all strands are of the same color, chances are that it isn’t authentic. You may want to keep searching until you find authentic paracord for your project.

Labeling

One easy method of determining the quality of your cord is to check for a specific number. For instance, authentic mil-spec 550 cord is referred to as C-5040H Type III. If it only says Type III chances are it’s not authentic, and won’t execute your desired tasks accordingly.

How do you store your paracord to prevent damage?

An authentic paracord won’t be damaged by mold, mildew, or rot. However, this shouldn’t mean that it won’t deteriorate with time. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, for instance, can damage your paracord extensively. This is why you should keep your cord away from direct sunlight. Preserve your cord in a dry and dark place. If you’ve been using your paracord for many years, inspect it from time to time for wear and tear

What can you use paracord lanyard for?

There are numerous things you can do with your cord. It’s worth mentioning, however, that you’ll need to practice to be able to make the most out of it. Some of the things you can create include key fobs, bracelets, and game hunting snares. As we’ve seen above, you can convert your paracord project into life saving tools. All you need is to unravel your item and get to action. If you want to be more adventurous you can even create beautiful Christmas tree decor and themed candy cane Christmas ornaments.

Are there paracord projects for pets?

There are various paracord projects you can try for your pets. One of the most popular options is a paracord dog collar. If you’re looking for the perfect accessory for your pet, you can’t go wrong with a dog collar. These accessories are not only strong, but they’re also durable. Other items like the dog collar include dog harnesses and dog leashes. You can also make items for your horse – such as a nose band, a horse rein, and a horse halter.

Finally

There are all sorts of paracord projects and designs you can work on depending on your needs. Whether you’re making a giant monkey, paracord dog, dog collars, self-defense weapons, bag, or beauty accessories, knowing how to go about it can come in handy to help save you from an emergency. It’s lightweight, portable, easy to use, reasonably priced, and you can use it whether you’re an expert or a beginner.

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