How to Make Paracord Bracelets, Straps and Keychains
Paracord is a lightweight rope, deriving its name from its use by American military force's parachutes in World War II. Since then, its use has expanded to many useful tasks. You can make a strong bracelet, strap or keychain from paracord using the same design technique, however differing in length. You must weave and knot the paracord in a certain way to ensure the design stays together.
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Instructions
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1
Cut 24 inches of a paracord strand (if you are making a strap, you might want it a lot longer). Fold it in half so it has an equal length on both sides of the fold. Wrap the doubled cord around the end of your finger once to make a loop. Pass the loose ends of the cord through the loop. Pull the created overhand knot tight.
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2
Fasten two clips to the paracord rope. Attach one of the clips to a stationary object and the other to a hanger to pull the rope tight.
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3
Cut two more 4-foot lengths of paracord rope (possibly longer for a strap). Create a loop at the end of one rope. Pass the end of the other length of rope through the loop and around the neck. Feed the end back into the loop. Pull the strand tight to create a square knot.
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Put the knot against the side of the center strand and run the rest of the strands under the looped center strand. Pass the left-hand strand over the top of the center strand, keeping a small loop in the first strand held in your fingers. Feed the second strand over the top of the first, down below the center strand, and up into the loop in the first strand. Do this again with the strand on the opposite side. Repeat the process until the main body of the your creation is long enough.
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5
Disengage the two clips. Cut off the square knot securing the two side strands together. Melt the loose ends of the strand with a lighter and smooth them flat, spreading the surface area. Do the same for the side strands at the opposite end of the bracelet.
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Cut away any excess strands from the overhand knot at the end of the bracelet. Melt the ends and smooth them to secure them in place. If you are making a strap, leave one strand loose. Create a loop in the strand and pass the loose end through the loop around the neck, and back into the loop. Pull the knot tight to create a bowline knot with a loop.
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Attach a single key ring to the loop in the end of the design, if making a keychain. Attach another key ring to the loop at the other end of the design, if you are making a strap.
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Tips & Warnings
Take care when smoothing the burned ends, as you may burn yourself.
