| How to Make a Paracord Combat Bracelet Dec 16th 2012, 22:00 Within some Miltary units, it's a tradition to make what is known as a "combat bracelet" using paracord from a soldier's trouser ties and a button from their uniform. Each soldier makes one for the next so each one has a bracelet made by someone else. These are then worn on the mission by each soldier and only taken off when the whole unit returns. In this tutorial you will learn how to make these combat bracelets. - Obtain about 3m (10 feet) of paracord. This can be approximately measured using your two arms stretched out wide (the distance between your hands is now about 1.5m, so you need to pass it between your hands twice). You could also use a measuring tape or anything else to get it to about 3m.
- Find the middle of the paracord and fold it in half.
- Wrap the looped end around your wrist to get the circumference of your wrist.
- Tie off the long end with some string or something, it doesn't really matter what, because it will be removed later.
- If the cord or string will fit around a button or other item that you will use as a clasp, you can add it to the cord directly now. Place it at the top end, where the tie is.
- You now have a loop with 2 longer lengths coming off. These 2 long lengths are what we'll be using to weave the bracelet. They are numbered 1 and 2, and colored red and blue.
- Begin weaving. Pass 1 under the loop, then over 2.
- Pass 2 over the loop and then between 1 and the loop. This leaves 2 on the side 1 was, and vise versa. Remember this.
- Tighten by pulling on the loose ends.
- Repeat this step, using the same 1 as before, but this time it's going right to left instead of left to right. This makes the bracelet straight and even.
- Repeat the second part of the knot from the other side, too. Go over the original loop and through the opposite strand.
- Keep using 1, passing it under the loop then over 2, then 2 between 1 and loop until your about 3cm from the end of the loop, then cut off the excess 1 & 2 cord. This is where the lighter comes in useful, you need to melt the cut ends of 1 and 2 so it fuses with the weave and stops it all coming undone. You may now also undo the string or thread you used to tie the loop in the first place.
- This should give you a snake-like piece of woven paracord with a smallish loop at one end (the head). At the opposite end, (the tail) you need to sew on your button. Place your button according to how tight you want the bracelet.
- Put it a short distance from the tail if the bracelet is too loose.
- Use a bigger button than the one shown here for cord this size.
- Remove the temporary tie that you added in step 4. You can cut it if you need to.
- Wear the bracelet by putting the button though the loop.
- It will help to anchor one or both ends. You can use carabiners, tape, safety pins, or anything else you have on hand.
- If you've switched 1 and 2 around during the weave (or, equivalently, started one of the knots from the same side as the preceding one) the bracelet will be twisted. If it looks twisted, undo the weave back to that point and start over. It will help to keep an eye on it as you go, so you do not go too far past an error. You should be able to tell within one or two knots past the problem if something is wrong.
- Try weaving in dog tags, beads, or charms.
- If you don't have paracord, or you want something a little smaller, just about any sort of rope or string will do. This is cotton crochet thread, size 10, and a small button. If you do use something besides paracord, you could call it something besides a combat bracelet.
- Bracelets and other items (such as belts) made of paracord in this fashion are often used by people who believe they may need a length of string or strong cord in an emergency situation.
- The length of string needed will differ by the diameter of the cord or rope used; a 44in belt will take about 55ft of 300lb rope
- Make sure not to mess up it is very hard to untie.
Edit Warnings - Possessing one of these bracelets doesn't give you military training or aid in combat in any way.
- Paracord could be a choking hazard.
- If you melt the ends of the paracord, be careful it can burn you.
Edit Things You'll Need - 3m or so of 550lb paracord
- Scissors or sharp knife
- Candle, matches or a lighter
- Button (fairly large, according to thickness of cord)
- String or thread to tie the top loop.
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