Paracord Necklace

This is a necklace I made from 550 paracord. I had seen some necklaces that people made but they all seamed to big or not practical. I wanted something like a Phiten. So I searched the internet for a weave and came up with the 4 Strand Round Weave. I had never seen a paracord necklace made this way so I just went to it and this is what I got. Its not terribly difficult and its pretty fun. It's a fun craft to make with the family too. I made my whole family them. Although it looks good, it can also be taken apart and used in a survival situation. I hope you enjoy it and I'd love some feedback! Sorry about the marginal picture quality. My camera is not that great.

Step 1: Materials

For this project you will need:
* Paracord(read on for length)
*Scissors( or other cutting device)
*A lighter to fuse the rope

Step 2: Mesure Your Neck

To Measure you neck, take a piece of scrap paracord (or other sting ect.) and wrap it around your neck. Figure out how you want the necklace to fit and adjust the rope acordingly. I went for more of a choker style neclace but its up to you. Mark the length and measure the cord. Now to find out the amount of paracord you'll be using use this formula- 1in. of necklace = 41/2 in. of each color of paracord. For example, I'm making a 15in. necklace, then I'll need 67.5 in of each color to make the necklace. I would also recommend adding 1/2 a foot to a foot to each measurement just so you have some wiggle room. Cut and fuse the rope.

Step 3: Start the Weave

Now to start the weave, fold both the ropes in half  in the center. Now lay the ropes over each other. Begin by passing both ends of rope 1 (the red rope) under rope 2 (the tan one). PULL TIGHT! This is the key in the weave. ALWAYS KEEP TENSION ON THE WEAVE!!!!!  Now, pass rope 2 under rope 1. Continue with this pattern. I hold the rope with the unwoven strands below me( I find it much easier). After you have part of the necklace finished stop weaving and pull the top of rope 1 and form a loop. The loops diameter should be about 3/4 in. If you are having trouble with the weave see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtWWA6MQXGE .

Step 4: Keep Going!

Continue the weave until you have reached the desired length.

Step 5: Finishing the Necklace

Now this is the tricky part, take rope 2 and tie an over hand knot. Make it tight! Now cut rope 2 for fusing. Now, when I fused the rope I got the end hot enough so it was a liquid but not runny or on fire. I then took the side of my scissors and flattened the end of the rope. When you do this do it as fast as you can without being reckless. What you should have now are the ends of rope 1. Now, take the ends of rope 2 and tie an overhand knot with both strands. Now, cut and fuse the ends of the rope and....... You now have your very own paracord necklace!

Step 6: The Finished Product

This is the finished product. It can be used as a stylish necklace or a survival necklace as well. I hope you liked this instructable I'd love feedback negative or positive and anything I need to fix!

Comments

[cconklin1]

You can also give the appearance of a spiral braid by starting with same colors on right and left when you start or the diamond braid you did here with one from each color on both sides at start. Or vise versa.

[GabeL6]

i could not under stand

[EricC280]

all you need to do is weave its not that hard

[brian.fox.9803]

Try a turks head knott at the end, it could dress it up a bit, or a crown knott, which ever you want.

[timingworks]

I've been looking for a paracord hatband and I think this will work nicely, thanks for the effort!

[E Daniels]

thank u so much

[Thekiller578]

Add a tritium fob and your GTG!

[Mr_Altitude]

I like it!

[rayleb]

thanx, trying to learn diff styles. I like it !

[rparente99]

Is there a way to make this weave with the small buckles. And if not i have a question. How good does the knot and loop hold? Like does it ever just come undone?

[turtlelightning]

this is what i wanted. something small. thanks!

[the_names_levesque]

add how to put a pendant other than that love it!! i have a bracelet a key chain im only missing the necklace and would love to have a pendant of a celtic cross :/ i love thoses :) it be real helpfull if you could add thanks :)

[Lunarius]

This was excellent! The photos were clear and the instructions concise; I was able to really quickly make a necklace and attach a pendant. I'll be making another (with red and an Autobot insignia, natch) as soon as my hands feel a little less crampy!

[mark_well]

I really like the look of braided necklaces. I have so far found three ways of making them and i am sure this is the best technique to make a necklace out of paracord.

You can find some more ideas on this site about paracord necklace instructions.

[machoturtle]

Awesome necklace, great pics, good job! Here's the one I made, just for fun I added the end of a 12 gauge shotshell to spice it up a bit!

[Mystic Gems]

Not bad...not to sure about the knot staying in the loop tho...do you have any hints on how to make sure they wont fall off?

[danimalinstructables]

Great tutorial  Thanks. Here is another good one with some items on it. How to Make a Paracord Survival Necklace.

[chewy3939]

Thanks. I looked at that necklace. Thats what I'm talking about being bulky. Cool necklace but its too big to be practical.

[Shadow Ranger]

I would look into making this necklace with a snall monkey fist. Might make it a little bit harder to make but I think it would look nice.

[18rulz]

How would I use a buckle or a clasp at the end instead of the knot