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:
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:
*There are several buckles available to buy on Amazon. Here are a couple well-reviewed ones:
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:
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.
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″.
This is the most popular pattern and probably what you’ll see sold in stores.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch (L= Length of Bracelet in Inches)
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.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch:
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.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch:
Here is another one for quick deployment. This one is better if you want more cordage and a sturdier weave in your bracelet.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch:
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.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch:
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.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch:
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.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch:
Here’s a pattern that will make you look like a total bad@**. It gets its name because it looks like a truck tire.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch:
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.
Amount of Paracord Per Inch:
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.
Straightforward design that uses a series of cross knots. It doesn’t use a lot of cord and has that stylish, minimalistic look.
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.
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.
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.
Similar to the crooked river bar, this intricate design resembles the DNA helix. Requires two different colors of paracord and strong weaving skills!
This is a six-strand beast of a bracelet. It holds tons of cord and comes in extra wide for that rugged look.
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.
If you are new to paracord, read this guide on types of paracord. You’ll also love these other paracord projects.
Recommended Paracord:
Your Vital Information, Organized and Ready!
Get our Emergency Binder.
Instant Download. No Ads.
Effortlessly populate your binder: type your information into our easy-to-use PDF, save a digital copy for easy access, and print a copy for physical backup.
It couldn’t be easier. There’s no confusion or headaches. Just clarity and peace of mind.
NOW 50% OFF!
Hi, I am a beginner and I was wondering if I could print these directions so I could use that to make the bracelets. Reply
Diane VukovićUnfortunately, we don’t have printables of these instructions. We do have printable survival “cheat sheets” though: https://www.primalsurvivor.net/product-page-v2/ Reply
Two suggestions… First, I tend to go with multiple thinner paracord bracelets. By doing this I can have a LOT of cordage if necessary, but if not necessary, I don’t have to lose one whole bracelet if I just need 1/4 or 1/2 of its cordage. Secondly, I *really* like the buckles that contain a small knife (sharpen it before using it), a small LED light, whistle, firestarter, and a compass. Yes, a tich more pricey than the plain buckles, but pretty handy in a pinch. I try to wear at least one paracord bracelet with these items. On Amazon, search for: ‘Paracord Bracelet Buckles Black 3/4 Inch Plastic Side Release Buckles with LED Light Compass Fire Starter Whistle Buckle for Braid Bracelets’ or, if you’d like a clock instead of a light, try ‘Outdoor Survival Buckles with 1.2 Inch Blade, Watch, Compass, Fire Starter, Whistle, Hammer’ on Amazon. Mebbe someone could supply the affiliate link for readers in a reply? TX Griff Reply
Diane VukovićInteresting. I generally don’t like those all-in-one buckles. Some are really gimmicky. I’ve always got a good knife, firestarter, etc. on me though, so don’t need one in my paracord buckle. It never hurts to have extras though! 🙂 Reply
