How to Tie a Parachute Cord

Parachute cord is commonly referred to as para cord or 550. Featuring a core of typically white strands of line surrounded by a woven sheath or covering, parachute cord was first invented and used as guidelines for attaching a parachute to a pack. Through the years this tough, durable and versatile cord has been adapted to meet a variety of needs, especially in outdoor activities and for survival. Lengths of para cord are often wrapped around objects such as knife handles as a method of carrying and tied off with a knot for security.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp scissors

Instructions

1. Complete any wrapping you are doing with the cord around a handle or other object. You will need to have two free or working ends of the cord to tie it off. This can be achieved by laying one end along the length of the object and then wrapping it and the object with the opposite end of the cord.

2. Tie the para cord wrapping off with a square knot. Begin forming the knot by tying a simple overhand knot. Pull the knot snug but not completely tight at this point.

3. Tie a second overhand knot. Form the knot so that the free or working ends exit the second knot the same way they entered the first knot. As you pull the knot down tight you should see a square formed in the center of the two overhand knots.

4. Adjust the knots as needed to snug the knot against the cord wraps and pull the knot tight. Cut excess cord from the knot with a sharp pair of scissors.

References

• M4040: Wrap a Knife Handle with Parachute Cord
• Animated Knots by Grog: The Square Knot