Discover the Best Paracord Bracelet Patterns With Instructions & Cordage Tips

Paracord is one of the most useful things you can keep in your survival kit. It’s incredibly versatile and robust while being lightweight and compact.

Paracord bracelets are convenient for keeping paracord with you wherever you go. The best paracord bracelet patterns provide a lot of cordage and look fantastic. Keep reading for more on the best paracord bracelet patterns with instructions.

What is Paracord?

When discussing paracord, we typically refer to Type III parachute cord or 550 cord. This cord has a tensile strength of 550 lbs which is why it’s known as 550 cord.

Paracord comprises seven inner strands of nylon rope with a nylon sheath protecting the inner strands. Due to the construction of paracord, it’s incredibly strong and versatile.

You can remove the inner strands and use them independently of the external nylon sheath. With one strand of paracord, you essentially have eight individual strands of cord you can use for many survival tasks.

How to Choose Paracord Bracelet Patterns

Choosing paracord bracelet patterns can be daunting. There are hundreds of possibilities. The patterns can vary by appearance, cordage amount, and size. Your wrist size can also impact which design may be best for you.

• Amount of Cordage: Some paracord bracelet patterns use more paracord than others. Choose patterns to prioritize this characteristic if you want the most cordage available.

• Wrist Size: You may want a smaller paracord weave if you have smaller wrists. Larger wrists tend to look better with thicker paracord bracelet patterns. Ultimately it’s up to you.

How to Choose the Right Paracord

The type and amount of paracord necessary for making DIY paracord bracelets will depend on your pattern.

Creating paracord bracelets involves an element of trial and error. Still, the guidelines below will help you get it right the first time. Most patterns need about 12 inches of cord per inch of the bracelet, but this amount can change based on the following factors:

• Cordage thickness

• Pattern chosen

• How tightly you weave your knots

• The type of knot you choose. Some use more paracord than others.

If you’re a beginner, start with more paracord to give yourself room for error.

What tools and supplies are needed to make a paracord bracelet pattern?

You don’t need much to start making paracord bracelets.

Here’s what you need:

• Paracord

Optional Supplies:

• Buckles

• FID tool (basically a large needle to aid weaving)

• Dowel rod (required for some paracord bracelet patterns)

• Weaving Jig

Measuring Your Wrist

The first step to making a paracord bracelet is to measure your wrist. One of the best ways to measure your wrist is by wrapping a piece of paracord around it. Mark the cord and measure it.

Factors to consider when measuring for your parachute cord bracelet:

• The finished paracord bracelet will be thicker than your measurement. 

• Make your bracelet slightly longer than your measurement to accommodate the increased thickness of the finished bracelet.

• If you are using a buckle, factor it into your finished measurement.

Paracord Bracelet Pattern Instructions

Cobra Weave

This is one of the most common paracord bracelet patterns. It’s also reasonably easy to make and offers many options to customize the look.

• It’s easy to make

• You can use more than one strand of paracord

• Convenient size with a decent amount of cordage

Quick Deploy Cobra Weave

Unraveling the standard cobra weave is cumbersome. Check out this pattern if you want something much faster and easier to unravel.

• Includes lots of stretch

• Looser weave than most

King Cobra Weave

These are two cobra bracelets, with one woven over the other. This bracelet pattern is about twice as thick as a standard cobra weave. It’s relatively easy to make and affords a lot of cordage.

Quick Deploy Millipede

This paracord bracelet pattern is quick and easy to deploy. It’s also easy to make.

• Thicker than the standard cobra

• Includes more paracord

Adjustable Paracord Bracelet

This pattern is based on the cobra stitch but includes an adjustable knot. When wearing the bracelet pattern, it looks like one continuous piece.

• More complex to make than the standard cobra

• The adjustable knot is hidden while wearing

Fishtail Paracord Bracelet

This is the classic fishtail design. It’s easy to make and looks excellent with two paracord colors.

• Decent amount of cordage

• Easy to make

• Looks cool

Katana Style Sword Wrap

This design is based on the wrap used on a Katana sword. It’s medium difficulty and includes a lot of cordage.

• Thick and rigid design

• It contains a lot of cordage

• Works well for straps and on tool handles

Cetus Trilobite Paracord Bracelet

This pattern is a good option if you want a lot of cordage. It also uses a knot and loop for closure instead of a buckle.

• Massive amount of cordage

• Wide but flat pattern

Aztec Sun Bar Paracord Bracelet

For something unique, check out this design. It’s not the easiest to make but looks fantastic with two colors.

• Unique design

• Easier to make with a jig

Truck Tire

A wide and interesting design. This bracelet uses a lot of cordage and is moderately challenging to make.

Corkscrew Paracord Bracelet

This is a complex design but yields a very distinctive look using two colors.

Bane’s Cuff

This massive bracelet pattern contains a ton of cordage.

2 Strand Loop

A version of the fishtail paracord bracelet. It doesn’t use much cord but has a unique look.

Cats Claw

A complex design that uses a lot of cordage. Called cats claw because it resembles a curled cat claw.

Shark Jaw

The shark jaw design is easy to make and looks nice with a contrasting color.

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