Paracord Bracelets

Have you seen those "survival" bracelets made of paracord? Maybe I should call them something other than bracelets...something more manly, haha. Survival wristbands? No? Ok, well anyway, we bought one as a present for my dad a while back and he really liked it. I've been thinking about getting one for Hubs, but they're a little pricey (ok, not really, but I just didn't feel like shelling out 20-30 bucks for one). Then I saw a bunch of paracord at the PX on base and I thought I'd try making one.

Turns out they're really easy to make! I found a tutorial online that's pretty good (here's the link, it will open a pdf document: www.raems.com/550_cord_bracelet.pdf). I had to read through some of the steps a few times before I understood, but after you get the hang of it it's really quick.

If you decide to make them you'll want to have about 10 feet of cord, sharp scissors, some kind of button or clasp (I used an extra ABU button on one and a shackle from Home Depot on the other), and a lighter.

I used probably closer to 8 or 9 feet per bracelet, but you'll probably want to start with 10 feet just in case. If you mess up (or measure completely wrong the first time like me) it's quick to undo and redo as long as you haven't already cut the ends off and burned them. Definitely want to try it on before you cut and burn.

Sorry I don't have info on where you can buy the paracord unless you happen to have access to a military base. I do know that you can get the plastic clasps on Etsy though. We found the shackle on the isle with all of the screws, nuts, and bolts at Home Depot.

Here's a closeup of the burned end. On the first bracelet I tied a knot in each side then burned it because I was afraid it wouldn't stay, but on the second I just trimmed it as close as I could and burned it right after I cut it. It seems to be staying well. You want the end to get a little melty so it will stick to what's around it.

50 feet of the cord was less than $5 and the shackle was only a couple bucks, so you can definitely save by making it yourself!