Cut two 6 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 creates a 12 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.Pull the loose cords through the loop and pull the cords tight. This secures the cords onto the buckle.
Pull the loose cord ends through the other side of the buckle.
Unbuckle the buckle and place the side of the buckle with the loose cord (the female end for us) at the top.Measure the length of the collar you need, from bottom to top. You can either base the measurement on your dog's existing collar, or measure their neck size and add 1 inch.Be sure to include one side of the buckle in your measurement.
Once you've pulled the top of the buckle to make the center cords a proper length, tape the top buckle to your working surface.Then arrange the loose cords so they're on either side of the middle stationary cords. These will be your working cords.
Step 3: Make fishtail knots
This collar is made with fishtail knots.To start this knot, place the right loose cord (green, for us) under the stationary green cord.
Pull this cord through and over the two left (blue, for us) cords. Push it up to the top, close to the buckle.
Now take the original left loose cord (blue) and bring it under the left (blue) stationary cord.
Pull the blue cord through and over to the right, overtop of the stationary green cord.
Now bring the loose blue cord back over to the left, bringing it under the right stationary cord (green) and over the left (blue).
Take the loose green cord (still on the top left), and bring it under both blue cords and over the stationary green.As you're working, be sure to push the knots up towards the buckle.
Bring the loose green back under the right stationary cord (green) and over the left (blue).
Continue this same pattern all the way down the collar, alternating colours until you reach the buckle.For the last knot you'll only do half the pattern, so you end up with one loose cord on either side.
Step 4: Finish off the paracord collar
Flip the collar over and cut one of the loose cords, about 1/2 inch away from the knot.
Melt the end of the loose cord by holding the BBQ lighter over the cord for about 3 seconds.
Use the side of the lighter to push the cord end in towards the center of the collar.
Cut the other loose cord and use the lighter to fuse and melt the two cord ends together. (Keep your fingers a safe distance from the hot melted ends).
Slide the d-ring onto the collar with the flat end towards the inside of the collar.