
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.
FAQ
What does wearing a paracord bracelet mean?
Wearing a paracord bracelet doesn’t necessarily mean anything. Some survivalists, preppers, and backpackers wear them for emergency cordage. Other people just like the way they look.
How much cord is needed for a paracord bracelet?
It depends on how long it is. Many designs need about 12 inches of cord per inch of bracelet but this can vary dramatically.
What is the strongest paracord weave?
The strongest paracord weave is the King Cobra.
Do people still wear paracord bracelets?
Yes
What is the history of the paracord bracelet?
No one knows for sure but paracord has been in use since WW2. People. have probably been weaving it into things since then.
Is paracord OK to get wet?
Yes, paracord is fine to get wet. The paracord may shrink a tiny bit when it dries.
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