Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Cross Knot Paracord Bracelet and Watchband...

A couple of variations of tying a paracord bracelet and watchband, with using the cross knot, also known as knot #808 in The Ashley Book of Knots.

I doubled two pairs of strands for the bracelet, and alternated tying the knots with two pairs for the watchband...

Since both sides of the knot look different, you choose which you want facing out as you tie the knots. You could alternate them, or make them all the same on each side, as shown...

I used around 11 or 12 feet of paracord for tying each, with a 5/8" curved/contoured side release buckles, to fit my 8.5" wrist.


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like it but don't see the ol' step-by-step link. Thx, wk.

travis king said...

I am loving your blog... Just found it last week. I was pleasantly surprised to see you are from McDonough Ga. I live in Peachtree City but used to live in Hampton. I am in the Ga State Defense Force and am telling everyone about your blog... There are so many useful things. Thanks!

Dan said...

Love the watch band! I have a couple dive watches that would look great with!!

Steven said...

Awesome blog. Just found it recently, and I'm really enjoying it.

Funny... I have that exact same Timex ReefGear watch. I just replaced the band on it a few weeks ago. I may go back and make one of these bands instead.

Dirk said...

Just found your blog - very interested in trying out some of these paracord knots and wraps. I'd like to start by making a bracelet like this. Where do you purchase your cord and accessories like the buckles here? Sorry if this has been answered previously.

Stormdrane said...

@Dirk, You can find a good variety of paracord at the Supply Captain, and side release buckles at Creative Designworks. Other sources also found in my links list.

Alfee said...

You really have a fascination for knots! The watch strap now looks... interesting... but I sure won't wear it out.

Fairbear77 said...

I love your designs :) I work at a summer camp teaching very remedial camping, backpacking and survival skills. I had them make the wristbands last summer but yours are much better and they would also love the cross. Unfortunatly, I am a tactile learner. A basic step by step manual would be great. Do you have something like that available for us uncreative types who would love to share your ideas?

Stormdrane said...

@Fairbear77, at the moment I just have the info already posted on tying the Cross Knot/Chinese Crown Knot, with the descriptions of variations on them, but may add more in the future.

Anonymous said...

Great job on the watchband! I see how the knots were started and then continued, but I am having trouble discerning how you finished it on the ending clip. The pictures are good but I don't quite understand how you lashed it to the other clip and maintained such a clean look. Any suggestions?

Ron

Stormdrane said...

@Anonymous, to finish the bracelet, all four strands go through the other buckle end, the outer two strands are tied in a square knot/cobra stitch/Solomon bar/Portuguese sinnet back around all the cords of the bracelet, between the buckle and the last knot that had been tied.

Then all of the end strands are tucked/pulled under the knotwork of the underside of the bracelet, and trimmed/melted, sewn, or glued in place to finish.

I've used the same method for other paracord bracelets that have multiple strands tied from one buckle end to the other, without core strands to work around. Hope that makes sense.

Audrey said...

Hi, I was suggested to look at your blog by a friend that fell in love with having a watch like this. I was able to finish making the watch but after a little, the part of the watch that holds the bands on snapped off. I don't know if it was because I pulled it too tight or if it's just because the watch was not the best one to use. Do you have any suggestions on a way to fix that? Thanks!

Stormdrane said...

@Audrey, I think it sounds like you had the paracord too tight where it goes over the watch pins/under watch/back over pins. If the cord is tight where it attaches to the watch, it will put more stress on the pins when you fold the knotted watchband down around your wrist, causing the pins to bend or pop out of the holes in the watch lugs.

When making the band, make sure you can easily bend/fold the paracord band up/down where it's attached to the watch, so there's no undue stress on the pins while the watch is being worn. Hope that helps. :)

ParacordCreations said...

Your blog is helpful and inspiring! Keep up the good work! Good to see you're a fellow Georgian!

Anonymous said...

Como se llama ese broche, para poder adquirirlo