Melt and smash the ends of the paracord. If the melted paracord is not smashed, it will leave a rounded edge; a rounded edge is difficult to thread through a buckle. While wearing the bracelet, the rounded edge will itch and be uncomfortable. Some popular paracord bracelet manufacturers skip the “smash” step to save time, and money, and leaving you with a $30 itchy paracord bracelet. A smashed edge is comfortable and does not itch if done properly.
The main purpose for securing the two end strands through the loop is to ensure durability, stability, and quality. Several makers of paracord bracelets will singe the ends along the edge of the Cobra Weave. It is this paracordist’s opinion that singeing paracord along the edge will damage the paracord. Damaged paracord will be of no use in an emergency situation. “Keep it secure, keep it safe,” states this paracordist.
Chapter 3 – Two Color Splicing
There are several ways to splice paracord together. The method that is chosen will determine the quality of the bracelet that is produced.
Part 1 – Melt and Smash The melt and smash method is the easiest way to splice or combine two different colors of paracord together. The drawback to this method is that it usually looks sloppy and will produce inconsistencies in the weave. The advantage to this method is that it will only take a minute to do.
***
Part 2 – Overlay and Stitch The overlay and stitch method is the second easiest way to merge two colors. First, melt and smash both ends of paracord. Second, trim the excess melt.
Third, lay two ends of paracord over each other and stitch the paracord together.
***
Part 3 – Sleeve and Stitch The sleeve and stitch method is the most difficult. However, it will also appear the best if done right with lots of practice and patience. After cutting the paracord, pull roughly one inch of the seven-strand core out or the core and trim.
Next, pull the excess shell toward the open end to retract the seven-strand core into the shell.
After that, singe one of the open ends, insert the forceps and open them to expand the paracord shell.
Next, the other paracord is cut at an angle, singed, smashed and trimmed to a point.
The paracord with a point is inserted into the paracord with the opening. Use the forceps to assist in pushing more paracord into the chamber.
Lastly, stitch the paracord to aid the structural integrity of the paracord. The paracord is stitched multiple times to ensure that the two strands are secure and can be used during an emergency. Once the two strands together are sewn, give a good tug on both sides of the stitch to make sure it is secure.
Chapter 4 – Two Color Piranha Weave Bracelet
This tutorial is going to demonstrate the Piranha Weave. It is assumed that prep paracord and two color paracord splice from the previous chapters are mastered. This bracelet will be made for a 7 and 1/8 inch wrist. Two different colors of paracord strands of equal length have been spliced. 12 feet of paracord will be used to make this bracelet: six feet for each color. A 3/8 inch plastic buckle will be used.
The paracord jig is adjusted to 8 and 1/4 inches. With a two cord core and 3/8 inch buckle, 1 and 1/8 inches need to be added for a comfortable fit.
Insert both ends of the paracord to create a loop at the top. Next, take the two ends and pull them through the loop and tighten. The loop should now be at the bottom and will be used later.
The cord on the left is pulled between the two cord core and lies underneath the cord on the right. The paracord on the right is pulled between the two cord core and through the loop on the left and tightened. Start with the left cord, or orange camouflage. It will be the base or the bottom color and will weave back and forth when making this bracelet. The right cord, or charcoal