Paracord Lanyards

 

How to Make a Paracord Lanyard

 

 

🔗 How to Make a Paracord Lanyard

 


DIY Guide from Cams Cords


Whether you’re after a sturdy lanyard for your keys, ID, or tools — or just keen to learn a simple paracord braid — this easy project is a great one to start with.


 

🧰 What You’ll Need:

 

 

  • Paracord (550 Type III) — about 1.5–2 metres (choose your fave colour from Cams Cords range)

  • Scissors or sharp knife

  • Lighter (for melting ends)

  • Keyring, snap hook, or trigger clip – grab one here

  • Ruler or tape measure

 

 

 

 

✂️ Step 1: Cut and Prep Your Cord

 

 

  • Measure and cut approx. 1.5 to 2 metres of paracord.

  • Gently melt the cut ends with a lighter to stop fraying (don’t burn it — just enough to seal).

 


🔎 Tip: If you’re making a longer lanyard (for around the neck), go with closer to 2m.

 

 

 

🧶 Step 2: Attach to the Clip or Keyring

 

 

  • Fold your cord in half to find the centre.

  • Loop the folded end through your clip/keyring.

  • Pull the loose ends through the loop to form a cow hitch knot. Tighten it up — this is your starting point.

 

 

 

🪢 Step 3: Begin the Cobra Weave (a.k.a Solomon Bar)

 


Here’s the basic motion:

 

  1. Take the left cord, pass it under the centre and over the right cord.

  2. Take the right cord, pass it over the centre and through the loop on the left.

  3. Pull both cords tight.

 


Now reverse:

 

  1. Take the right cord, pass it under and over the left.

  2. Left cord goes over the centre and through the right-side loop.

  3. Tighten again.

 


Repeat this alternating pattern all the way down.


🎯 Want a thicker feel? You can double up the core or use two colours for a twist on the classic look.

 

 

 

📏 Step 4: Finish the Braid

 

 

  • Stop when you have 2–3 cm of space left.

  • Tighten your final weave snugly.

 

 

 

🔥 Step 5: Trim and Seal the Ends

 

 

  • Measure the Paracord Lanyard around your neck, and cut the ends. Now run the paracord ends into the release, then melt and squish the ends flat. 

 

 

✅ Optional: Add a Neck Loop or Extra Clip

 


Want to wear it around your neck? You can add:

 

  • A breakaway clip (for safety)

  • A second ring or loop for tools or ID holders

 


Browse our full accessories here.

 

 

 

💡 Pro Tips from Cams

 

 

  • Use two colours for a reversible lanyard look.

  • Got leftover cord? Turn it into a matching key fob or zip pull.

  • The Cobra weave is a great foundation for more advanced paracord projects — once you’ve got it down, try bracelets, belts, or dog leads!