How to Make a Paracord Lanyard: Step-by-Step Guide

Paracord lanyards are both practical and fashionable. They can be used as keychains, ID holders, or even as unique fashion accessories. Made from parachute cord, these lanyards are sturdy and durable, making them the perfect DIY project for anyone looking to flex their crafting skills.

In this article, we’ll be showing you how to make a paracord lanyard step by step. Don’t worry if you have never made one before! Our easy-to-follow instructions will guide you through the entire process. So, grab your paracord & let’s get started!

Materials Needed to Make a Paracord Lanyard

Before we dive into the specifics of making a paracord lanyard, let’s first gather all the necessary materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Paracord – You can find it at outdoor and camping stores, as well as online. The length of cord you’ll need depends on the desired length of your lanyard, but 3-5 feet should suffice.
2. Scissors – A sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting the cord.
3. Lighter – A lighter is used to melt the ends of the paracord to prevent fraying.
4. Tape Measurer – You’ll need a tape measure to measure the length of the cord.
5. Keyring or Carabiner – You’ll need something to attach the lanyard to, such as a keyring, carabiner, or badge holder.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Paracord

The first step in making a paracord lanyard is to determine how long you want it to be. Once you have decided on the length, measure out the paracord with a tape measure and cut it with scissors. Make sure to leave an extra inch or two so you have enough cord to work with.

Step 2: Melt the Cord Ends

Melt the ends of the cord with a lighter to prevent fraying. Be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area.

Step 3: Fold the Cord in Half

Fold the paracord in half and hold the ends together, creating a loop at the top.

Step 4: Tie a Loop Knot

Take the looped end and tie a simple overhand knot, making sure to leave the loop at the top.

Step 5: Begin the Weave

Take one of the cords and begin weaving it over, under, and through the other cord. Continue this weave until you reach the bottom.

Step 6: Add a Bead (Optional)

If desired, after weaving a few inches, you can add a bead onto one of the cords to give your lanyard some flair.

Step 7: Continue Weaving

Continue weaving the cord until you reach the desired length for your lanyard. You can add beads or knots to create a unique design.

Step 8: Tie a Knot

Once you reach the end of the cord, tie a knot to secure it in place.

Step 9: Attach the Keyring or Carabiner

Insert the keyring or carabiner into the loop at the top of the lanyard and twist the knot to secure it.

Step 10: Trim the Ends

Using scissors, trim any excess cord from the lanyard, making sure to leave a little bit of extra cord in case the knots loosen over time.

With these simple steps, you now know how to make an attractive and useful paracord lanyard. Experiment with different colors and designs to create a personalized lanyard that reflects your unique style.

Materials Required

Before we get started with the instructions on how to make a paracord lanyard, you first need to gather some materials. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

1. Paracord

The most important material you’ll need is paracord. The length of cord you’ll need depends on how long you want your lanyard to be. A good rule of thumb is to use one foot of cord for every inch of finished lanyard. So if you want your lanyard to be 24 inches long, you’ll need 24 feet of cord.

2. Scissors

You’ll need a pair of scissors to cut the paracord to the right length. Make sure you use a sharp pair of scissors that can easily cut through the cord.

3. Lighter

You’ll also need a lighter to melt the ends of the cord and prevent fraying. A basic lighter will work just fine for this task.

4. Buckle

A buckle is needed to make it easy to attach and detach the lanyard from your keychain, ID card, or other item. You can use a traditional plastic buckle or choose a more decorative metal buckle depending on your preference.

5. Needle-Nosed Pliers

You’ll need pliers to help you thread the cord through the buckle and tie knots. A pair of needle-nosed pliers is a great tool for this job as they provide good grip and precision.

6. Tape Measure

A tape measure will help you to measure the length of your lanyard. You can also use a ruler or any other measuring tool you have on hand.

7. S-hook

An optional tool that can be used in place of a buckle. It can be used to attach your lanyard to your belt loop or bag handle.

8. Charms or Beads (Optional)

If you’d like to personalize your paracord lanyard, you can add charms or beads to it. These can add some color and personality to your finished product.

9. Colored Paracord (Optional)

Instead of using the traditional gray or black paracord, you can use colored paracord to add a pop of color to your lanyard. There are plenty of colors available, so you can choose one that suits your personal style.

10. Heat-Shrink Tubing (Optional)

Heat-shrink tubing can be used to add a more finished and professional look to your lanyard. It’s not necessary, but it’s a nice touch if you want to take your paracord lanyard to the next level.

Materials Needed for Making a Paracord Lanyard

A paracord lanyard is not a complex item to make, but you need to ensure that you have all the necessary materials before you begin. These include:

Step-by-Step Guide to Make a Paracord Lanyard

Now that you have all the necessary materials in hand, it’s time to get started on creating your paracord lanyard. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Measure the Paracord

Using the scissors, cut the paracord into the desired length. Keep in mind that the final length of the lanyard will be roughly half of the original length of the paracord.

Step 2: Prepare the Lobster Clasp

Attach the lobster clasp to one end of the paracord using jewelry pliers. Make sure it is properly secured.

Step 3: Create the First Knot

Take the free end of the paracord and fold it in half. This will create a loop. Take the loop and place it over the lobster clasp. Pull the free ends of the paracord through the loop, then tighten the knot.

Step 4: Make the Weave

This is the most complex step in making a paracord lanyard. Follow the instructions in this tutorial carefully to perform the weave of your choice. For instance, the cobra weave is one of the most popular, but there are many others to choose from.

Step 5: Finish the Lanyard

Once you have completed the weave, use the scissors to cut off the excess paracord. Finally, attach the fused buckle (if you chose to use one) to the free end of the lanyard.

Tips for Making a Paracord Lanyard

The following are some tips to keep in mind when making a paracord lanyard:

Use High-Quality Paracord

Make sure you are using high-quality paracord. This will ensure that your lanyard has a long lifespan and remains durable.

Practice Your Weave First

Before you start making your lanyard, practice your weave on a smaller piece of paracord. This will ensure that you have a good understanding of the process before you start working on the main piece.

Be Patient

Making a paracord lanyard is a time-consuming process. It requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. Take your time and don’t rush through the process, as this can result in errors and a poorly made lanyard.

Experiment with Different Weaves

Once you’ve mastered the basic weave, don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns and designs. This is a great way to create a lanyard that is customized to your personal tastes.

Have Fun!

Finally, remember that making a paracord lanyard is a fun and enjoyable activity. Don’t stress too much over the details and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and useful.

Thanks for Reading!

We hope that this tutorial has inspired you to make your own paracord lanyard! Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfectly. Keep at it and before you know it, you’ll be making lanyards like a pro. Don’t forget to check back for more DIY tutorials and inspiration. Happy crafting!