How to Make a Paracord Watch Strap With a Shackle

Strong and durable, paracord can be woven into a decorative, practical watchband.

A stylish and unique twist on the paracord survival bracelet, the paracord watchband serves a dual purpose by combining an essential survival tool with the invaluable functions of a timepiece. Woven into an ornate cobra stitch pattern and fitted with a small shackle for easy closure, this watchband can be taken apart in an emergency so you can use the paracord to tie down gear, secure tents, or even rig a makeshift tow rope.

Things You'll Need

• U-shape shackle closure with locking pin
• 13 feet of paracord
• Watch face with removable pins
• Scissors
• Lighter
• Measuring tape

Instructions

1. Measure 13 feet of paracord using the measuring tape. Fold the cord in half to create a loop in the middle.

2. Remove the pin from the shackle closure and set it aside. Fold the loop over the bottom of the shackle and thread the ends of the cord through the loop, securing the shackle closure to it.

3. Drape the cord over your wrist. Using the shackle closure as your starting point, wrap the cord around your wrist. Mark the point where the closure meets the paracord and add 1 inch.

4. Hold the two lengths of cord together at the point you just measured. Fold the cord down into a loop just large enough to accommodate the locking pin from the shackle closure. Tie the cords into an overhand knot at the base of the loop to secure the loop in place. You should now have a loop at one end and the shackle closure at the other, with a length of cord long enough to fit your wrist between them. The two remaining lengths of cord should now dangle from the knot at the base of the loop, one on each side of the middle strands.

5. Begin with the left strand. Fold it over the middle strands, forming a loop on the left side. Allow the end of the strand to pass under the right strand.

6. Pass the right strand under the middle strands and through the loop on the left. Pull the two strings tight. Repeat the process with the left strand; continue alternating between right and left to form a cobra stitch pattern.

7. Move down the length of the watchband, stopping a quarter of the way down. Remove the bar pins from the watch face. Lay the lengths of cord flat so they run parallel with the middle strands. Place the watch band on top of the four strands. Turn the watch band over and secure the pins of the watch face over the four strands of paracord, holding the watch face in place.

8. Continue to tie the cobra stitch as before with the strands protruding from the base of the watch face. Stop tying the knots when you reach the base of the shackle closure. Snip the ends of the strands with scissors.

9. Singe the ends of the paracord using a lighter to melt the nylon coating. Use your thumb or the butt of the lighter to push the melted coating against the watchband, cementing the ends of the paracord to the watchband to prevent the ends from coming unraveled.

10. Drape the watch band over your wrist. Push the loops into the middle of the shackle and thread the pin through the loops to secure the band.

References

• “Adventures in Paracord: Simple and Practical Projects Using Paracord”; Nicholas Tomihama; 2011