Cord Bracelet DIY

These knotted cord bracelets are easy to make and sturdy to wear, perfect for any outdoor expedition. Thanks to David for sharing his tutorial!

Supplies

Materials

• Paracord (or equivalent 0.3-cm/1/8-inch diameter cord)
  NB: Use a ratio of 1:12 for figuring out the length of cord needed. Use 12 cm (or 1 ft) of cord for every 1 cm (or 1 inch) of knotted bracelet length. A 24-cm (or 9-inch) bracelet would need 288 cm (or 9 ft) of cord.
• Side release buckle

Tools

• Tape measure or ruler
• Scissors
• Lighter (optional)
• Butter knife (optional)

Instructions

Framework

• Fold cord in half and push loop end through one end of the buckle.

• Pull cord ends through the loop so that it tightens around the buckle.

• Separate the buckle parts and slide the unattached end until ends are 2.5 cm (1 inch) farther apart than desired bracelet length.
  NB: Measure from the tip of the female end of the buckle to the base of the prongs on the male end.

Knot and Body

NB: Start at the unattached end and work toward the knotted end.

• Slide the left cord under the 2 center strands, leaving a gap on the left side.

• Slide the right cord under the cord you just pulled to the right, over the 2 center strands, and through the loop on the left.

• Pull the right and left cords to tighten the knot against the buckle.
  

• Slide the right cord under the 2 center strands, leaving a gap on the right side.

• Slide the left cord under the cord you just pulled to the left, over the 2 center strands, and through the loop of the right cord.
  
  
• Pull the right and left cords to tighten the knot.

• Repeat this process for the length of the bracelet.
  NB: Remember to alternate sides so that the bracelet doesn't twist.

• Weave ends back in to the last few knots and trim to finish.

Variations

• Instead of weaving in the ends, melt them.
  
  • Trim any excess cord after last knot.
  • Melt end of one cut cord with lighter.
  • Allow to cool slightly, then press melted end into surrounding cord with butter knife for a smooth finish.
  • Repeat with other cut end.

• Loop the paracord through each buckle piece twice to fill extra room if your buckle is larger than 1.25 cm (1/2 inch).

• Add another layer of knots on top of the first.
  NB: You will need twice as much cord for this second layer.

• Use glow-in-the-dark cord.

Source: "Stormdrane's Blog"

:laura: