How to Tie Paracord Knots

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:

1. Loop paracord about three times around your fingers
2. On fourth loop, pinch bottom with thumb to prepare perpendicular loops
3. Pass paracord three times perpendicular to first loops
4. Transition to two fingers and insert weight (marble or ball of some sort) into the middle of the loops
5. Remove fingers from inside
6. Make horizontal alternating passes through first loops
7. Check to make sure there are three strands on all sides at this point
8. Cinch out all the slack by pulling each slacked loop one at a time
9. 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.

1. Start by making a simple loop
2. Pinch the overlap and wrap the top paracord two times around your finger
3. Run the working end through the large loop and through the top loop wrapped around your finger
4. 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.

1. Circle your anchor point with the paracord
2. Run short end over and under main line and tighten
3. Pass end under main line and leave slightly loose
4. Pass end through the small loop created in #3
5. 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.

1. Fold cord in half at its midpoint and put your weak hand’s middle finger through it
2. With the right-side line, make an overhand loop
3. Pinch where the loop crosses and rotate away from you one half a rotation
4. Pull the bottom line through the loop to create another
5. Make the left-side end run under the right-side line
6. With the same end, push it through the loop created in #4
7. Pull that same end until most of the slack is gone but the paracord is still looped around your middle finger
8. Take the left end and wrap under the right end then through the middle hole from the underside, then pull all the way through
9. Wrap the right end around the top and run through the center hole from the underside and pull all the way through
10. 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!

Like this post? Read more of our Paracord posts by clicking the links below:

• How to Make a Paracord Bracelet in 10 Minutes
• How to Tie Paracord Knots
• Making Your Own Paracord Lanyard
• Simple Paracord Keychain Construction
• Weave Your Own Paracord Belt