How did this paracord become so popular?
Paracord may look like nothing more than a flat and flimsy piece of utility cord, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Did you know paracord was used to repair NASA’s Hubble Space telescope? It’s been used by the military for decades. And the stuff has become a staple material for many jewellery makers and other crafty characters.
WHAT IS PARACORD?
As the name hints, paracord was originally made for parachute lines back in world war 2 by the US military. Paracord is strong enough to be used for such a job, while it remains incredibly lightweight and easy to carry.
But the key characteristic of paracord is just how versatile it is. And once the military realised this, this rope became an essential ingredient in their outdoor packs and survival kits. From attaching gear to backpacks, to helping to build shelter. From creating tripwires, to making a splint for a broken limb, there are countless scenarios where paracord could even, potentially, save your life.
Often, the military, hikers, and other outdoorsy people carry paracord in the form of a survival bracelet. These are typically woven into the ‘cobra’ design (see in image). Doing so enables you to carry metres of paracord with you wherever you go (so you’re prepared for any scenario) in an easily accessible way which takes up very little room. Accessories can be attached to these bracelets too, such as compasses or even swiss army knives.
But nowadays, paracord isn’t just known for its practicality. Its ability to be knotted, tied and weaved means you can create all sorts of funky things with the stuff. Jewellery, key rings, bracelets, lanyards, dog leads… the possibilities seem to be endless…
With platforms like Pinterest and Instagram allowing many of us to share our designs and tutorials online, the paracord community only seems to be growing. In fact, the ‘paracord’ hashtag has been used well over 1 million times on Instagram alone.
Key uses for paracord:
- bracelets, key rings, watch straps and other accessories
- parachute lines
- survival kits – tying gear to packs, constructing shelter, survival bracelets etc.
- replacement shoelaces
- pet accessories – dog leads, collars, equestrian gear etc.
- decorative purposes
- fishing line/net
- clothes line
- door stops and paper weights (when made into monkey fists)
- zipper pulls
- doormats and coasters
- glasses strap
- plant hammocks
- and much, much more!
WHICH TYPE OF PARACORD IS BEST?
Many people don’t realise that not all paracord is the same. Here at ropelocker, we stock the main two types…
In most scenarios, 550 paracord will be perfect for the job. It’s the most common type of paracord and is made up of 7 strands with a nylon cover. It’s cheaper than mil-spec paracord and is available in pretty much any colour you can think of (we even have glow in the dark paracord). As a result, 550 paracord tends to be the go-to cord for arts and crafts projects. ‘550’ refers to the fact that this rope has a breakload of 550lbs.
Mil-spec paracord is pretty much the same as 550. The key difference is that mil-spec officially passes military specifications, declaring it safe to be used for their parachute lines, survival kits, and more.
NEED SOME HELP?
So, you like the sound of all these paracord projects. Perhaps you’ve seen some intricate key ring or elaborate dog lead online and you’d love to make your own – if only you knew where to begin.
If you need some help, or perhaps you’re already an expert but need some fresh ideas, there are stacks of resources out there to help you every step of the way…
Image: Chris 73 / Wikimedia
Before you dive into the huge abyss of the world wide web, take a look at some of ropelocker’s paracord books. Rather than trawling through google page after google page, our paracord guides give you all the information you need in easy-to-follow, illustrated steps. And books make a great present for any paracord lovers you know.
Talking of presents, we have a range of gift sets available, which are an excellent way to start any newbies off. Our standard paracord kit will supply you with 54ft of colourful cord, 6 buckles, and some simple instructions that will show you how to make your very own paracord survival bracelet. Alternatively, if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our gifts section, grab some different coloured lengths of paracord and make your own. If you need some help, get in touch with us and we can make up a little goody bag for you.
Need some inspiration? Why not scroll through Instagram or look at Pinterest for some ideas? Check out our ‘paracord crafts’ Pinterest board below.
And don’t forget to share your own work! We love seeing our customer’s latest creations. Send us a photo through our social media channels, or give us an email.
Also feel free to contact us if you have any queries, or need advice about any of our products.