Want to make a paracord necklace? Here are 11 free paracord necklace tutorials with real written steps, knot names and cord lengths, each on the maker's own site with no sign-up. There are quick beginner necklaces you can finish in an evening, survival necklaces that hide 8 to 12 feet of usable cord around your neck, decorative knotted and beaded designs, and pendants (a cross, a heart and a monkey's fist) to hang on a cord. They make great handmade gifts for teens, dads, scouts and campers.
For each tutorial I've listed the knot or weave it uses, how much cord you'll need, and the detail that makes it worth a try. A good rule of thumb from these makers: a braided or woven necklace eats roughly 3 to 4 feet of cord per foot of finished necklace, so cut generously and trim later.
One safety note before you start. Anything worn around the neck should come off quickly if it catches. Several of these makers use a breakaway clasp for exactly that reason, and we'd suggest one on every necklace, and always on a child's.
Easy paracord necklaces for beginners
Good first projects: simple knots, short cord lengths and quick results.
Simple Paracord Necklace — Anthony's Angling Corner. A two-color, 21-inch necklace made from 10 feet of cord (two 5-foot pieces) and a small side-release buckle. It uses a four-strand alternating fold that forms a neat square pattern. The author's handy ratio: 1 foot of paracord makes about 2.1 inches of necklace. He also warns honestly that you hold the weave by hand the whole time, so your fingers "may ache a bit towards the end."
How to Make a Paracord Necklace — Our Pastimes. A long "survivor chic" statement necklace tied in cobra (Solomon bar) knots over a doubled core loop, with step photos. The trick is to alternate the "4"-shaped loop from side to side so the necklace lies flat. Tips include fusing in a new color partway for a color-block look and weaving a fine chain through the loops for a dressier version.
Vibrant Parachute Cord Necklaces — Thriftanista in the City. The easiest project here: no knots and no lighter. Short lengths of bright paracord are wrapped with embroidery floss, then strung with beads, cord ends and jump rings for a layered look. It takes about 15 minutes, so it's ideal for kids or a party craft table. (It's a sponsored post with a long intro; the six steps are further down.)
Survival and everyday-carry paracord necklaces
These store usable cord you can unravel in an emergency, which makes them popular gifts for hikers, hunters and scouts.
Paracord Necklace, Quick Deployment — Paracord Guild. A beginner daisy-chain necklace from at least 8 feet of Type I or 550 cord. It stores 7 to 10 feet of cord on an average neck, and you get it all back by pulling one end out of the last loop. The tutorial uses a breakaway connector, which "will open if your necklace snags onto something, preventing it from becoming a choking hazard."
DIY 550 Paracord Survival Necklace — TITAN Survival. A classic 21-inch four-strand braid from two 6-foot sections of 550 cord, finished with a half knot and a plastic buckle or S-clip. It gives a simple sizing formula: multiply the finished length in feet by 3.14 and round up to get each cord length. It also recommends a quick-release buckle for children.
Arctic Survival Necklace — On Survival. The same four-strand braid idea, turned into a small cold-weather kit. A lanyard knot holds a mini lighter, lip balm and an optional ferro rod or whistle, kept warm against your body. You'll need 10 to 12 feet of 550 cord and a breakaway clasp. (There's a subscribe box, but the whole post is free to read.)
Decorative knotted and beaded paracord necklaces
For when you want something that looks like jewelry rather than gear.
Double Coin Knot Paracord Necklace — Instructables. A flat, elegant necklace centered on a double coin knot tied with five strands of thin Type I paracord. The maker chose the thinnest cord they could find so five strands wouldn't look bulky. Their best tip: practice the knot with one strand, then tie it with one and add the other four alongside, because starting with all five at once gets confusing.
Beachwear Necklace with Earrings — Instructables. A matching set in two colors (about 20 feet each). A Celtic heart knot makes the centerpiece, a snake weave holds beads between the knots, and tiny Pipa knots become earrings. The ends are left adjustable so it fits any neck. It's the most advanced project here and a lovely summer gift.
Paracord pendants to hang on your necklace
Tie one of these and hang it on a plain cord, a braided necklace or a lanyard.
Snake Knot Paracord Cross — Paracord Guild. A sturdy cross pendant from two short pieces of 550 cord (just under 2 feet and just under 2.5 feet), with a hanging loop at the top. Each arm is three snake knots and the base is six. The tutorial points out that the first knot of the bottom piece isn't stable, so don't pull it too tight. A popular gift for confirmations and Easter baskets.
How to Tie a Heart Knot — Scout Life. Seven numbered steps for a heart knot from 3 feet of paracord, rope or leather lace. The magazine suggests it for "a necklace, bracelet or keychain," and it makes a sweet Valentine's or Mother's Day gift. You start the loop 1 foot from the taped end and pinch the bottom into a V as you shape it.
Monkey Fist Necklace or Keychain — Doodlecraft. A monkey's fist knot tied around a marble, with written steps. The maker says 6 feet of cord "is great if you are wanting to make a necklace," finished with a sliding knot so it can be worn long or as a choker. (The sliding knot is shown in a video on the page.)
Paracord necklace tips
- Cut more cord than you think. Most braids use 3 to 4 times the finished length per strand. Leftovers become a keychain.
- Choose your cord weight. 550 paracord is the standard for survival necklaces. Thinner Type I or micro cord looks neater for decorative knots and pendants.
- Seal the ends. Melt cut ends with a lighter or thread burner and press them flat while warm (carefully). For the neatest finish, pull back the outer sheath, trim the inner strands a little, then melt.
- Use a breakaway clasp. It's the simplest safety upgrade for anything worn around the neck.
- Try a jig. A paracord jig holds the buckle ends for you, which helps a lot with braids like the Anthony's Angling Corner design.
More paracord, macramé and gift ideas
Paracord fans will also like our paracord lanyard patterns, paracord keychains and paracord hammock designs. If you enjoy knotting, try a macramé plant hanger, a macramé wall hanging or one of our macramé hammocks. And for more quick handmade presents, browse our weekend gift patterns and cheap stocking stuffers.
Frequently asked questions
How much paracord do I need for a necklace?
It depends on the knot. A daisy-chain survival necklace needs about 8 feet. A four-strand braided necklace about 21 inches long uses two 6-foot pieces (12 feet in all). Pendants are small: a heart knot needs about 3 feet, and a monkey's fist necklace about 6 feet.
What is the easiest paracord necklace to make?
The Thriftanista wrapped necklace needs no knots at all. For a knotted one, the Paracord Guild daisy chain uses only a slip knot and a series of loops, and Anthony's Angling Corner four-strand necklace is a simple repeating fold.
Is a paracord necklace safe to wear?
Add a breakaway clasp so the necklace pops open if it snags on something. That's especially important for children. Several of these tutorials use one, including the Paracord Guild and Arctic survival necklaces.
How do you finish the ends of a paracord necklace?
Trim the cord, then melt the end with a lighter or thread burner and press it flat while it's still warm. Most designs then tuck the end back into the weave or fix it to a buckle or clasp.
Start with a quick daisy-chain or four-strand necklace this weekend, then try a knotted pendant once you're comfortable. A handful of these make inexpensive gifts for everyone on your list, especially when paired with ideas from our paracord keychain roundup.
