Make your very own DIY paracord bracelets from scratch. This is an easy DIY project for kids and teens to make that is super enjoyable yet easy.

I bet that we all went through a phase when growing up where we would spend hours making bracelets. I, for one, was always on the lookout for different materials and patterns to make my own DIY bracelets.

While thread, shoelaces, or Scooby wires were my go-to medium, paracord was also a popular option. Paracord bracelets are very durable and surprisingly easy to make.

In fact, this paracord bracelet pattern closely resembles square knots made in macrame products. So this project can be a great segue from macrame for beginners to practice and hone their skills.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s a list of all the supplies you’ll need to get started on these paracord bracelets:

Paracord
Scissors
Lighter
Ruler
Buckle

How to Make a Paracord Bracelet

You’ll find that you have plenty of colors to choose from and also that paracord is pretty inexpensive, as well. Let’s take a look at how to begin working on this bracelet.

Step 1

The first step is to grab your paracord and a ruler to help you figure out how long your cord needs to be. The length will differ according to the size of your wrist.

This project calls for a cord that is 85 inches long or approximately 7 feet. This has been sized to fit a wrist of width 6 inches. So, grab a pair of scissors and cut off the desired length.

Step 2

You’ll notice that the ends of the cords might be frayed. You can use a lighter or a match to burn or melt the ends. This will prevent the threads from fraying or unravelling.

You will need to flatten the melted ends—careful though; it’s bound to be hot.

Step 3

Next, fold the cord in half, so you have a loop at one side and insert the other side—the one with the two ends of the cord—through the clip.

Pull the two ends through till the looped end is a couple of inches through the clip, as you see below.

Now, grab the two ends and pull them through the loop to create what is effectively a lark’s head knot. This will secure the cord to the clip.

Just tug at the two ends to tighten the knot.

Step 4

Grab the other part of the clip—the one with the insert mechanism for the buckle. You’re going to pull the two cords through the insert clip.

To understand just where to secure the ends to the insert clip, you can loop the cords around your wrist and click the buckle and insert clips shut, adjust the ends of the cords accordingly to gauge the width.

Once you know the length of cord required, carefully, without altering that length, place your project down on your work surface. It’s time to start working on your design.

Step 5

Grab the insert clip and hold the cords in place with your thumb while you work your way through.

You will be making a series of square knots all the way down to the other end. To make the first part of your square knot, grab the left cord and hold it over the two cords in the middle to create a loop.

Next, pull the right cord over the left, then under both the cord in the middle.

Then, pull the cord through the loop you made.

Tug at the end to tighten the first part of your square knot.

Step 6

Next, grab the right cord and pull it over the middle cords to create a loop.

Take the cord on the left and pull it over the right cord, then under the middle cords. Tug at the ends to tighten the know

This is how your first square knot should look like. Tug at both ends to secure the knot in place before you proceed.

Step 7

Make a series of square knots and work your way down the cords connecting both ends of the clip.

When you make the very last square knot right above the buckle clip, it’s time to stop!

Simply clip off the extra bits of cord, leaving just a little bit. Don’t worry; you’ll have a smooth finish, I promise.

Step 8

Grab your lighter once more and melt the two ends like you did earlier. Don’t melt it all the way down, just the tips. You want to be super careful not to burn the actual bracelet, just the ends.

Then, carefully press the still-hot ends of the cords into the sides of the bracelet and towards the back. You just have to flatten the ends and smoothen them into the back of the cord.

That’s pretty much it; your paracord bracelets are all done. Feel free to experiment with size, colors, and even patterns to make plenty more bracelets.

Who Can Make This DIY Bracelet?

This bracelet is pretty easy to make, and most kids above the age of ten can easily work their way through the pattern. However, as this project involves the use of a lighter to burn and melt the ends, it would definitely be prudent to have an adult supervise the kids when they’re making the bracelets.

Other DIY Projects You Might Like

Yield: multiple paracord bracelets

How to Make a Paracord Bracelet

Want to make an easy DIY accessory? Learn how to make a paracord bracelet on a budget!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 25 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $3

Materials

Paracord
Buckle

Tools

Scissors
Lighter
Ruler

Instructions

Gather all the supplies listed out to get started on your DIY paracord bracelet.
Measure the width of your wrist to calculate the length of cord you will need. This project calls for a cord of 85 inches or 7 ft to make a bracelet for a wrist that measures 6 inches.
Grab a pair of scissors and cut the cords. You will need to mult the ends to avoid unravelling and fraying. Fold the cord in half so that you have a loop on one side and two end cords on the other.
Pull the looped end through the buckle clip and secure it with a lark’s head knot.
Then, pull the two end cords through the insert clip. Loop the buckle and insert clips around your wrist to measure the length of cord you need. You can adjust the width by tightening and loosening the two end cords.
Carefully place the project on your work surface, making sure not to disrupt the cords.
Next, you’ll be making a series of square knots down the length of your cord.
To make the first half of your square knot: grab the left cord and pull it over the middle cords to form a loop. Next, pull the right cord over the left, then under the middle cords, and through the loop. Tug the ends to make the knot.
For the second half of your square knot, grab the right cord and pull it over the two middle cors to form a loop. Now, grab the cord on the left and pull it over the right cord, under the middle cords, and through the loop. Tug the ends to secure the first square knot in place.
Continue to make square knots all the way down the length of the two middle cords. When you make the last square knot right about the insert clip, cut the extra bits of cord off.
Now, grab a lighter and melt the ends of the chords before flattening them into the sides of the bracelet and towards the back. Be careful, it’s bound to be hot.
Your DIY paracord bracelets are all done!