Learn how to make a paracord necklace! These DIY necklaces are so cool looking and are really simple to make. Use one knot, perfect for beginners, and make a custom accessory for yourself!
These survival necklaces are lightweight and strong, perfect for emergency use in camping, fishing, or hiking. It’s such a fun outdoor craft, perfect for summer camp and Scouts.
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How to Make a Paracord Necklace
Materials:
- 14 feet Paracord (2 colours; 7 feet of each)
- Bracelet buckle
Equipment:
Check Out The Video Tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Connect the paracord to the buckle
- Cut two 7 foot lengths of paracord from two different colours. Hold a BBQ lighter over the cut ends of both cords for about 3 seconds.(If your paracord is already pre-melted at the end, simply cut the ends off before doing this.)
- Quickly and carefully push the melted cord ends together until they cool off.This should fuse them together to create one 14 foot long piece of paracord.
- Push the loose ends of the cord through one side of the bracelet buckle.
- Pull the buckle over the cord until it's near the fused loop. Then bring the loose cords through the loop and pull the cords tight. This secures the cords onto the buckle.
Step 3: Make a zipper sinnet pattern
- To start the zipper sinnet pattern for this paracord necklace, hold the buckle at the bottom.Bring the right cord (grey for us) up in a loop.
- Wrap the left cord (navy for us) around the right loop, starting from the front.
- Then make a loop with the left (navy) cord.
- Bring the left (navy) loop through the right (grey) loop.
- Pull down on the right (grey) loose cord to tighten the right loop.
- Now take that same cord (right, grey) and make another loop.
- Bring this right loop through the left loop.
- Now pull down on the left (navy) cord to tighten that loop.
Step 4: Repeat the pattern
- The rest of the necklace is made in the exact same way.You'll always make a loop with the cord you just pulled to tighten. Then bring that loop through the loop of the opposite colour and repeat the pattern.
- Continue repeating these steps until the necklace is the right length. To check the necklace length, hold it around your neck to see where it will sit. We recommend a length of at least 20 inches for men's necks.
Step 5: Finish off the necklace
- To finish off the necklace bring the last loop you made through the other side of the buckle.
- Pull the other colour of cord through the loop.
- Pull down on the cord belonging to the loop. Then pull on the other cord to tighten and adjust the knot on the buckle.
- Cut one cord about 1/4 inch away from the knot.
- Hold a BBQ lighter over the cut end for about 3 seconds to melt the end of the cut paracord.
- Press the lighter against the melted cord to stop the end from unraveling.
- Repeat, cutting and melting the second cord.
- Your paracord necklace is complete!
Helpful Tips:
1. For the best looking paracord necklace, make sure you tighten each knot. After you pull the cord down around the loop, be sure to pull the other loop up and tight.
2. Be careful when melting the paracord. Melted nylon is very hot and should be handled with care. Don’t touch the melted ends until they’ve cooled down!
How much paracord do I need for a necklace?
We used about 14 feet of paracord to make a 20 inch necklace. The zipper sinnet uses less paracord than some other patterns, such as the cobra weave.
As a general rule, assume you need 1 foot of paracord per inch of necklace, bracelet, etc. This will ensure that you have enough paracord to make your project without needing to fuse on more.
Why do people wear paracord necklaces?
Paracord is popular with survivalists and outdoor enthusiasts. A paracord necklace is a great way to hold paracord for emergency use in camping, hiking, or fishing.
Paracord accessories are designed to be easy to pull apart. You can simply unravel the knots and use the paracord to replace a broken shoelace, tie a shelter, or even use the inner strands for fishing line.
Our paracord necklace design is great for men and women who love the outdoors.
Is paracord waterproof? How can I wash my paracord necklace?
Yes, paracord is waterproof. Paracord will shrink the first time it gets wet, but otherwise feel free to wear your paracord accessories when you’re swimming or in the shower.
You can wash your paracord necklace while you’re in the shower, or you can hand wash it with mild dish soap or baking soda. You can even put it in a mesh laundry bag and put it in the washing machine.
Avoid putting your paracord necklace in the dryer, since nylon melts at high temperatures. Hang your paracord necklace to air dry out of direct sunlight.
A paracord necklace is a great way to hold paracord and it’s very durable. Use two contrasting or complimentary colours, or even make a single coloured necklace. Paracord necklaces also make great homemade gifts for guys!
Here’s even more paracord craft ideas:
How to Make a Paracord Bracelet
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon |  Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound |  Amazon Canada
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