In this Instructable, I will show you how to make an adjustable paracord bracelet. I got the idea of making it adjustable when my parents got me an adjustable bracelet from New York. I have never seen an instructable on how to do this yet, so here I go. I will be showing how to make a bracelet adjustable from 7"-9"

*** I will not show how to make a heart like in the first picture in this instructable. If I get any requests, I may make an instructable on how to add the heart, cross, or awareness ribbon. ***

I also have these for sale for those of you who do not have the time or materials to make these in my Etsy shop (They are custom-order, so you pick the colors and design in the middle (heart, cross, ribbon)): http://www.etsy.com/shop/adambowker98 or more specifically here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/98922019/adjustable-paracord-bracelet-with-design

Step 1: Ingredients

What you'll need for this project :

Up to 3 colors of Paracord to make it with {Read on for lengths; I'm using white as the core, red as the middle, and black as the edge}
Lighter to burn the ends of things
Scissors to cut things
Ruler to measure things

Step 2: Cut the Core Pieces

First cut two pieces of your chosen color about a foot long each. I'm using white. After you cut it, you'll want to burn it a little to prevent fraying later on. Then, tie a knot on ONE side of each piece of cord as close to the end as you can. Put these pieces aside.

Step 3: Join the Two Colors

If you are using the same color cord for the outer and inner edges, cut a piece about 7.5 feet long and skip this step. If you are using two colors, read on.

Cut one piece of each color to about 3.5 to 4 feet long. Burn all the ends except for one end of one of the pieces. On the piece you didn't burn, pull the inner strands out about an inch. Then, take one side of the other color and put it into the other piece. (I know this is kind of confusing... just follow the pics) Then, burn all the little frayed pieces of the color you pulled the strands from to attach the two colors. Now go take a break and drink some root beer to clear your mind from all the confusing stuff.

Step 4: Starting the Cobra Weave

Ok, here's the tricky-ish part. Get your core strands and put them side-by-side on the table, with the knots on opposite sides. Put the burned part of the two colors (or the center of the one color) underneath the white strands. Take one side (the side you want to be the inner color) and bring it across the core strands, keeping the center (or burned part) directly under the white strands. Then take the other side (the side you want to be the outer edge) and put it on top of the first strand. Then take that second strand and bring it under the white strands and through the loop you made with the first strand. Use something (or someone) to hold the center of the strands under the white strands and then gently tighten the knot you made until it is nice and tight. Do this ONCE more, then go to the next step. You need to remember (in using one color) to always alternate the strand you bring across first, and (if using two colors) to always bring the same color over first.

The pictures are VERY helpful on this step!!!

A good video on doing the cobra weave is here (Skip to 1:12): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvmCGSv-kRE&feature=related

Step 5: Fix the Core Strands

Now you should have two knots and it should look like the first picture. Now you need to get out your ruler and measure some stuff. The distance from the knot on one of the core strands to the beginning of your cobra weave should be at least 1.5", but no more than 2". Once you have this right, Take the strand that doesn't have a knot on it and pull it almost all the way to the start of your cobra weave. Cut a little off and burn it to prevent it from coming undone. You should now have one strand coming from the top of the cobra weave and one melted to the first knot.

Step 6: Continue the Weave.

Continue doing cobra knots until you reach about 6.5" or 6.75".

Step 7: Fix the Core Strands Again.

If you started out with the same size core strands, then one should now be a little longer than the other one. Take the shorter one and cut it close to the end of your knots and melt it down so it doesn't come undone. Now untie the knot at the end of the longer core strand. Measure about 1.5" on it and re-tie the knot there. The top and bottom of your bracelet should look about the same now.

Step 8: Finish the Cobra Weave.

Now, cut off the excess paracord from each side of the cobra weave, melt the ends down with the lighter, and SAVE THE EXTRA PIECES.
At this point, you can cut off any excess string on the end of the knots to make the knot all the way at the end.

Step 9: Make It Adjustable.

Here's how to make it adjustable:

- First, join the two extra pieces of paracord you cut off in the last step {Just repeat step 3 with the smaller pieces} , or if you were using just one color, you can use a piece of that one color about a foot long.
- Bend the bracelet back until the ends of the core strands are touching the opposite side of the bracelet. Have someone hold these strands in place.
- Begin a cobra weave in the open space over the core strands. Do only two knots, tighten them really tight, and then cut off the ends and melt them down.

Step 10: Admire Your Masterpiece.

Now your adjustable paracord bracelet is complete! Comment with any feedback or questions you may have.
Thanks for looking!

For those who do not have the time or materials to make one, you can go to my Etsy shop to purchase one: http://www.etsy.com/shop/adambowker98
or more specifically here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/98922019/adjustable-paracord-bracelet-with-design