Not very many years ago at all, parachute cord was discovered to be one of the most versatile types of rope available - it’s remarkably strong considering it is also highly flexible and the texturing gives it great grip. It can be used to create toys, tools, traps and more, and below you will find instructions on tying a few of our favorite paracord knots.
Paracord Monkey Fist Knot
When figuring how to tie a monkey fist knot with paracord, the size of the ball used (if you use one at all) will determine how many passes to run when completing the pattern. Otherwise, the following steps will still work, but just be aware that using a larger ball will require a little extra work. Also, if this is your first time making knots with paracord, you might want to start with one or two of the other knots on this page. To make a monkey fist knot:
Loop paracord about three times around your fingers
Onfourth loop, pinch bottom with thumb to prepare perpendicular loops
Pass paracord three times perpendicular to first loops
Transition to two fingers and insert weight (marble or ball of some sort) into the middle of the loops
Remove fingers from inside
Make horizontal alternating passes through first loops
Check to make sure there are three strands on all sides at this point
Cinch out all the slack by pulling each slacked loop one at a time
Knot additional line however you prefer
Paracord Snare Knot (Poacher’s Snare)
This is the kind of knot that you wear your paracord bracelet for as its usefulness will actually help you to catch a meal in seriously uncertain times.
Start by making a simple loop
Pinch the overlap and wrap the top paracord two times around your finger
Run the working end through the large loop and through the top loop wrapped around your finger
Pull the loop and ends to cinch the knot
Paracord Half Hitch
The half hitch is a useful knot in that it’s quick to tie, easy to remember and can secure your cord to an anchor like hanging line or tie downs. Like the snare knot, it is a constrictor knot, but the half hitch’s utility is better suited to stationary objects.
Circle your anchor point with the paracord
Run short end over and under main line and tighten
Pass end under main line and leave slightly loose
Pass end through the small loop created in #3
Hold end and pull mainline to secure
Paracord Lanyard Knot (Diamond Knot)
Although the need for having a lanyard around a flashlight or knife might not be readily apparent, they are an absolute necessity when working somewhere high up, near a cliff, by a body of water or anywhere else it would be near impossible to find the tool if dropped.
Fold cord in half at its midpoint and put your weak hand’s middle finger through it
With the right-side line, make an overhand loop
Pinch where the loop crosses and rotate away from you one half a rotation
Pull the bottom line through the loop to create another
Make the left-side end run under the right-side line
With the same end, push it through the loop created in #4
Pull that same end until most of the slack is gone but the paracord is still looped around your middle finger
Take the left end and wrap under the right end then through the middle hole from the underside, then pull all the way through
Wrap the right end around the top and run through the center hole from the underside and pull all the way through
Finish the knot by holding the two ends and pulling tight away from your middle finger
If there are any specific kinds of paracord knots that you would like to see instructions for, let me know in the comments below!
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Ready Tribe is a group collaboration of thought and action. We believe that everyone should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. We use the best from many schools of thought, counterculture and subculture and bring them together in one place. We are optimists by nature. We believe in being self-reliant and being ready for many possible futures- yet thriving and prospering in the present.
