The Paracord Necklace Trend
Paracord is a cord with an outer sheath made of nylon kernmantle rope and an inner yarn. The paracord has different parameters: type I, IA, II, IIA, III, IV. The most popular size is Type III or 550 cord which has a minimum elongation of 30%, has 7 to 9 core yarns and can hold up to 550 lbs. of weight.The paracord was initially used by the US Air Force during the World War II as suspension line for parachutes. However, while on the field, the paracord gained popularity for its durability, elasticity and resistance to rot and mildew. The paracord can be used for securing a temporary shelter in the wilderness, for tying rucksack to vehicles or for holding small items. The inner yarn can also be removed and used for emergency sewing or as a thread for fishing. The paracord is also used for whipmaking.
With paracord’s capacity to survive extreme weight and weather, it became the cord of choice in repairing the Hubble Space Telescope. The paracord, which was exclusively used by the military, is now available to civilians and is considered a general purpose utility cord.
The paracord comes in different colors. With the variety of colors available in the market today, it doesn’t come as a surprise that paracord is now used as a material for fashion accessories such as lanyards, bracelets, zipper pulls, keychain and ballpen holders. The favourite fashion accessories made from paracord, however, is the paracord necklace.
Depending on the thickness of the necklace desired, the paracord necklace can be made using two to six individual paracords. The paracords are then woven together using various cord tying techniques such as the Solomon bar, braid, slats knot, hangman’s knot and monkey fist. To add fun to the necklace, decorative elements can be used: metal, glass plastic, and wood beads; oval split rings, steel, ceramic, and brass Hex nuts; duckband; and titanium or aluminium ferrules. There are also various connectors and closures that can be used to make the necklace wearable: zipper pull closure, ball cord lock, quick detach string connector, break-away lanyard connector, arrowhead closure and oval cord lock.
The durability of the paracord can also be a problem. The necklace can break the wearer’s neck if it suddenly became attached or stuck to a moving object. Thus, the break-away lanyard connector is the most used connector in creating the necklace.
Depending on the length and thickness, the finished necklace can be used as a personal accessory, a dog leash, or a survival kit to which survival accessories such as compass, knife and mini-light can be attached.
The necklace is a popular identifying accessory preferred in various events and by various associations. It is the accessory worn by the Andrew Jackson Volunteers, the North Cental High, as well as the Breast Cancer Awareness Event. If the knots of the necklace are loosely woven, the paracord used for the necklace can be used for emergency situations such as a tourniquet for bleeding wounds.
If you want a fusion of fashion and function, wear a paracord necklace.