Hearts Paracord Bracelet

This bracelet is a variation on the standard Solomon Bar. It is sometimes called Solomon Hearts because of the heart shaped pattern that emerges from the knots. Even if you have no interest in hearts, it is a fun and easy pattern to make!

For an 8 inch bracelet I used a 4 foot length of two different colors of 550 paracord, a 1/2 inch side release buckle, and the general paracord tools including scissors, lighter, and bent nose pliers. I also use a jig because I find it easier to get consistent knots and measurements.

Join the two colors of paracord. There are various methods to do this. In this bracelet the fused ends will not be seen under the knots.

The easiest method of fusing is to soften the ends of the cord with a lighter than squeeze the ends together so they stick. Commonly called Melt and Mash, this is perfectly acceptable for paracord items used for decorative purposes but the bond will not hold up to much strain.

The second method is called Splice and Stitch. Slip one end of paracord into the end of the second color, then stich the ends together. This is stronger than the Melt and Mash, especially if you use an inner strand of paracord for the stitching. Again, in this bracelet the fused ends will not be seen but if details are important you can match the thread to the paracord color. I use the Splice and Stitch most often.

The third method is called the Manny Method. This is the strongest way to join two pieces of paracord, though it takes a few more tools and a little more patience than I sometimes have. If you are planning to put a lot of strain on the paracord, this method is worth learning.

http://www.paracordguild.com/how-to-join-paracord-...

Once you have your full 8 feet of paracord ready, slide the ends through one piece of the buckle, leaving a small loop. Pull the ends around through the loop and pull snug. Slide the ends of the cord through the other piece of buckle and measure the length of bracelet you want to make.

Instead of referring to left or right, I will refer to the cords by their color since the cords change sides with each step. The two strands held by the buckles are called the Core.

1. Cross the red cord over the core leaving a loop and under the white cord.

2. Pull the white cord under the core and over the loop of red cord.

3. Pull the knot snug.

4. Repeat 1-3 above. The cords have changed sides but the order of colors in the instructions stays the same. - Red over core, white under core and over red, pull snug.

The steps for the next two knots are the same except we start with the white cord.

1. Cross the white cord over the core leaving a loop and under the red cord.

2. Pull the red cord under the core and over the loop of white cord.

3. Pull the knot snug.

4. Repeat 1-3 above. The cords have changed sides but the order of colors in the instructions stays the same. - white over core, red under core and over white, pull snug.

Follow Steps 3 and 4 (two knots with red over, two knots with white over) until you get to the end of the bracelet.

When you get to the end, flip the bracelet over and find the loop you made to hold the buckle onto the cord. This should be on the inside of the bracelet, the part worn against your wrist.

Use the pliers to pull the loose ends of cord through this loop and pull tight.

Snip the cords and singe the ends to prevent unraveling.

In this example, you can see the white outline of hearts with red inside. Flip it upside down and it is red hearts with white inside.