Paracords have been the craze recently, but this nylon rope has been used simultaneously with parachute braids. In fact, that’s where the nickname comes from. But because of the versatility of the tool, it has been made into different crafts and items like bracelets, lanyards, or string bags.
So, if you’re intent on making one for yourself, you might want to know how to make a paracord knots for beginners.
Types of Knots for Beginners
There are three knots which are often introduced to beginners in the paracord scene. Paracord knots have crossed the borderline of survival and craft-making purposes.
Preppers use it during camping or trekking while homesteaders can make use of tying cool knots with paracord as a side business. So if you want to learn how to tie different knots for paracord bracelets, we’ll show you in this article.
To start tying up your paracords, you’ll be needing materials like scissors, knife, lighter, and a buckle. You can have two or more colors of paracords to your liking if you want to add more flair to it.
Cobra Knot
This is the favorite knot among many beginners and survivalists alike because it is easier and quicker to do. Additionally, the cobra knot paracord can be worn by individuals on either side of the bracelet. One can see why it’s convenient when hiking in the great outdoors or making artistries out of it.
How to do a Cobra Knot
- Have a pair of cords and hold it evenly on your hands or use the buckle to ensure they’re equal.
- Find their middle by folding them in half
- For the right cord, have its left string go over the right one. The left cord must sit on top of the right cord diagonally.
- The left string of the right cord must go over the left rope and through the loop.
- Tie the knot and reposition it near the top loop of the left cord.
- To continue the weaving process, make another loop (done behind the left cord) from the right rope with the right string on top of left one.
- Then pass the right string of the right cord over the left cord, passing through the new loop.
- Tie the knot and repeat the process until finished.
For a more detailed knotting, you can see a video here. Another version of the Cobra knot is the King Cobra. Many people think it’s a more advanced version, but it’s really doing a Cobra knot on an already-finished Cobra knot paracord.
Lanyard Knot
For beginners, this type of knot can get messy and complicated. But if you get the flow or know which loop to pass, then, you’re good. Even if it’s a bit intricate, it’s actually one of the most important knots to do. They are often done near the end of paracords so that the individual can do another type of knot on the free length of the string.
How to do a Lanyard Knot
- Take out one long cord and settle it evenly on two of your middle fingers.
- Make a circle with the right string and lay it on top of the left strand.
- The left strand should go beneath the right string and pass over the first loop, underneath the second one, and over the third loop. Make sure your cord looks like a number 8 with a little diamond on its center.
- Now bring the free strands to the diamond center. To do this, have the strings go counter-clockwise and pass every strand underneath, then go out of the diamond center.
- Tug your knot. You can pull the strands to straighten them up. And in case you want to move the position of the knot, you can tug the free strands to move it.
This knot style is also known as the “false headstart knot,” because it serves as a substitute to the head start knot as mentioned. People often loop or tie the ends of the bracelet to the lanyard knot as a means to secure the band. See what we mean in this video.
Trilobite Knot
The trilobite knot may look sturdy and difficult, but it’s really easy and fun to do! You need to have two long cords for weaving because there’s a lot of hoop and ties to do. Some people prepare four different strings where the outer strands are longer than the middle ones. But, for this guide, we’ll be using two cords only. The two outer strings are for weaving, while the middle ones stay in that position only.
How to Do a Trilobite Knot
- Fold the cords equally and hang their centers on a hook.
- Take the outer right string and bring it across the middle ones and underneath the outer left strand.
- Take the outer left string and pass it below the middle and through the outer right strand. Hoop it on the outer strand and do likewise with the other string.
- Then pass the first outer string under the middle and through the second outer string. Hoop it through the free outside strand. Do likewise with other outer cord.
You can see why you should need long strings. There are a series of the hoops required to be done. It’s best for you to prepare cords of a different color to differentiate each strand. For a more illustrative guide, you can refer to a video tutorial here.
Make Awesome Paracord Knots Right Now
When you’re starting out in creating knots, you’ll be frustrated every time you see your mistakes. You either went to the wrong loop, made unequal ends, or prepared short cords. You have to set the right materials for the job to be done because the end product is worth looking at.
These steps help you how to make a paracord knots for beginners.
Busying yourself with making cool knots with paracord is a pretty sure to kill time. Not only that, but survivalists and crafters can benefit from this like trekking, camping, or making money on the sides.
One can also benefit by developing patience or creativity through crafting a paracord bracelet.