Paracord Cross (Square Braid)
I've seen an instructable for this before, but now I can't find it. So I decided to make another. This is the first time I've attempted to make one, and I'm pleased with myself. I did watch 'How to Make a Paracord Cross (Necklace) by TIAT' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTHk7fFkaX0) prior to making this.
This makes a 3 1/2 inch cross that can be added to a key chain or lanyard, clipped to a backpack, hung in a rear view mirror, and so on.
Materials
Paracord- I used four 4 ft strands, but had roughly 20 inches left over, so I suggest using four 3 ft strands instead.
Scissors
Needle nose pliers
Tape measure or Ruler
Lighter
[Not Necessary] Key Ring (or whatever you want to use to hang or clip the cross onto)
This makes a 3 1/2 inch cross that can be added to a key chain or lanyard, clipped to a backpack, hung in a rear view mirror, and so on.
Materials
Paracord- I used four 4 ft strands, but had roughly 20 inches left over, so I suggest using four 3 ft strands instead.
Scissors
Needle nose pliers
Tape measure or Ruler
Lighter
[Not Necessary] Key Ring (or whatever you want to use to hang or clip the cross onto)
Step 1
Fold two of the cords in half. This is where you are going to start braiding one of the arms of the cross. Lay them out like a cross, overlapping at that spot.
Step 2
Hold the spot with your thumb and fold the ends of the vertical strand over the horizontal strand, like shown in the picture.
Step 3
Do the same thing with the ends of the horizontal strand, looping each over the first strand it crosses, and under the second one. Pull tight.
Step 4
Continue this until you have four more knots.
Step 5
Repeat steps 1-4 with the other two strands. You have now completed the two arms of the cross.
Step 6
Hold the two arms together with the short ends on top and the longer ends on bottom. Begin making the square braid for the top portion of the cross. Continue braiding until you have five knots, like the arms.
Step 7
Make another knot on the top portion, but before you tighten it, wrap each strand counter clock-wise (to the right) and just after it passes the first strand, bring it up through the middle. Do this for all four strands. Tighten the knot and make sure it is right up next to the braids.
Step 8
Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the bottom portion, but instead of making 5 knots, make 9 knots.
Step 9
If you aren't attaching anything, then skip this step.
Attach your key ring. I found it easier to do by putting my needle nosed pliers behind the two strands and stretching it out a little before I attached my key ring.
Attach your key ring. I found it easier to do by putting my needle nosed pliers behind the two strands and stretching it out a little before I attached my key ring.
Step 10
Now, cut the ends and seal them with a lighter.
You have now completed your paracord cross!
You have now completed your paracord cross!