How To Make A 550 Cord Lanyard

Crafting a 550 cord lanyard is a rewarding and practical endeavor that requires minimal materials and effort. Whether you’re an avid outdoors enthusiast, a survivalist, or simply seeking a stylish and functional accessory, this comprehensive guide will empower you to create a durable and versatile 550 cord lanyard that meets your specific needs. With its exceptional strength, lightweight construction, and endless customization options, a 550 cord lanyard serves as an indispensable tool for navigating the rigors of everyday life, outdoor adventures, and emergency situations.

To embark on this creative journey, you’ll need a few essential supplies: a length of 550 paracord, a sharp knife or scissors, a lighter, and optionally, beads or other decorative elements. Armed with these tools, you’ll delve into the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the process of crafting a 550 cord lanyard. Along the way, you’ll discover the secrets of creating various knots, joining techniques, and accessory attachments that will transform your simple cord into a functional and stylish masterpiece.

As you progress through the guide, you’ll not only gain the skills to create a basic 550 cord lanyard but also explore advanced techniques that will elevate your lanyard-making prowess. Learn how to incorporate intricate knots, such as the cobra stitch or the Turk’s head knot, to enhance the lanyard’s durability and aesthetic appeal. Discover the art of adding beads and other embellishments to personalize your lanyard and make it a reflection of your unique style. Whether you’re seeking a lanyard for everyday use or for a specific purpose, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to create a 550 cord lanyard that exceeds your expectations.

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Materials You’ll Need

To embark on this cord lanyard crafting adventure, you’ll need a carefully curated assortment of tools and materials. Allow us to guide you through the essential components:

550 Paracord: The cornerstone of your lanyard, this durable cordage serves as the primary building block. Opt for a high-quality paracord with a breaking strength of at least 550 pounds, ensuring longevity and dependability.
Scissors: Sharp shears or scissors will enable precise cutting of the paracord, ensuring clean and accurate results.
Lighter or Heat Source: A lighter or other portable heat source will aid in melting the ends of the paracord to prevent fraying and create a secure finish.
Measuring Tape or Ruler: This essential tool ensures accurate measurements for a customized lanyard length tailored to your specific requirements.
Carabiner or Split Ring: A sturdy carabiner or split ring will serve as the attachment point for your lanyard, connecting it securely to various objects.
Beads, Whistle, or Other Embellishments (Optional): Unleash your creativity by incorporating beads, a whistle, or other decorative elements to personalize your lanyard and make it truly your own.

Item	Quantity
550 Paracord	1 bundle (length determined by desired lanyard size)
Scissors	1 pair
Lighter or Heat Source	1
Measuring Tape or Ruler	1
Carabiner or Split Ring	1
Beads, Whistle, or Embellishments	Optional

Preparing the Cords

To begin your 550 cord lanyard, you’ll need to gather the following materials:

550 cord in two colors
Scissors
Lighter or matches
Ruler or measuring tape

Once you have your materials, you can begin preparing the cords.

Step 1: Cut the Cords

Measure and cut two pieces of 550 cord, each approximately 24 inches long. These will be the main strands of your lanyard.

Step 2: Prepare the Core Strands

Unravel the inner core strands of both pieces of cord. You will now have four core strands for each cord, for a total of eight core strands.

Step 3: Prepare the Outer Sheath

Cut a piece of outer sheath that is approximately 4 inches long. This will be used to cover the core strands and create the “loop” of your lanyard.

Step 4: Burn the Ends

Use a lighter or matches to seal the ends of all the cut cord pieces. This will prevent them from fraying.

Creating the Core

The core is the central part of the lanyard that provides support and strength. To create the core, you will need a length of 550 cord that is approximately 60 to 80 inches long. Here are the steps to create the core:

1. Fold the Cord

Take the length of 550 cord and fold it in half, creating a loop at one end. The folded part will form the core of the lanyard.

2. Create a Lark’s Head Knot

Take the standing end of the cord and pass it through the loop from the bottom. Then, bring it back through the loop from the top and tighten it. This will create a lark’s head knot, securing the core to itself.

3. Wrap the Standing End

Now, begin wrapping the standing end of the cord around the core, always keeping tension and spacing the wraps evenly. Wrap in a spiral motion, ensuring that the cord is tight against the core. The number of wraps will depend on the desired thickness of the core. Aim for at least 20 to 30 wraps to provide sufficient support.

4. Create a Figure-Eight Knot

Once you have wrapped the desired number of times, bring the standing end back through the core and pull it tight. Create a figure-eight knot at the end of the standing end to secure the core. Trim the excess cord, leaving a small tail for decoration.

| Core Wraps | Lanyard Thickness |
|—|—|
| 20-30 | Light |
| 30-40 | Medium |
| 40+ | Heavy |

Adding the Outer Strands

Now it’s time to add the outer strands that will give your lanyard its finished look. You’ll need four additional strands of cord, each approximately 55 inches long.

Take two of the outer strands and pass them through the holes in the middle strand from the back. Pull them through until there is about 6 inches of cord left on each side.
Fold the remaining ends of the outer strands back and through the other holes in the middle strand from the front. Pull them through to create a loop.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the remaining two outer strands.

Now you’ll need to secure the outer strands by forming a square knot. To do this, cross the left outer strand over the right outer strand and pull it through the loop you created in step 2. Then, take the right outer strand and cross it over the left outer strand, pulling it through the loop you just created.

Step	Description
1	Cross the left outer strand over the right outer strand and pull it through the loop.
2	Cross the right outer strand over the left outer strand and pull it through the loop.
3	Tighten the knot by pulling on all four strands.

Maintaining Tension

Maintaining proper tension is crucial when braiding a 550 cord lanyard. Here are some tips to achieve a balanced and tight weave:

Establish a Consistent Grip: Grip the three cords evenly with your fingertips. Keep your grip firm but relaxed, allowing the cords to slide smoothly through your fingers.
Control the Pace: Braid at a steady pace. Rushing can lead to uneven tension and loose knots. Take your time and focus on controlling the movement of each cord.
Use Your Fingers: Utilize your fingers to guide and adjust the tension of the cords. Grip them closer to the knot to increase tension and further away to loosen it.
Create a Holding Knot: If you need to pause the braiding process, create a holding knot to secure the cords in place. This will prevent them from unraveling and maintain the tension.
Check for Slack: Regularly inspect the lanyard for any slack areas. If you notice any, adjust the tension of the cords accordingly to tighten the weave.

Mistake	Solution
Too Loose a Weave	Increase the tension of the cords by gripping them closer to the knot or using a holding knot.
Too Tight a Weave	Decrease the tension of the cords by gripping them further away from the knot or adjusting the position of your fingers.

Finishing the Knot

Now that you have created your desired knot, it’s time to finish it off and secure it in place.

1. Create a Carrick Bend

To create a Carrick bend, take the left tail of the cord and wrap it over the right tail, creating a small loop. Pass the right tail through the loop and pull tight.

2. Pass the Tails Through the Loop

Take both tails of the cord and pass them through the loop you created in the previous step. Pull them tight to secure the knot.

3. Tighten the Knot

Grab the left and right tails and pull them in opposite directions to tighten the knot. This will secure the ends of the cord and prevent the knot from loosening.

4. Trim the Excess Cord

Once the knot is tight, use scissors to trim any excess cord, leaving about 1/4 inch beyond the knot.

5. Melt the Ends

Use a lighter to melt the ends of the excess cord. This will create a small bead that will prevent the cord from fraying.

6. Detailed Explanation of Melting the Ends

Melting the ends of the excess cord is crucial for preventing fraying and ensuring the longevity of your lanyard. Below is a step-by-step guide with extra details:

a. Hold the ends of the excess cord about 1/4 inch away from a lighter flame.

b. Gently move the cord back and forth over the flame until the ends start to melt and fuse together.

c. Once a small bead has formed, remove the cord from the flame and allow it to cool.

d. Check if the bead is secure by pulling gently on the cord. If the bead does not come off, the ends are properly melted.

e. Repeat steps a-d for the other end of the excess cord.

Attaching the Clasp

Step 7: Threading the Cord

Take one end of the cord and thread it through the loop on the back of the clasp. Pull the cord through until about 6 inches of it extends beyond the clasp. Hold the clasp steady while you work.

Repeat this step with the other end of the cord, threading it through the opposite loop on the clasp. Again, leave about 6 inches of cord extending beyond the clasp.

Once both cords are threaded, you will have a loop of cord on each side of the clasp.

Step 7A: Creating the Knot

Take the two loops of cord and cross the left loop over the right loop. Then, take the right loop and pass it through the loop you just created.

Pull the cords tight to secure the knot. The knot should be positioned close to the clasp.

Step 7B: Trimming the Excess Cord

Trim the excess cord close to the knot, leaving only about 1/4 inch of cord beyond the knot. Use a sharp knife or scissors to make a clean cut.

Step 7C: Burn the Ends

Carefully burn the ends of the trimmed cord with a lighter or match. This will prevent them from fraying and adds a polished touch to your lanyard.

Allow the melted cord ends to cool and solidify before handling the lanyard.

Step	Description
7A	Creating the Knot
7B	Trimming the Excess Cord
7C	Burning the Ends

Crimping the Ends

Once you’ve created your lanyard, it’s time to crimp the ends to prevent fraying and ensure a secure hold. Here’s a detailed guide to crimping the ends of your 550 cord lanyard:

8. Crimping the Ends for Durability

Prepare the ends: Cut the excess cord, leaving about 1 inch of cord at each end. Carefully melt the ends of the cord to prevent unraveling.
Choose the correct crimps: Select crimps that are designed for the diameter of your cord. Ensure the crimps are large enough to accommodate the cord but not too large that they create a weak point.
Insert the cord into the crimp: Open the crimp using a pair of pliers and insert one end of the cord into the crimp channel. Ensure the cord is centered and fully inserted into the crimp.
Close the crimp: Using a pair of crimping pliers, squeeze the crimp down firmly until it tightly holds the cord. Ensure the crimp is fully closed and the cord is securely held in place.
Repeat for the other end: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other end of the lanyard.

Crimp Type	Application
Single Barrel (Aluminum)	General purpose, suitable for most lanyards
Double Barrel (Copper)	Heavy-duty lanyards, provides extra strength
Figure-8 Crimps	High-strength connections, recommended for critical applications

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The lanyard is too short or too long.

The length of the lanyard can be easily adjusted by tying a knot at the desired length. To shorten the lanyard, tie a knot close to the end of the cord and trim off the excess. To lengthen the lanyard, tie a knot further down the cord.

The lanyard is too thick or too thin.

The thickness of the lanyard can be adjusted by using a different size of cord. For a thicker lanyard, use a thicker cord. For a thinner lanyard, use a thinner cord.

The lanyard is not strong enough.

The strength of the lanyard depends on the type of cord used. For a stronger lanyard, use a high-strength cord such as paracord or Kevlar.

The lanyard is too stiff or too flexible.

The stiffness or flexibility of the lanyard can be adjusted by using a different type of cord. For a stiffer lanyard, use a stiffer cord such as nylon or polyester. For a more flexible lanyard, use a more flexible cord such as cotton or hemp.

The lanyard is too slippery or too sticky.

The slipperiness or stickiness of the lanyard can be adjusted by using a different type of cord. For a less slippery lanyard, use a cord with a rougher texture. For a less sticky lanyard, use a cord with a smoother texture.

The lanyard is too heavy or too light.

The weight of the lanyard depends on the type of cord used. For a lighter lanyard, use a lighter cord such as nylon or polyester. For a heavier lanyard, use a heavier cord such as paracord or Kevlar.

The lanyard is too expensive or too cheap.

The cost of the lanyard depends on the type of cord used and the length of the lanyard. For a less expensive lanyard, use a less expensive cord and make a shorter lanyard. For a more expensive lanyard, use a more expensive cord and make a longer lanyard.

The lanyard is not the right color.

The color of the lanyard can be changed by using a different color of cord. To change the color of the lanyard, simply replace the cord with a new cord of the desired color.

The lanyard is not the right style.

The style of the lanyard can be changed by using a different type of knot or by adding beads or other embellishments. To change the style of the lanyard, simply tie a different type of knot or add beads or other embellishments.

Materials Needed:

550 paracord, Scissors, Lighter or fire source

Making Variations and Personalizations

1. Basic Lanyard:

Follow the steps outlined above.

2. Adjustable Lanyard:

Add a barrel knot or locking slider for adjustability.

3. Double-Braided Lanyard:

Braid two strands of paracord together and then join them.

4. Snake Knot Lanyard:

Use a snake knot to create a decorative pattern.

5. Cobra Stitch Lanyard:

Use a cobra stitch to create a strong and durable lanyard.

6. Turk’s Head Knot Lanyard:

Use a Turk’s head knot to create a complex decorative knot.

7. Diamond Knot Lanyard:

Use a diamond knot to create a unique and intricate design.

8. Fishtail Braid Lanyard:

Braid the paracord strands in a fishtail pattern.

9. Crown Sinnet Lanyard:

Use a crown sinnet knot to create a sturdy and decorative lanyard.

10. Customizations:

Add beads, buckles, or other embellishments to personalize your lanyard.

Customization	Materials
Beads	Glass, wood, metal
Buckles	Plastic, metal
Embroidery	Thread, needle