PARACORD 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Paracord Bracelets and Projects by Todd Mikkelsen Read Free Book Online Page A

Scissors
    Scissors will be used to cut paracord and thread.

    10. Ruler, Yard Stick, or Measuring Tape
    A ruler can be used to measure a paracord project.

     
    11. Garment Measuring Tape
    A garment measuring tape should be used to measure a wrist,
ankle, neck, etc.

    12. Buckles of Various Sizes
    A typical paracord bracelet usually has a 3/8” or 5/8”
buckle; stainless steel adjustable shackle is optional.

     
    13. Plastic Containers
    Plastic containers will keep tools organized.

    14. Work Space
    A work space will be needed to make paracord bracelets and
to keep supplies within reach.

     
    15. Notebook and pen
    If you are going to make more than one bracelet and want to
learn how to make them over and over, use a notebook and pen, or spreadsheet,
to record how much paracord was used, type of buckle, knot, length of the
bracelet, and excess paracord. Keeping track of data will help conserve
paracord. Keep surplus scraps of paracord for future projects.

     

Chapter 2 – Paracord Prep and the Cobra Weave
Bracelet
 

    How much paracord will I need to use to make a bracelet?
This is a touchy subject for most paracordists.
    It depends on many factors: wrist size, buckle size, loose
fit, tight fit, paracord width, etc. Some people like a loose fitting bracelet
and others like a tight fitting bracelet. Some people like a small bracelet
with only two strands of paracord in the core and some like to have four
strands in the core… The list can go on and on. You will have to find what
works for you and record this information for future use.
    The most basic and well known paracord bracelet uses the
knot known as the Cobra Weave. Why is it called a Cobra Weave? Each loop looks
like a snake’s fang.
     
    This project is designed for a 7 and 1/8 inch wrist. The
paracord jig will need to be adjusted to roughly 2 inches longer than the size
of my wrist for a comfortable fit. Adjust the paracord jig to 9 and 1/8 inches.
12 feet of paracord was cut to make this bracelet. The bracelet will have a
four cord core and 5/8 inch buckle.

    Prep the cord to make it easier to use when threading the
buckles. After cutting the cord, make sure that there are no white strands sticking
out.  Trim the excess or make a new cut.

     

    The next step is to melt the new end and smash it with the
flat portion of the pliers’ claw. Why do this? This will allow the paracord to
be threaded through the buckle with ease.

     

    Thread the buckle with the two flat ends of the paracord
leaving a loop at the top of the buckle.

     

    Next, thread the cord through the loop and tighten it.

     

    The loop should now be at the bottom of the buckle and will
be next to your wrist when wearing the bracelet. The loop will also be used to
secure the ends of the cord once the project is finished.
    Thread the cord through each buckle until there are four
strands of cord in the core of the buckle.

     

     

     
    The first knot is critical to ensure a nice look for the
bracelet. Start the Cobra Knot by making a loop with the left loose cord. The
loose cord on the right is placed over the looped cord.

    Take the cord on the right and loop it under the core, pull
through the loop on the left, and tighten. The tighter the knot is the better
the symmetry of all of the knots. If the knots are loose, the less symmetry for
the bracelet.

     

    Make a loop with the right loose cord. The loose cord on the
left is placed over the looped cord.

     
    Take the cord on the left and loop it under the core, pull
through the loop on the right, and tighten.

     
    Repeat these steps until the end of the paracord bracelet.

     
    The last few steps are to ensure the quality, durability,
and comfort of the bracelet. Unbuckle the bracelet from the jig. Take forceps
or needle nose pliers and pull each end of paracord through the loop.  A
fid can also be used for this process. Simply cut the ends and attach the fid.

     

     
    Try on the bracelet before this cut is made! Estimate 3/4 of
an