Step by Step Guide to Making a Paracord Dog Lead

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A detailed close-up of a black and white woven paracord pattern, emphasizing texture and contrast.
Credit: pexels.com, A detailed close-up of a black and white woven paracord pattern, emphasizing texture and contrast.

To make a paracord dog lead, start by cutting a 3-foot piece of 550 paracord, which is the standard length for a dog lead.

This length will give you enough cord to work with while keeping the lead manageable for your dog.

Cut two 12-inch pieces of paracord for the handle and attach them to the main cord using a knot, such as the "bunny ear" knot.

Suggestion: Paracord Bracelet

Materials and Planning

To make a paracord dog lead, you'll need the right materials and a solid plan. You'll need two 16 foot strands of 550lb Type III Paracord, a metal Snap latch, and a paper clip for cord weaving.

You'll also need to consider how much cord you'll need. A 4 foot leash requires five feet of cord, with a 25% loss during the braiding process. This means you'll need two 11.25 foot cords to have enough material.

To calculate the cord length you'll need, consider the parts of a dog leash: the braid, the loop, and the spliced or tucked in ends. This will help you plan and avoid running short or having too much excess cord.

Materials Needed

Dog Holding a Rope in its Mouth
Credit: pexels.com, Dog Holding a Rope in its Mouth

To start making your paracord dog leash or collar, you'll need a few essential materials. Paracord 550 is a must-have, and you can choose one or two colors of equal length.

A snap hook is also necessary for attaching the leash to the new collar. You'll also need scissors, a paperclip or lacing needle, and a lighter to melt the cord.

The amount of paracord needed varies depending on the design, but a good rule of thumb is to start with 11.25 feet of cord to account for braid loss.

Here's a list of materials needed:

  • Paracord 550 in one or two colors
  • A snap hook
  • Scissors
  • A paperclip or lacing needle
  • A lighter

Make sure to have a tape measure on hand to ensure your cord is the right length.

Determine Your Needs

To determine how much paracord you need, start by deciding how long you want your leash to be. Four and six feet are the most popular lengths.

You'll want to double the paracord to account for the braid loss. A 4' leash would require 8' of cord, plus one foot for the handle loop and splice.

Close-up of Lead Rope Hanging on a Hook
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of Lead Rope Hanging on a Hook

Add 25% to the total to account for braid loss. This brings the total paracord needed to 11.25' for a 4' leash.

You can also use a simple formula to calculate the total paracord needed. Here's a breakdown of the math:

A 6' leash would require 20.25' of paracord, which is a significant difference from the 4' leash. Make sure to double-check your calculations to ensure you have enough paracord for your project.

Pattern Length

Our paracord dog leash is just over 4-1/2 feet long. If you'd like a longer leash, start with longer strands of cords.

You can adjust the length of your leash by using longer strands of paracord.

Gathering and Measuring

For a paracord dog leash, you'll need paracord 550 or rope material of choice in one or two colors of equal length. This will be the foundation of your project.

To get started, gather the following materials: a snap hook, scissors, paperclip or lacing needle, lighter, and tape measure.

Credit: youtube.com, HOW TO MAKE A PARACORD DOG LEASH TUTORIAL // Cobra paracord weave

You'll need approximately 10 feet of cord per 1 foot of leash for the main color, depending on the knot used. If you're using the knot from the tutorial, start with 50 feet of color A (the main color, or the working cords).

To ensure you have enough cordage for the overlay, take double the size used for the basic leash. If you took 11 and a quarter feet for the basic leash, take 22.5 feet this time.

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How Many Feet?

To make a paracord dog leash, you'll need to know the right amount of cord to start with. The exact amount needed depends on the knot used, but for the main colour, you'll need approximately 10 feet of cord per 1 foot of leash.

If you want a longer leash, start with longer strands of cord. Our paracord dog leash is just over 4-1/2 feet long, so keep that in mind when planning your project.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Measure Linear Feet

For the overlay cords, you'll need double the size of the basic leash. So, if you took 11 and a quarter feet for the basic leash, take 22.5 feet this time.

You can use the same braid for the overlay as you did for the basic leash, and cover the handle as well.

Remove

Removing excess material is a crucial step in the process.

The basic leash is done when the splices are complete. All there is left to do is cut and melt the ends.

Cutting the leash is a straightforward task, but it's essential to do it carefully to avoid damaging the material.

Tie Knots

Tie knots to create a sturdy and stylish paracord dog lead. The thin line Solomon bar knot is a variation of the cobra weave, often used to make paracord bracelets.

To start, you'll need to tie a thin line Solomon bar knot, which involves bringing the left working cord over the left stationary cord and under both the right stationary cord and the right working cord. Make sure to leave a loop at the left.

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Credit: youtube.com, How to Make a Heavy Duty Paracord Dog Leash—8 Strand Braid!

Next, bring the right working cord to the left under the stationary cords and up through the loop. Pull on the knot to tighten. As you tie knots, adjust the stationary cords so that they sit on top of one another.

Repeat the knots in step 3, starting with the left knot, to create a pattern. Continue this same pattern until the leash is your desired length, or until you have just enough left of colour B to form the leash's handle (about 6 inches of each cord).

Here's a summary of the steps to tie the knots:

Remember to adjust the stationary cords as you go to ensure they sit on top of one another. This will help create a neat and even pattern. By following these steps, you'll be able to tie the knots required to make a sturdy and stylish paracord dog lead.

Elbert Hilpert

Lead Writer

Elbert Hilpert is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in various topics, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the writing community. His expertise spans across multiple categories, including Animal Bites and Injuries, where he has delved into the complexities of animal behavior and the importance of proper treatment for bite victims.

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