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? :)
ReplyDeleteParacordgalaxy.com or paracordplanet.com...just type in "paracord for sale" in your browser...will give you several sites
DeleteThere'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).
Cute! Come and join our link party: http://fabricbowsandmore.blogspot.com/
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!
easy way to get him over the braclet thing is to let him know it is survival gear. they are originally made so that you will always have 550 cord with you. there are about a million uses for that stuff.... you can make keychains, belts, hat bands, the survial bands (bracelets), dog leashes and collars... and the list goes on and on. :)
DeleteThere are a couple of patterns that military personnel use that are "easy deploy". The cobra weave can be a bit time consuming to unravel if the need were ever to arise...but is a classic pattern with a masculine touch. Just search "paracord bracelet patterns"...you can find all sorts of designs!
DeleteThis 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
DeleteYup i have the same question hows you attach the button with Paracord
DeleteMost walmarts carry I happen to work at one, thwy have plain black in hardware and thwn different colors in the craft section
ReplyDeleteI have the same question..
ReplyDeleteAbout how you attached the button.*
DeleteWhat a beautiful site!
ReplyDeleteI have been working with paracord for quite a while and have tried different paracord projects. The ones that really shine I feature regularly at my blog,paracord-projects.net. I mostly use buckles to complete my bracelet. That or the ball and loop technique using the lanyard knot.
I have so far not used a button before. How do you make it hold to the paracord?
Mark
Menards carry the paracord and other types that look like it. check the rating load to be sure. several craft stores have it as well and most sport stores. ALWAYS look at the load rating on the package for we have found many that say paraTYPE cord but the quality is low and will not do the job when under stress. Keep in mind that ten foot of cord isnt much and its uses will be limited. Ask yourself will you be able to get the cord back to the bracelet form when you are wet and cold or have an injured hand. To survive always plan for the worst conditions. No one can plan for every possible situation. Thinking that things that fit in a small tin are all you need to survive is a big mistake. The proper equipment is the minimum to help you survive. Your best thing one can have is knowledge and the ability to put it into use. Knowledge weighs nothing and has the most value.
ReplyDeleteGrampa
Yes, I do realise it's 2018, lol... But I HAD to leave a quick comment to say how flippin cool these are. I NEED to find a shackle (why does that sound wrong?) Off to hardware shop & digging out the paracord! Tyfs & leaving it to be available still!
ReplyDelete