DIY: Paracord and Crystal Bracelet

If the popular Chan Luu style wrap bracelet and the para-cord friendship bracelet got together and had a baby, I imagine this is what the bracelet would look like. If you have ever made a Chan-Luu style wrap bracelet, this is fairly similar. However, instead of wrapping the thread around the two outer cords, the thread goes through the para-cord.

Materials:

Length of para-cord

Needle; Coordinating thread

Handful of crystal beads or small beads of choice

Scissors; Lighter; Tape

Start by measuring the length of cord for your bracelet. You will need double the circumference of your wrist plus extra to tie a knot. Estimate the length, fold it in half, and tie the ends into a knot. Wrap it around your wrist and slip the knot into the folded 'loop'. Adjust as needed, but it is better to make it longer than not long enough!

Cut, and melt the ends with your lighter to prevent fraying.

Fold your para-cord in half and tape the ends to your working surface.

Cut a length of thread approximately the span of your arms. Thread your needle into the middle, fold in half, and knot the two ends together.

Thread your needle through the first cord from the 'inside' to the 'outside', approximately 3/4 of an inch from the center end.

Thread the needle back through the first cord so that it comes through near the thread knot. Thread on a bead, then thread the needle through the second cord. Pull tight.

Thread the needle back through the second cord, the bead, and the first cord. Pull tight.

Thread the needle back through the first cord at an angle, so that it comes out approximately 1/4 inch away from the bead.

Thread a second bead on and repeat the same as with the first. Continue until you have sewed on enough beads to wrap around your wrist.

After you have sewed on the last bead, thread the needle through the first cord so that it comes out, on the inside, close to the last bead.

Create a small stitch on the inside of the first cord, but before you pull it tight thread the needle through the loop to create a knot. Make at least one more knot. Trim the threads at both ends.

Remove the tape. Knot together the two ends of the para-cord.