PARACORD 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Paracord Bracelets and Projects

PARACORD 101

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
TO PARACORD BRACELETS AND PROJECTS

BY TODD MIKKELSEN

Copyright © 2012 by Todd Mikkelsen. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without prior written permission of Todd Mikkelsen, except by a
reviewer, who may quote short passages in a review where suitable credit is
given.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – What Do You Need?

Chapter 2 – Paracord Prep and the
Cobra Weave Bracelet

Chapter 3 – Two Color Splicing

Chapter 4 – Two Color Piranha Weave
Bracelet

Chapter 5 – The Millipede Weave
Bracelet

Chapter 6 – King Cobra Weave Key Fob
and Diamond Knot

Chapter 7 – Neck Lanyard with King
Cobra Weave and Diamond Knot

Chapter 8 – Paracord Necklace with a
3 cord Braid

Life has its ways of shutting doors and opening new ones for
you. I was a science teacher for 14 years. I taught everything from computers,
math, and science. I earned a BA in Earth Science Education and a Masters in
Education with a Physics emphasis. I used project based activities such as
water bottle rockets and mouse trap cars to help students understand basic
scientific concepts. The door to the world of education closed. Another door
opened for me when I tried to teach my two daughters how to make paracord
bracelets in the summer of 2011. Neither one showed much interest in making
bracelets at the time but they still wore them. My oldest daughter wore the
paracord bracelets to middle school and several of her friends wanted one.
Those friends told their friends where they got the bracelets. So, demand
turned into a business.

Please, visit my shop, blog, and videos:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Tcords

http://paracord101.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzNmsPNlNnVH7wCr9gs6PLA

All of the information here can be easily found on the internet.
However, I have always found it nice to have a hard copy of basic information.
Why? The internet may go down and you will not have access to information to
refer to. You may be sitting on your couch making bracelets and you can’t
remember the next step. This is when it is nice to have a book sitting next to
you on a tablet or in paperback.

If this is a hobby or a business and you want to make
paracord bracelets, key fobs, and lanyards time and time again, you will need
several tools that will assist you. These tools will reduce the time it takes
to make them and help relieve the anxiety or frustration when working on a
project. Most of the items listed in this chapter can be found on popular
internet market places.

Keep in mind that these are the tools that I prefer to use.
Other paracordists may have differing opinions. You will need the following
items:

1. 550 Paracord

The standard for most paracord bracelets and accessories is
550, 7 strand core, paracord.

2. Paracord Jig

A paracord jig is used to help stabilize paracord so it is
easier to work with and help minimize frustration. However, making the
bracelets by freehand can be rewarding too. One can also substitute taping the
buckles to a piece of wood or table. A clipboard can also help make a bracelet.

3. Fid

A fid is used to thread paracord through several loops of
paracord.

4. Threading Needles

Threading needles will be needed for mending two cords
together.

5. Thread or Fishing Line

 Thread should be the same color as the cord. The
transparent property of fishing line is useful to keep stitches hidden.

6. Lighter

A lighter is used to singe or melt the ends of the paracord.

7. Needle Nosed Pliers

Pliers can be used to help take apart a project due to an
error or redo. The flat, non-textured, part of the pliers will be used to
flatten the melted cord.