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

inch from the loop and cut.

    Melt and smash the ends of the paracord. If the melted
paracord is not smashed, it will leave a rounded edge; a rounded edge is
difficult to thread through a buckle. While wearing the bracelet, the rounded
edge will itch and be uncomfortable. Some popular paracord bracelet
manufacturers skip the “smash” step to save time, and money, and leaving you with
a $30 itchy paracord bracelet. A smashed edge is comfortable and does not itch
if done properly.

     

     

    The main purpose for securing the two end strands through
the loop is to ensure durability, stability, and quality. Several makers of
paracord bracelets will singe the ends along the edge of the Cobra Weave. It is
this paracordist’s opinion that singeing paracord along the edge will damage
the paracord. Damaged paracord will be of no use in an emergency situation.
“Keep it secure, keep it safe,” states this paracordist.
     

Chapter 3 – Two Color Splicing
 

    There are several ways to splice paracord together. The
method that is chosen will determine the quality of the bracelet that is
produced. 
     
    Part 1 – Melt and Smash
    The melt and smash method is the easiest way to splice or
combine two different colors of paracord together.  The drawback to this
method is that it usually looks sloppy and will produce inconsistencies in the
weave. The advantage to this method is that it will only take a minute to do.

    ***
     
    Part 2 – Overlay and Stitch
    The overlay and stitch method is the second easiest way to
merge two colors. First, melt and smash both ends of paracord. Second, trim the
excess melt.

     
    Third, lay two ends of paracord over each other and stitch
the paracord together.

     

    ***
     
    Part 3 – Sleeve and Stitch
    The sleeve and stitch method is the most difficult. However,
it will also appear the best if done right with lots of practice and patience.
After cutting the paracord, pull roughly one inch of the seven-strand core out
or the core and trim.

     

    Next, pull the excess shell toward the open end to retract
the seven-strand core into the shell.

     

    After that, singe one of the open ends, insert the forceps
and open them to expand the paracord shell.

     

     
    Next, the other paracord is cut at an angle, singed, smashed
and trimmed to a point.

     

     
    The paracord with a point is inserted into the paracord with
the opening. Use the forceps to assist in pushing more paracord into the
chamber.

     

    Lastly, stitch the paracord to aid the structural integrity
of the paracord. The paracord is stitched multiple times to ensure that the two
strands are secure and can be used during an emergency. Once the two strands
together are sewn, give a good tug on both sides of the stitch to make sure it
is secure.
     

     

Chapter 4 – Two Color Piranha Weave Bracelet
 

    This tutorial is going to demonstrate the Piranha Weave. It
is assumed that prep paracord and two color paracord splice from the previous
chapters are mastered.
    This bracelet will be made for a 7 and 1/8 inch wrist. Two
different colors of paracord strands of equal length have been spliced. 12 feet
of paracord will be used to make this bracelet: six feet for each color. A 3/8
inch plastic buckle will be used.
     
    The paracord jig is adjusted to 8 and 1/4 inches. With a two
cord core and 3/8 inch buckle, 1 and 1/8 inches need to be added for a
comfortable fit.

    Insert both ends of the paracord to create a loop at the
top. Next, take the two ends and pull them through the loop and tighten. The
loop should now be at the bottom and will be used later.

     

     

    The cord on the left is pulled between the two cord core and
lies underneath the cord on the right. The paracord on the right is pulled
between the two cord core and through the loop on the left and tightened.
    Start with the left cord, or orange camouflage. It will be
the base or the bottom color and will weave back and forth when making this
bracelet. The right cord, or charcoal