06 June 2011
Paracord Bracelets
Have you seen those "survival" bracelets made of paracord? Maybe I should call them something other than bracelets...something more manly, haha. Survival wristbands? No? Ok, well anyway, we bought one as a present for my dad a while back and he really liked it. I've been thinking about getting one for Hubs, but they're a little pricey (ok, not really, but I just didn't feel like shelling out 20-30 bucks for one). Then I saw a bunch of paracord at the PX on base and I thought I'd try making one.
Turns out they're really easy to make! I found a tutorial online that's pretty good (here's the link, it will open a pdf document: www.raems.com/550_cord_bracelet.pdf). I had to read through some of the steps a few times before I understood, but after you get the hang of it it's really quick.
If you decide to make them you'll want to have about 10 feet of cord, sharp scissors, some kind of button or clasp (I used an extra ABU button on one and a shackle from Home Depot on the other), and a lighter.
I used probably closer to 8 or 9 feet per bracelet, but you'll probably want to start with 10 feet just in case. If you mess up (or measure completely wrong the first time like me) it's quick to undo and redo as long as you haven't already cut the ends off and burned them. Definitely want to try it on before you cut and burn.
Sorry I don't have info on where you can buy the paracord unless you happen to have access to a military base. I do know that you can get the plastic clasps on Etsy though. We found the shackle on the isle with all of the screws, nuts, and bolts at Home Depot.
Here's a closeup of the burned end. On the first bracelet I tied a knot in each side then burned it because I was afraid it wouldn't stay, but on the second I just trimmed it as close as I could and burned it right after I cut it. It seems to be staying well. You want the end to get a little melty so it will stick to what's around it.
50 feet of the cord was less than $5 and the shackle was only a couple bucks, so you can definitely save by making it yourself!
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My husband is obsessed with making these. He made a keychain this way.
ReplyDeleteTHAT is cool! Nice work :)
ReplyDeleteThat is one of my favorite knots. Super cool.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell us how to make it please?????
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get the rope/cord? :)
ReplyDeleteThere's a link in the post that will open up a tutorial with pictures that I found online.
ReplyDeleteI should've given a little more explanation on where I bought the cord. I got mine at the PX, which is like a department store/Walmart/military clothing store on the base my husband works at. I'm guessing most people won't have access to that, so you can also find paracord on Etsy or Amazon (just search for paracord and you'll get lots of results).
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ReplyDeleteMy husband would love this! He is ex-military and I think that (if I can get him over the whole "bracelet thing") he would use them on hikes, etc, and if he ever needed cording, he could undo the knots! Very cool.
ReplyDeleteI just friended you!
My blog is http://withoutcomplexitites.blogspot.com
Have a great weekend!
This looks so cool! I'm amazed it took so much rope. I like the one with the button best, but I bet that men may prefer the 'hardware'.
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! I LOVE the shackle clasp - what a cool finish to this bracelet.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I love it...especially the one with the shackle clasp.
ReplyDeleteliZ
(simplesimonandco)
My 8 yr old is really into survival things, he would love one of these. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteThere are pretty cool! I wonder if I could get Kevin to wear one....
ReplyDeleteMy husband wants one of these....maybe I'll make him one. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDeleteLove it so much I featured it today at my Hookin Up with HoH Party!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Allison
The first gift I ever got from my hubby (back before we were even seriously dating) was a para-cord bracelet he made at AT. Although I don't know how to make them, I just might have to learn now.
ReplyDeleteVery nice! My fiance makes a ton of them, we aren't on a military base but we do have quite a few army surplus stores around here and they all sell paracord very cheap. You can also buy it online. We started using clasps on some of ours which we bought online cheap also. We have something paracord on everything around here LOL We even made the cat a collar.. which she never wears but it does look awesome on her when i do put it on!
ReplyDeleteAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I found your blog from your recent table runner post and was just looking around. Oh my goodness, I have never heard of this stuff until my husband saw someone with one and then decided to make some. He found some information on You Tube about it. I didnt even know others were doing it! Yours are awesome! I love the button!! Such an awesome idea!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I make these in all sorts of colors. We use the shackle and we also use clasps (not buttons)for a secure braclet.
ReplyDeleteHow did you attach the shackle clasp?
ReplyDeleteyou can get a lot of the paracord, buckles and other things to put on them at army-navy surplus stores and craft stores now even walmart sometimes
DeleteWhat size shackle did you use?
ReplyDeleteI really like these bracelets.
ReplyDeletelisa
How are you attaching the button, since the button holes are too for the paracord to fit through?
ReplyDelete* since the button holes are too small
Delete