How to make a Paracord Bracelet to Wear in the Wild

If you get paracord for emergencies, you might consider actually making a paracord bracelet. The original function was for quick access to this strong cord when needed, not for jewelry.

The military‑style (aka “Mad Max”) bracelet is tough, functional, and deploys quickly:

Take 1 length of paracord, around 8–10 ft (adjust for wrist size). You will also need to have a lighter handy, as well as scissors or a knife and it would be helpful to have tweezers or pliers, too

Find the center by folding the cord in half. Wrap the midpoint around your wrist to mark the ideal loop length.

Begin weaving by laying the center loop as your "core." With the working ends, tie wraps around that core loop — right strand over core, left strand over right, then under core and through the loop.

Alternate sides, pulling each knot tight. Continue until it comfortably fits around your wrist, leaving a short loop at the end that matches your beginning loop. 

Create the closure: Thread final working strands through the ending loop(s) opposite their sides. Push ends back through core loops to lock everything in place. 

Secure with knot: Finish with a sturdy diamond knot to lock the ends by putting the bracelet on back of your hands with the two loose ends coming between your fingers onto the palm of your hands. Create a loop with the lower strand and put it behind the cord.

Then take the upper cord and bring it around under the lower one, and tuck down into the loop. THen bring it under the rest of the strand and over the other end of the loop. Pull and adjust until you have a figure 8.

Next bring the lower cord up and around the upper strand. Then, push it under the knot and pull it up through the middle. Do the exact same thing with the upper strand by taking it around and the lower one, and pull it through the middle of the knot.

Do exactly the same with the upper strand. Take it under and around the lower strand and pull it up through the middle of the knot. Pull it tight. 

Pull on the two ends and you should have your knot.

Trim & seal: Cut any extra cord ~⅛″ from knot. Melt ends with  the lighter to prevent fraying.