DIY Paracord Survival Bracelet

What You'll Need

01

Measure and cut

Measure your wrist circumference. You need roughly 1 foot of paracord per inch of bracelet length. For a 7.5-inch wrist, use about 10 feet. Cut the cord and melt both ends with a lighter to prevent fraying.
02

Attach the buckle

Find the midpoint of your cord. Loop the midpoint through one end of the buckle. Pull the two tails through the loop (lark's head knot). Thread both tails through the other buckle half. Adjust so the distance between buckle halves equals your wrist size minus 1 inch.
03

Tie the cobra knot pattern

Take the left cord over the center strands and under the right cord. Take the right cord under the center strands and through the loop on the left. Pull tight. Now alternate: right cord over center, left cord under center and through. Repeat.
04

Continue down the bracelet

Keep alternating left-over and right-over cobra knots. Pull each knot snug and push it up against the previous one. The knots should be tight and uniform. Continue until you reach the other buckle half.
05

Finish and secure

Cut excess cord leaving 1/4 inch tails. Melt the ends carefully with a lighter and press flat against the bracelet body with the side of the lighter while the nylon is still hot. This fuses the ends in place permanently.

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Real 550 paracord has 7 inner strands that can be pulled out individually for fishing line, sewing, or other fine cordage needs.
Weave a ferro rod striker or small compass into the bracelet for added survival utility.
Make one for each wrist and your ankles for 40 feet of emergency cordage always on your body.
Practice unraveling quickly. In an emergency, speed matters. You should be able to strip a bracelet in under 30 seconds.