There are hundreds of cool paracord projects floating around, and we offer our favorite 550 paracord projects for you to get stuck into. There really is something for everyone in this article.
Whether you’re looking for lanyards or belts, survival bracelets or a keychain, we even have paracord dog collars, leashes and gun slings!
Uses for Paracord
Both Military and civilians alike have taken to paracord due to its strength and unlimited uses. For example, threading beads into a length of paracord to make a pacer or ranger bead is a great way of counting your paces and navigating in poor visibility.
Some more uses include replacing your watch strap with a paracord watch band, there are numerous paracord bracelet designs, including this one that includes a fire starter.
Then there are the less tactical, more fun project you can do, such as paracord dog toys, seat swings, and phone cases.
Next, we get down to the meaty end of paracord projects. Weapons.
These include monkey fists, kubotan’s, rock slings, and survival bows.
First up, let’s take a look at some of the various knot, weaves, and braids.
Below is a list of items you will need before you get started on your first project. This list is designed to help you prepare and plan beforehand…exactly what preppers do 🙂
- Paracord Jig – This is the first thing I suggest you start with, see video below for instructions.
- Scissors – make sure they’re nice and sharp, cloth scissors work great.
- Lighter – this is used to seal the ends of cut paracord to stop it from fraying
- Clips and Buckles – depending on your chosen paracord project, you will need something to hold the finished product together
- Cutting Mat – this is crucial if you want to avoid destroying your furniture or kitchen counter
- Stanley knife – any sharp blade of some sort will do
Making A Paracord Jig
Using a jig for your paracord projects is a really good idea. primarily it will save you a ton of time and if you’re anything like me when it comes to fiddly things I’m all fingers and thumbs.
This video shows you how to make your own paracord jig.
How To Fuse Paracord
Knowing how to fuse paracord ends together will save you a ton of time later on in your projects. This video shows you the best way to do it. Be sure to check out the Permalok Threading Needles further on.
Some Paracord Projects
SO lets kick off this Paracord Projects marathon with taking a look at some Knots, Weaves and Braids. Further on we look at:
Section 3 – Knots, Weaves & Braids
Section 4 – Pet Projects
Section 5 – Just For Fun
Section 6 – Survival Projects
Section 7 – Homelife Projects
Section 8 – Tools & Gear Projects
Section 9 – Weapon Projects
Section 10 – Clothing Projects
Section 11 – References
Paracord Knots, Weaves, and Braids
There are many different types of knots and weaves used in paracord projects, new designs are being revealed each week by those heavily involved in the hobby of making things using paracord.
The list below offers you some of the more commonly used knots, weaves, and braids:
(these are more for show than practical use!)
1) Centered Stitch Weave
I really like this stitch design as it’s different to every other survival bracelet you see out there. Now the red cord is obviously not paracord buy you could use a strong dyneema or thin kevlar paracord to give the same effect.
2) Dragons Tongue
This one certainly has teeth, in fact I would have named it “Dragon’s Teeth” weave if I had the choice! Using a mixture of 2 different color paracords can give some nice results.
3) Zipper Weave
Probably one of the neatest paracord bracelets you will see. This design is tightly woven with a clean fastener/buckle that doesn’t take away from the aesthetics. I would recommend you make a paracord jig to make this one.
It actually recommends that you soak your to allow it to shrink which makes measuring the correct length more accurate.
4) Nautical Bracelet
For all you water lovers out there, this design is super easy to make and again looks different to all the other survival bands you can buy.
Here’s a nice video and the instructable link above doesn’t do a great job of explaining exactly what is going on…plus he guts the paracord by removing the inner strands, rendering the cord useless in a survival situation!
5) Corkscrew Paracord Survival Bracelet
This braid also looks exactly as the name suggests. I different way of working with the paracord to achieve a different look and feel. Plus I would say this method would use less paracord.
Pet Projects
In 2012, 62% of American households has a pet. In the same year we spent over $50 billion on those pets! Since then those numbers have risen, so there’s a good chance you have a pet AND you understand how expensive they can be.
Making your own products, leashes, collars and toys can save you a ton of time. Plus they can stand up to the toughest of treatments!
Below we have a selection of cool paracord pet projects you can undertake and a couple of hours or less. They are practical and you will learn some great skills along the way.
6) Dog Slip Collar
In the closet I have a bag, it’s my GOOD Bag (Get Out Of Dodge) and I use it for middle of the night emergencies such as a house fire etc.
Hung on the outside is one of the paracord dog slip leashes. I prefer this type of leash to the regular clip leash for a number of reasons, the main one being its ease of use and speed to get on the dog.
When you’re in a hurry, you don’t want to be fumbling around with clips and collars.
7) Dog Toys
Dog’s love to bite and chew, they also love to play, no matter what age. What better way than to treat man’s best friend that to knock him up some paracord dog toys?
8) Dog Collar
For everyday use, my dog has a collar and clip on leash. However once we get away from main roads etc I take him off the lease and he’s free to roam.
Having one of these quick release collars allows me to take it off and on, without unclipping the leash. Plus its yet another emergency supply of 550 paracord when you need it. It could even double as a slip leash if needed by unraveling.
9) Dog Harness
Some dogs walk better on a harness, smaller dogs that can pull and damage their neck are suited to this style of harness. It would be a good idea to add some padding under the leg areas to avoid rubbing too much when they walk.
10) Halti Dog Collar
This is my favorite of all the pet projects. This Halti is similar to the one I used when training my Spaniel (who looks exactly like the one in the picture!) to walk on the lead to heel.
Just For Fun Projects
Who says paracord projects have to be all about survival and preparedness? What about the pratical side of these little DIY exercises?
The skills you can learn and the everyday items you can make when you simply have no other option is vital. Preventing boredness when SHTF will be a vital skill if you have kids (or you’re just a big kid yourself!)
Check out some of these projects for a mixture of household, cool, and downright practical items.
11) Paracord Grenade Keychain
They look cool and pack a nice amount of cordage for when you need it. Sure it won’t help you rappel down a rock face, but it can tie off a wound, replace broken boot laces or but used for lashing.
12) Paracord Wallet
I really like this one and it had never occurred to me that you could make a wallet from paracord. I like the use of the 2 colors which really makes the wallet stand out.
Of course, you could just use all black cord and make an uber tacticool looking wallet 🙂
13) Disposable Lighter Wrap
A little gimmicky but still has it’s uses. If you’ve ever handled a lighter with cold or wet hands, you know it can be tough. By wrapping it in paracord you add grip and increase the width so it’s no so fiddly anymore.
14) Keychain with Secret Compartment
This is a cool little project for your keychain and actually forms a part of my EDC (Every Day Carry) kit.
Rolled up tight, you can stick a couple of notes in there for emergencies and also slide a couple of fishing hooks and weights down the middle for if things really go South.
15) Laptop Harness
This is practical for todays office worker and student alike. This paracord laptop harness packs in a lot of cordage and is a good started project as you will learn a few of the skills and knots required for bigger projects.
16) Paracord Army Men
Another fun one and something cool to add to your desk are these amy figures made from…you guessed it, PARACORD!
17) Steering Wheel Wrap
I have my everyday vehicle which is fairly new and great, BUT I love my old truck. Its a beast of a machine and has never let me down. The trouble is it’s getting tatty around the edges, ok more than tatty.
This steering wheel wrap will do the job to hide that and add an element of grip back to the wheel.
18) Crochet Pen Holder
A practical household item which can sit on your desk out of the way unless needed. I would place this on in the “do this to prevent boredom in a SHTF event” category.
19) Paracord Headband
A great one if you are a woman or have girls yourself. You can use any colors you like and the simple strand through the middle makes it look less military and more feminine.
20) Phone Pocket
I am forever dropping my phone or leaving it on my lap and then standing up for it to fall to the floor. I’ve broken countless phones and now I have a nice sturdy case.
Adding a paracord phone pocket is another level. Heck, you could even add this to a Molle setup and have it on your check strap or shoulder straps.
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