How to Make Paracord Bracelets
Have you ever thought to yourself “how can I possibly combine my preferred style of rugged manliness with my obsessive need to be overprepared for any eventuality?” Of course, you have, and that’s why you’re here. You want to learn how to make paracord bracelets!
Paracord bracelets are the best fashion innovation for men since the fanny pack went the way of the dinosaurs. They are completely customizable, can be made cheaply at home, and are useful in sticky situations. They’re the Swiss Army Knife of accessories.
Why Wear a Paracord Bracelet?
The unofficial name of paracord is “550” because it has a minimum breaking strength of 550 lbs., which is a ridiculous amount of strength for something so small. And considering you’ll usually use between 8-10 feet of paracord for one bracelet, you can carry around a decent amount unobtrusively and stylishly.
There are an almost infinite amount of uses for paracord, from helping create shelter, carrying bundles of wood, to acting as an emergency tourniquet. It is for these reasons and more that we recommend 550 cord in our ultimate bug out bag checklist.
You evangelize about your pocket knife, your watch, your pen and notebook, your trusty multitool. Don’t you think it’s time to add some paracord to your daily carry?
Paracord survival bracelet Supply List
As stated above, paracord bracelets are relatively cheap to make. You dropped over three hundred bucks for that nifty Microtech you’re too nervous to ever carry; why not invest a fraction of that into something you’ll make with your own hands and carry on a daily basis?
Paracord for survival bracelets
First, obviously, you’ll need paracord. Lucky for you, paracord isn’t expensive.
TOUGH-GRID: To make the best, you’ll want to start with one of the highest-rated paracords available. Almost five thousand reviewers have given this a solid 4.9 stars.
The price ranges from less than ten dollars to almost one hundred thirty dollars depending on the length of the paracord you order, from fifty feet to one thousand feet.
This paracord also has a minimum breaking strength of 750 lbs., a full 200 lbs. more than military specifications. It’s available in a wide variety of colors to make sure you make your paracord bracelet your own unique design.
It’ll be hard to find paracord stronger and less pricey than this.
paracord bracelet closures
Next, you’ll want to get some sort of closure or connector. Honestly, there isn’t one stand-out type or brand. There are a lot of different types, materials, and styles. Here, we’ve listed two basic types to get you started.
Titan Stainless Steel Shackles: For a more rugged look and feel, you can’t go wrong with some full metal shackles. They’re designed to fit most designs and configurations of paracord bracelets. 
The screw-and-slide design allows the wearer to adjust the tightness to their own preference. The clasps themselves are super-handy and extremely reliable, able to hold up to 1,650 lbs. And they aren’t very expensive; twenty-five bucks will get you a pack of five.
Aootech Plastic Buckles: Want something simpler, cheaper, more basic? Then look no further than this set of 20 classic buckles.
There’s not much to say, honestly. They’re buckles, they’re rated highly, and they’re inexpensive, making them the perfect starter closures for your first foray into the art of making paracord bracelets.
Ten bucks for a pack of twenty is a small price to pay to start a hobby. A hell of a lot cheaper than the knives you collect.
Other supplies you’ll need are a sharp knife or pair of scissors. Not going to link anything here, because honestly, if you don’t already have at least one of these in arm’s reach, you’re in the wrong place. Also a ruler and a lighter. Or a tape measure and a hot plate.
Seriously, these other things are basic to almost every household. This is one of the cheapest hobbies to break into, and if you find yourself enjoying it, you can always make an Etsy page and try to sell your nifty little creations.
recommended tools
Now, you’re basically ready to get started, but let us clue you into a few tools that can make your life a lot easier during this journey you’re on. These are not necessary, but seriously consider picking these up if you want to avoid a lot of cursing and rage.
Jig Pro Shop Paracord Needles: Specifically designed for use with 550 paracord, these needles can help you make more intricate designs by facilitating the weaving and knotting.
You can “screw” these onto the paracord to act as a sewing needle, making it easier to tuck the paracord into tightly-wound areas. If you’re a masochist who loves starting with the hardest designs, then definitely grab these. Ten bucks for two is a steal, and a small price to pay for your sanity.
SpeedyJig Pro: Now, you don’t need a jig to make a decent paracord bracelet, but it damn sure helps. This tool includes measurement marking to make it easier to measure as you’re making the bracelet, and holds the project in place while you’re working. 
It can be easily adjusted to allow for shorter or longer bracelets and it has rubber feet to prevent it from sliding. And, to top it all off, it’s a complete starter kit: it comes with three hanks of paracord and four buckles, allowing you to get started immediately. And at around twenty-five bucks, that’s a hell of a bargain.
Paracord Outdoor Gear Projects by Joel Hooks: If a guy named Joel Hooks doesn’t know about paracord bracelets, I don’t know who does. This guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to make a variety of paracord projects. 
And it doesn’t come with annoying introductions, pleas to like and subscribe, or obnoxious music. Speaking from experience, once you go down the paracord rabbit hole, you’ll definitely want to make more and more, so this book is a great buy to prepare for that.
How to make a paracord bracelet
You’ve learned why paracord bracelets are awesome, you’ve filled your Amazon cart with all of the essentials, and you’re ready to sit down and…what? How exactly do you make a paracord bracelet?
Well, as stated earlier, there are a lot of different designs you can choose from. Once you have your supplies, go YouTube diving to find the design that you like best, load it up, and get to work. Below are some of our favorite design how-to videos.
The Basic Paracord Bracelet
You can’t go wrong with the tried-and-true basic design. This is the easiest and quickest paracord bracelet design by far, but it’s also the most popular. So try this one out for practice; just don’t get surprised when you see six other people wearing the same design at your biweekly prepper support group.
the fishtail paracord bracelet
The Fishtail design look amazing, all sleek and smooth like a fish’s scales. It’s a lot less “tacti-cool” than other designs, so for those of you who work in an office or just dislike the military look, this design is for you.
The Jagged Ladder paracord bracelet
Dumb name, cool design. But honestly, how often can that be said in this community? This design is unique because it keeps the different colors completely separate instead of mixing them together. The design end up standing out and looks amazing.
The Shark Jawbone Paracord Bracelet
How they got the name from the design is a mystery right up there with why mullets are still a thing. It honestly looks more like the shark’s fin, but that’s really just opinion. What matters is that this design rocks and will definitely stand out. Be a shark amongst fish.
The truck tire paracord bracelet
Are you the kind of person who wishes you could marry your Jeep? Does the thought of getting stuck in the middle of a muddy feel give you that tingly feeling that other, more normal people get in a strip club? Then this is the paracord bracelet design for you! In all seriousness, this thing is big, bold, and looks cool as hell.
chained endless falls paracord bracelet
For such a simple look, this is a devious little minx to make, offering a substantial challenge but a rewarding payoff. With the classic look that evokes the heavy chains of industry, this is perfect for you blue-collar types that embrace your industrious nature.
The Thin _____ Line Paracord Bracelet
For you civil servants, the under-sung heroes who keep us safe and are there for us when we’re at our lowest and darkest, this is the design for you.
Whether you’re a public servant, are related to one, or just want to show your support, this design is simple, elegant, and functional. The video shows a blue “line”, but that cord color could easily be swapped to customize the look for other groups.
The Traitor Knot Paracord Bracelet
Finally, this is one of our favorite designs, and not just because of the badass name. It just screams intricacy, and it is one of the best-looking designs available. Which is of course our opinion, which should be ranked right up there with “gospel”, “absolute truth”, and “the final word.”
conclusion
So, you’re one of us now, a full-fledged member of the paracord cult. Welcome, brother or sister. Wear your handmade badge of office with pride, knowing that you’re fully prepared for anything that comes your way and that you look damn good while doing it.
What are some of your favorite designs for paracord bracelets? Let us know in the comments below!
