How to Make a Survival Bracelet: Parachute Cord?

Did you know that a bracelet can save your life? You can make a survival bracelet that can be used in an emergency situation. The survivor bracelet is made out of parachute cord (also paracord or 550 cord), originally used for parachutes during World War II. Paracord is a light weight nylon rope. The inner strands of the cord can be removed to be used as sewing threads, fishing line, trip wire or laces. In an emergency such as a water rescue or controlling bleeding with a tourniquet, the survival bracelet can be a lifesaver.

This versatile cord is now being used for general purposes by both the military and civilians.

Making a survival bracelet requires obtaining necessary supplies, making a specific weaving apparatus and performing several steps. The first thing you will need to do is to obtain the needed supplies. You will need a small priority box from the post office, two twisty ties, one x-acto knife, two buckles and scotch tape.

For your bracelet, you will need to get scissors, buckles, a lighter and parachute cord or paracord, in which can be found at any craft store such as AC Moore or Army Navy store. You will need to decide which colors your survival bracelet will be. There are many different colors you can select from.

You are now ready to make your weaving apparatus. Lay the small box on the floor, with the x-acto knife puncture two holes on each of the small tabs on each side of the box.

Then grab the twisty ties and slide them through the holes forming a U and pulling the end through tightly. Next assemble the box tighter, remove the adhesive strip and close the top of the box and do not tuck in the flaps. Now press the sides of the buckle to detach. Then thread the twisty ties both sides of the tab. Now pull down the ends of the twisty ties, reinforcing the side of the box with the scotch tape.

Then write UP with an arrow pointing to the female buckle at the top. You are now ready to begin the steps to make your bracelet. Measure and cut about a six feet piece of the cord. Match up the ends and insert the apex of the loop from the tops of the right side of the buckle and down through the opening. Then continue to do the next side of the buckle. Then attach the end of the buckle to the correct end of the buckles. Use the weave apparatus to help you do the weaving. Take your left cord and thread it under the bracelet cords.

Then take the right cord and thread it under the left cord, then take the right cord continue threading it over the bracelet cords. Continue the right cord through the loop you created with the left cord. Pull tight and create the knot. Then you are simply going to repeat the step but doing it on the right cord. Continue the weaving process until you reach the bottom. Once you are done, trim the ends of the cord to approximately ? inch. Then press the ends to open up the cord and expose the inner strands and remove as much of the white strands as possible from the outer shell of the cord. Use the lighter to burn the ends.

Keep in mind that the end will melt quickly and turn it over. Press the melted ends against the side to seal the ends. The Survival bracelets are often seen being worn by Troops serving overseas or hikers in the woods. There are different designs you can make once you master how to make the survival bracelet with the one color. You can make it with the two colors and without the apparatus. You can enjoy making these survival bracelets and now you have a fun accessory to show off to your friends. In an emergency you might help a person or even save a life with a cord you made into a bracelet that is wrapped around your wrist.