Cross Knot Paracord Lanyard

This instructable will show how to make a paracord lanyard using the cross knot and snake knot.  The lanyard can be used as a wallet chain, to secure a key chain, keyring, knife, multitool, flashlight, cell phone, camera, binoculars, compass, and other assorted pocketable gadgets, gear, and gizmos... More projects, links, knot references can be seen in my blog, Stormdrane's Blog.

The cross knot can also be found under different names from other online and book references, as:  The Chinese Crown Knot, Chinese Cross, Japanese Crown Knot, Japanese Success Knot, Rustler's Knot, Friendship Knot, and knot #808 in 'The Ashley Book of Knots'. 

You can use the loop end of the lanyard to attach it to your item and use the clip end to secure to a belt loop, bag, pack, etc... Or run a belt through the lanyard's loop and use the attachment to clip onto your gadget, gear, gizmo, etc...  Longer versions could be used as a pet leash for your dog, cat, pot belly pig, iguana, ferret, or other assorted leashable rodents and varmints.

Step 1: Supplies

For this project, you'll need 10 feet of paracord, scissors, swivel snap hook, and a lighter.  Optional supplies are hemostats, tape measure, and your own choice of attachments, like:  split ring, swivel clip, carabiner, snap shackle, etc... 

I used 10 feet of paracord to make a finished lanyard/wallet chain of about 2.5 feet in length.  You can use more or less to make one of your own preferred length.

There are many online sources for paracord, available in different lengths and color choices, and can sometimes be found at local sporting goods outlets and Army/Navy Surplus stores.  Various attachments can also be found online and at local retail establishments, and you may even scavenge them from keyrings/keychains, pet leashes, etc... that you already have.

Comments

[kbeedle]

This is cool!

[Maggie1031]

So Cool! I've wanted to learn how to tie various knots, but it's difficult to find instructions that are concise enough, and pictures clear enough for directions that I can follow. Is there a set of directions for making that cross out of the cross knots? I would love to have one.

[Stormdrane]

I've only posted the description in blog posts: Cross Knot Paracord Cross Pendant

[xLightAcex]

I do say that i will use this knot many times and i like the design of this knot... great instructable ^__^

[craftyv]

I made one out of black with a kahki/grey chain sinnet before the clip. It looked great and was very well received by my grandson for Christmas. Thanks a lot. Now on to the next project.

[DELETED_bio king]

(removed by author or community request)

[your_dragon113]

...can you make it long? LOL...you can make it as long, or short, as you need/want. I made one about 10 feet that I use to tether my dog with when we go camping...

[craftyv]

I have found a set of fine point tweezers handy for pulling through tight spots. My Lanyard will go to my Grandson for Christmas. I love it . Thank's so much and a Happy Holiday season to you all.

[MrsHill]

Took me a few minutes to figure out the knot. I'm VERY new to paracord projects. This instructable was very well made and easy to follow! I finished my 40" lanyard in about 45 minutes. Thank you for posting!

[Twisthem488]

How strong are these knots? I have a friend that make his own anchor system similar to this with paracord to easily hang his hammock at any length he needs. I believe he just used square knots every six inches but I enjoy using more finely crafted things when I can and this looks awesome for that sort of thing. Do you think these knots would handle the load of a hammock? Thanks for all the awesome things you post!

[Stormdrane]

I've not personally used them with the weight exerted on them like a hammock would, but if using two strands with spaced square knots works, I imagine these would work as well used in the same manner. ;)

[baba4]

well done getting one i can`t

[chipf]

Very clear and understandable instructable. Definately trying this one. Thank You

[Kryptonite]

Ahh, the snake stitch is definitely one of the harder knots that you've documented. Your instructions are, as ever, incredibly clear though for any sort of length, the snake knot is quite tedious!

I'd just like to compliment your blog, your photography often looks professionally done!
Keep it up, I hope to see more stuff from you on here :D

[atmooney]

STILL a big fan of your instructables Stormdrain! Keep it up! Also, some people asked where to get para cord. I get it at supply captain.com. Many colors & lengths available, and priced right! And no, I don't work for them! LOL! -Al

[grzoo]

it's very ornamental knot

[gblack2]

your paracord projects are some of the most ingenious i have seen, love 'em. where did you get clip in the top of the first photo?

[Chissy]

Try Tractor Supply, the prices may be better.

[Stormdrane]

If you're referring to the 'snap shackle', it was just a stainless steel version off of ebay. They can be found at boating/marine supply shops online. Prices vary, but usually around $10 each plus shipping on the low end, to some much more pricey versions, depending on materials, strength, and overall quality fit and finish.

Snap shackles are commonly used on sailboats with rigging, so the quality ones are needed to be strong and durable, but the cheaper versions are fine for lanyard/key chain uses. Materials they're usually made of are bronze, brass, stainless steel, and titanium, and come in various sizes.

[black hole]

This knot would be good as the "chain" for a practice manriki gusari.

[cubread]

Thanx

[matt3565]

were do you buy paracord like this??

[Stormdrane]

The foliage green paracord that I used for this project came from my local Army/Navy store which now carries paracord from at least a couple of different manufacturers with various color options in 550 commercial grade paracord. There are many online sources for paracord with an ever growing number of colors/camo combinations being offered from manufacturers.

[gamelvr5]

Is there an Ible on the Cross? I would love that!

[Stormdrane]

There's a description on my blog: Tie 4 knots close together with one strand of cord for the vertical piece of the cross, then with another strand for the horizontal cross piece tie one knot, run it's strands through the back of the vertical strand section, then tie another knot to complete the cross, trim/melt all ends finish. A brushed on coat of super glue or mod podge type glue will stiffen it up.

[polycam]

You did it again! Very nice tutorial. I am really looking forward to your coming instructables. Thank you.

[pleahy]

just made a little lanyard for my girlfriend. i think she's gonna love it. awesome little project!

[Nachoman]

I feel like such a fool: I've been going without a watch for a while, while I have everything for having done a very sharp looking watchband out of leather ribbons and chainmail rings ages ago.

If I do an Instructable, I'll be giving you the credit.

[orangebird852]

This looks awesome! Can't wait to make it. Much better look than all the other paracord lanyards you see around.

[jcraft4]

Fantastic as always. Your blog is the only one I follow, and I always find myself trying some of the simpler projects you have done yourself. Just made one of these and love it. Thanks for sharing.

[shadow wave rider]

really nice job with this stormdrane. i read about this and all of the other ones you made on your blog stormdrane.blogspot.com. nice collection of clips there as well.

[Paranerd65]

Pretty cool, got some folks interested.

[SeniorShizzle]

Amazing cord. I made a really long one, about 6' for a leash or something. I replaced the swivel hook with a carabiner, and I love it!

[soul_eater]

You haver made very nice designs off paracord articles, I hope his weekend I can make one off this, Good job

[fox058]

I keep a stock of paracord handy in case you publish something.

[bushcraftnewbie]

go stromdrane!!

[VeradaleGuy]

Sweet instructions. Thanks SD.

[grangerknives]

Thank you for this instructable! I have been admiring this knot since I first saw it on your blog. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge and expertise. I will be trying this one in short order. I hope I get to see you at the blade show next month.

Best of luck in all your endeavours! Blessings,
Paul

[Dr. Pepper]

Great!