17 Awesome DIY Paracord Bracelet Patterns With Instructions

As a survivalist, one of the things you need to know is paracord bracelet patterns. Knowing how to make your own means, you’ll be able to carry cordage wherever you go.

Aside from the hardcore life-or-death uses for paracord, it also has everyday benefits, like replacing a broken shoelace.

Recommended Paracord:

Choosing Paracord Bracelet Patterns

I’ve listed some of my favorite paracord bracelet patterns below (with instructions) and videos on how to make them (I didn’t bother making my own videos when there are already so many good ones out there!).

Just because I like these paracord patterns doesn’t mean you will. When choosing a bracelet pattern, keep these things in mind:

• Wrist Size: If you have small wrists, stick to the thinner, lighter paracord patterns.
• Amount of Cordage: Some paracord weaves hold a lot more cordage. If you find yourself using cordage often, choose one with more cordage.
• Style: Who says that survivalists can’t also be stylish? 😉
• Buckle Size: You’ll need a wider weave if you have wide buckles. Small buckles = narrower weaves. When using a loop as a closure, I prefer narrower weaves.

*There are several buckles available to buy on Amazon. Here are a couple well-reviewed ones:

• Side Release Buckles by Paracord Planet
• Titan Bow Shackles by Titan

Amount of Paracord Per Inch

Generally, use 12 inches of cord per inch of bracelet. However, the amount of paracord per inch will vary a lot depending on factors like:

• The pattern being used
• The size of the cordage (if you want a thinner bracelet, consider using smaller cordage – even if it isn’t as strong)
• How tightly you make your knots
• How much paracord you’ll need to make your final knots (beginners will prefer having extra length to make those knots!)

While I don’t like wasting paracord (there’s not much you can do with those leftover strands of paracord), I prefer to err on the side of caution. It’s better to start with more paracord than you need than end up without enough.

Measuring Your Wrist

Before making your bracelet, wrap a piece of paracord around your wrist. Mark the size and then measure it.

Remember, it will be thick. This thickness takes up some of the circumference of the bracelet, so you’ll need to make the bracelet length a tiny bit longer than your actual wrist size.

If you make it too big, you can try soaking it in water. When it dries, it should shrink a bit.

*** Don’t forget to calculate the buckle into your measurements!!! So, if your wrist size is 8″ and you use a 1″ buckle, your paracord bracelet length should only be 7″.

Instructions

Cobra

This is the most popular pattern and probably what you’ll see sold in stores.

• Can be made with two different strands or one
• Can be made with a buckle or lanyard knot
• Not too thick but holds a good amount of paracord per bracelet
• Easy to make

Amount of Paracord Per Inch (L= Length of Bracelet in Inches)

• Color 1: 5” x L + L
• Color 2: 5” x L + L
• If using one strand, then: 9″ x L + 2L
• Don’t forget to subtract the buckle from the length!

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Quick Deploy Cobra

The whole point of wearing a paracord bracelet is to have it there in an emergency. But what good will it be in an emergency if you spend 5+ minutes unraveling the bracelet??? A quick-deploy pattern solves this problem.

• Fairly loose weave
• Lots of give/stretch
• Can also use a slipknot to tie it off instead of burning the cord

Amount of Paracord Per Inch:

• Uses about the same amount of paracord per inch as the traditional Cobra knot

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King Cobra

The King Cobra is another of the most popular patterns. It is also easy to make since it is just the Cobra braided over itself. However, it differs because it is the widest and holds a lot of cordage.

• About 1 3/8″ wide (compared to ¾” for standard cobra weave)
• About 5/8″ thick (compared to 3/8″ for standard cobra weave)
• You’ll need a wider buckle for this bracelet pattern

Amount of Paracord Per Inch:

• For Original Cobra: 9” x L + L
• For King Cobra (added on top of existing cobra bracelet): 12″ x L + L
• The amount varies drastically depending on how tightly you weave the King Cobra!

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Quick Deploy Millipede

Here is another one for quick deployment. This one is better if you want more cordage and a sturdier weave in your bracelet.

• Thicker bracelet
• Holds more paracord
• Not as much give/stretch as other patterns
• Fairly easy
• Looks awesome with two colors

Amount of Paracord Per Inch:

• About 18” x L + L

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Quick Deploy Trilobite

You might have seen the regular version of the trilobite paracord bracelet pattern (also called the ladder pattern). This one is harder to make (and harder than the quick deploy fishtail pattern), but it has some benefits, like holding more cordage.

• If you use a buckle, it will NOT be quick to deploy! Must be on a shackle or with a loop
• Very wide bracelet
• Need a dowel to make this pattern
• Uses more paracord
• Good for wider wrists or paracord dog collars

Amount of Paracord Per Inch:

• About 19” x L + 1/2” (for beginning loop) + 8” (extra cordage)
• Some people use as little as 1 foot per inch; it depends on how tightly you weave it!

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Caterpillar’s Feet

This paracord bracelet pattern isn’t found as often, so it is great if you want something unique. It also has the benefit of being less bulky than the Cobra. Note that the video tells you to use two 6″ strands of 450 paracord. However, in my own experience (and others), I’ve found different per-inch measurements and have listed them below.

• Difficult weave
• Really cool looking weave
• Good for bracelets, dog leads, and keychains

Amount of Paracord Per Inch:

• Primary Color: 5” x L + L
• Secondary Color: 8″ x L + loop (about 3 inches if using a buckle)

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Oak Spike Sinnet

Here’s another unique paracord bracelet pattern. It looks a lot more complex than it is. The weave uses the Endless Falls tying technique. Tie it tighter if you want more cordage and something stronger. Tie it looser if you prefer something lighter on your wrist.

• Lightweight bracelet pattern
• Use contrasting colors
• Doesn’t hold a lot of cordage

Amount of Paracord Per Inch:

• Primary Color: 25” x L + loop (3 inches)
• Secondary Color: 3″ x L

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Truck Tire

Here’s a pattern that will make you look like a total bad@**. It gets its name because it looks like a truck tire.

• Contains lots of cordage
• Probably too bulky for small wrists
• Great for dog collars and straps
• Not as much give/stretch as other patterns
• Medium difficulty

Amount of Paracord Per Inch:

• Primary Color: 8” x L + L
• Secondary Color: 4” x L + L

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Katana Wrap

This newer design was inspired by a character in the Walking Dead. It looks cool but is pretty easy to make. You make a fishtail paracord bracelet and then wrap a contrasting color around it to make the katana-style sword wrap.

• Contains tons of cordage
• Is thick, so you might not find it comfortable to wear
• Great for straps/handles
• Not as much give/stretch as other paracord bracelet patterns
• Medium difficulty

Amount of Paracord Per Inch:

• Primary Color: 2″ x L
• Secondary Color: 14″ x L

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Cats Claw

Looks like curled cat’s claws due to the two-color pattern. It uses pretty complex weaving, so it holds a good bit of cordage for its size.

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Cross Knot

Straightforward design that uses a series of cross knots. It doesn’t use a lot of cord and has that stylish, minimalistic look.

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Corkscrew

A pretty complex design that uses two different colors of cord that have been fused. The finished product is a round shape rather than flat, which gives it a distinctive look.

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Serpent river bar

Totally unique look to this bracelet as it has a wavy edge and is reversible, giving two looks for the price of one. It’s a tough weave, though, so watch the tutorial carefully.

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2 Strand Loop

This is a variation on the fishtail; it gives the illusion of being two separate bracelets while using very little cord—a nice simple looking design for staying under the radar.

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Paralix

Similar to the crooked river bar, this intricate design resembles the DNA helix. Requires two different colors of paracord and strong weaving skills!

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Bane’s Cuff

This is a six-strand beast of a bracelet. It holds tons of cord and comes in extra wide for that rugged look.

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Shark jaw bone

Also known as the piranha, this paracord bracelet is very popular because it is easy to tie. Pretty much a must-have for any enthusiast.

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If you are new to paracord, read this guide on types of paracord. You’ll also love these other paracord projects.

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