Para..Para..Paracord!

Sorry, got that Coldplay song in my head as I was making these cool paracord bracelets. They are so easy to make and I was thinking I could add stuff to them for different occasions.

First, let me tell you a little about paracord bracelets. The strong and useful parachute cord is made into a bracelet so that you can have this useful cord with you in case of an emergency. The history of its uses comes from the military and everyday civilians have adopted this smart idea. Generally, each inch of the bracelet equals to about a foot of cord. There are many uses for this cord like making a tourniquet, docking a boat and of course, tying things together for a makeshift shelter. In other words, you might be able to use it in an emergency. All a person has to do is unravel their bracelet and they have this useful cord.

Here's how to make one. You'll need  about 8-10 feet of cord and the little buckle. I suggest taping the ends of the cord to keep it from unraveling and also it makes it easier to go through openings.Ben Franklin Crafts carries these supplies. First, measure your wrist and add an inch. That will be your bracelet length.

 Fold the length of cord in half to find the center, then attach by looping it around one side of the buckle.

 Undo the buckle and turn them around with the wrong side facing up.Slip the ends of the cord onto the other side of the buckle. Have the cords coming out from the right side to the back side.

Leave the bracelet length you determined earlier in between the ends of the buckles.

 Now, you will begin the knotting process. First, take the left cord and place it under the two middle cords and on top of the right end cord.

 Bring the right cord around and through to knot.

 Tighten the knot.



 Now, take the right cord and place it under the two middle cords and on top of the left end cord.

 Bring the left cord around and through to knot.

Tighten the knot.

 Repeat these steps until you reach the end of the bracelet. To finish off the bracelet, trim the ends.

Then, you can either burn the ends of the cord and as it melts, attach it to the braided cord. Or you can slip the ends under and weave it through to hide. I prefer slipping the cords under, to secure. Besides, then you'll be able to undo the knotting when you need the cord!

 What I'm thinking is that you can use these bracelets for graduation by tying on two accordion folded $10 dollar bills.  Slipped on a graduate's wrist, it will stand out and not get lost in the pile of lei! Later, if they use the money, they can still have a bracelet to wear.

 Or you can add on beads as you tie the knots. If you use sport design beads, you can use this for the end-of the-season gifts for the team!You may need to string the beads on with a thinner cording to attach.

It's always fun to make something and then turn it into your own project by adding stuff on!

Thanks for stopping by today and hope you're having a great week!