Paracord guild Empowering the paracord community.
The bracelet that started it all.
The cobra paracord bracelet has a long history. It is the original survival bracelet design and goes by many names (listed below). It was first adopted because parachute cord was a common sight in military bases. Soon soldiers, as well as campers and preppers adopted it as a vital part of equipment (rope is an essential part of a survival kit). Naturally, bracelets were the first choice for storing cord. Easy to wear and always on hand made the bracelets a hit.
The cobra knot bracelet was the first one people adopted. It is after all a design used in other bracelet making crafts, such as macrame. Simple to make, it saw a lot of use. Because paracord is durable, holds a lot of weight and was readily and cheaply available, the bracelet was often called a “survival bracelet”. This bracelet is in my opinion the best way to start paracord crafts and can be used as a basis for more advanced bracelets (see my how to make a king cobra paracord bracelet tutorial).
- Difficulty: low
- Cord storage: medium
- Child friendly: yes
- Other names for the bracelet: solomons bar bracelet, Portuguese sinnet, square knot bracelet
Supplies needed
- paracord 550, two colors recommended
- heat source to melt the cord (a lighter works just fine)
- something to cut the cord with
- a paracord bracelet jig
How to make a cobra paracord bracelet
The bracelet is made by making a series of cobra knots around a core. The cobra knots are made by alternating the loop to each side (better explained in the image tutorial below). I often regard this technique as “making fours.” Once you have achieved the desired length, cut the extra lengths off the working ends and melt them onto the bracelet. Finish the bracelet by making a lanyard knot with the two remaining pieces of cord.
A video tutorial is available here:
I was looking for the lanyard knot everywhere because it holds a special meaning for me. My best friend and first love taught me about paracord bracelets and because of him I learned to appreciate this cord. He passed away a few months ago and I still remember him teaching me the lanyard knot but I didn’t remember the steps. After watching the video, I remembered many precious memories. I feel like I can let him rest in peace now. I still have the bracelet we made together, the one he taught me with. I wear it everyday. Thank you for the tutorial! I can now close that very important chapter of my life.
thank you for the tutorial! this is for a class project and helped so much 🙂