Paracord Dog Leash

The world of paracord has become more popular in recent years. I have picked up the hobby of weaving and tying paracord to create cool projects such as bracelets, gunslings, as well as other projects. I wanted to make something that wasn't the same as everybody else, and I wanted to make something that had some kind of use to it other than decoration. So, I came up with my design for a dog leash made out of paracord. After I made it, I was very impressed with how durable and strong this leash is. The following steps will take you through the process on how I make these dog leashes. They are very simple and inexpensive to make. Each leash takes me about one hour to make. I hope you enjoy this project and make some for yourself.

Step 1: Materials

The materials needed for this project are only 75 feet of paracord and the desired clip you wish to use.

What I did to make this project easier was to put a screw into the wall about 6 feet high. I only screwed it in far enough so that I can hang the clip from it. This will allow you to tie the knots without getting frustrated. It is also easier to stay organized this way.

Tools needed

Forceps or screwdriver (This will be used to thread the paracord through the knots. Either one will work.)

Lighter (used to finish the strands)

Pliers (These are optional but sometimes make it easier to pull the paracord through the knots)

Step 2: Starting Your Leash

To begin, you will want to take the paracord and find the very center of it. Fold it in half to create a loop. Feed this loop in through the back of the clip and pull it down until you have 52" hanging down. This piece will serve as the total length you will need for the leash. So now, if you look up at the clip, you will have 4 strands coming down. The two in the middle are the ones coming out of the front and will be called the middle strands from here on out. The two strands coming from the back of the clip are the extra long strands. These are the outside strands. The one on the left will be strand A, the one on the left will be strand B.

Step 3: Tying the First Knot

To get started on your first knot, you will take strand B and cross it over in front of the middle strands and behind strand A. Then take strand A and cross it behind the middle strands. There will be a loop created between the middle strands and strand B. Strand A needs to come up from the back to the front through this loop to finish the knot. Gently pull the slack out of the paracord until this knot is snug. Then you can pull it tighter.

Step 4: The Second Knot

The second knot is the exact same thing as the first knot. Take strand B again and cross it in front of the middle strands and behind strand A. Take strand A and cross it behind the middle strands and up through the loop created with Strand B and the middle strands. Pull the paracord through and make it snug. From this point forward, you do not need to make the knots tight. Just make them snug like you would if you were tying your shoes.

Step 5: Step 1, Step 2, Repeat

Now you will continue to repeat the process of step 1 then step 2. Do this until you reach the bottom of the middle strands.

Step 6: Starting the Handle

Making the handle can be a bit tricky, but once its started, it becomes easier. To start, take the last 3 or 4 inches of the leash and fold it up. This creates a loop that will be the handle. You can adjust the size of the handle to what is comfortable for you. Where the end of the leash meets the main leash you will notice the outside knot loops that meet up with it. Strand A and strand B need to be threaded through these loops. There are a couple of ways to do this. Forceps are probably the easiest. I did not have any at the time so I used a screwdriver to push through these loops to create slack. Then I used the screwdriver to push the strands through these loops. This will secure the handle to the leash. Pull each strand through and make them snug. Cross strand A and strand B around the back. Thread strand A from the front through the open loop at the end of the leash. Repeat this with strand B. Once again both of these strands need to be threaded through the outside knot loops on the main leash. Use forceps or a screwdriver to do this. Pull each strand through and make it tight.

Step 7: Securing the Handle

Now you can hang the handle on the screw you put up for this project. The knots you tie for the handle are the same knots you did for the rest of the leash. The only difference is that instead of having two middle strands, you now have the leash itself in place of the middle strands. Take strand B and cross it in front of the leash and behind strand A. Cross strand A behind the leash and up through the loop created with strand B. Pull tight. Now take strand B and cross it in front of the leash and behind strand A. Cross strand A behind the leash and up through the loop created with strand B. Pull tight.

Step 8: Repeat the Process

You will need to repeat the previous step for about 4 inches. You can go until you get to the end of your paracord, or until you are satisfied with the look.

Step 9: Finishing the Ends

When you are happy with the leash, you will now need to do something with the loose strands. Cut them off leaving about a half inch. Take your lighter and burn the ends. Keep the paracord in the blue part of the flame to keep it from turning black. As your heating it up, the paracord will turn into a melted ball at the end. Once this happens, use the side of the lighter to press the melted end into the leash. This will secure the strands so they don't become loose. Do this to both strands.

Step 10: Your Finished.

Your finished. Congrats. Now you can take your dog on a walk with style. This leash is very strong and with all of the options of paracord, you can customize it with any colors you want. I hope you enjoyed this instructable and make some of your own.