How to Braid Paracord to Make It Shorter
Hikers and campers know it is wise to carry extra rope for emergencies. They also know that making a pack as light and compact as possible is a necessity. Braiding paracord into a hatband, bracelet or belt can provide that extra rope without taking up space in the pack. There are several ways to braid paracord. One is called the cobra knot. This is also known as a Solomon bar or sennet knot.
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Things You'll Need
- 5/8-inch side-release buckle
- Paracord 550, about 12 inches for every inch of hatband size
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Scissors
- Lighter
Instructions
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1
Measure around your wrist, if making a bracelet, or around the crown of your hat for a hatband.
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2
Measure and cut a length of paracord 12 inches long for each inch of finished braid desired.
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3
Separate the two pieces of the buckle. Fold the paracord in half and pass the fold through the loop on one half of the buckle. Pass both ends of the cord through loop formed by the fold. Pull the slack out, making a snug knot against the buckle.
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4
Pass the ends of the cord through the loop on the other half of the buckle. Measure the cord and mark the length desired for wrist or hatband. Push the buckle down to the mark.
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5
Lay the work so the ends of the cord are coming up through the buckle, and pass the left cord under the two center cords and over the right cord. Pass the right cord over the two center cords and through the loop formed by the left cord. Pull the knot snug but not so tight the cord is deformed.
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Pass the right cord under the two center cords and over the left cord. Bring the left cord over the two center cords and through the loop formed by the right cord. Pull the cord taut.
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Repeat, alternating with left and right starts until you reach the other end of the buckle.
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8
Make the last knot loose. Weave the ends of the cord back down through the knot and pull the cords snug.
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Cut the cords close to the braid and melt the ends with the lighter. Press the blade of the scissors against the cord while it is still hot to seal it to the braid.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure you alternate sides as you braid. Starting on the same side for each knot will make the braid twist.
Be careful when melting the ends of the cords. Melting paracord can cause severe burns.
