Every backpacker, camper, and general outdoorsman knows how useful paracord can be. Rather than just having a spool of paracord on you at all times, you can fashion it into all kinds of accessories that keep it readily available no matter where you happen to be. From lighter holders and blade handles to bracelets and dog collars, countless items can easily be made from these multi-use cords. Let’s take a look at three of the easiest paracord accessories that anyone can make.
Paracord Bracelet
A cord bracelet with a side release buckle is terrific paracord accessory. All it takes is 10 feet of cord, scissors, a tape measure, lighter, and a side release buckle. After the materials are gathered, take a simple wrist measurement and pull the center of the cord through the end of the buckle and pull the ends of the cord trough the loop until it tightens to the buckle. Then, place the cord on the left underneath the center strands and place the right cord underneath the left cord, overtop the center strands, and through the left cord loop. Finally, tighten the cords so the knot is next to the buckle and repeat the process with the left cord and continue the knotting process. Lastly, trim any excess cord and use the lighter to melt the ends.
Paracord Wrist Lanyard
Another great paracord accessory is a wrist lanyard in a snake knot. For materials, all that is needed is 4.5 feet of cord, scissors, tape measure, lighter, needle nose pliers, and a clip attachment. Start by bringing the center of the cord through the attachment. Next, make the snake knots by bringing the lanyard under each of the cords and use the needle nose pliers to pull the cord through each previously tightened knot. Pull the lanyard over after each knot is made and go under, around, and through the previous knot, tightening at the end. Continue this until 10 snake knots have been made. At this point, the only thing left to do is trim the cord and melt off any excess so it doesn’t fray.
Paracord Belt
Finally, a favorite paracord accessory is the woven belt, which not only looks good, but is easy to make as well. Of course, a lot of cordage and a belt buckle will be needed. A good rule of thumb is to triple the waist measurement to get an idea of how much cord will be needed. Six long cords of equal length will need to be cut. To weave, just loop the first strand around the second and put it through the loop made by the two strands and pull tight. Simply rinse and repeat the process with all of the strands until the end result is a fantastic belt.
Top image via GA-Kayaker
