Camp! That magical place filled with silly songs, new friends, canoeing, swimming, and of course, crafts! Camp wouldn’t be the same without a keepsake craft or two to take home. A great camp craft, like these Paracord Zipper Pulls, is one that can be made with a few simple supplies and some basic instructions that kids can repeat on their own. The colorful Paracord pulls look great on backpacks and duffels, and keep zippers from jangling.
It only takes a few minutes to learn the 2 basic knots used in this zipper pull craft. Once campers get the hang of the knots, they can make 3-4 pulls in a 15 minute craft session that they can use for their camp luggage, school backpacks, or sports bags.
For more camping activities and camp-friendly crafts visit my Camping Activities Posts, which include free printables, family fun ideas, and crafty project ideas.
Make paracord zipper pulls to make zippers easier to use, stop noise, or as a zipper pull replacement for a broken piece. This easy tutorial uses a cobra knot technique. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Make Paracord Zipper Pulls
Tools
Instructions
a) Take right side loose end and loop around to right, crossing cord over top of loop and holding under thumb.
b) Loop left end to left, crossing cord behind loop and holding with fingers.Hint: kids may find "bunny ears" a good visualization for these steps.
c) Thread top loose end (left side) through left loop toward back. Thread bottom loose end (right side) up through right loop to top. Gently pull loose ends to tighten knot, using fingers and thumb to hold knot in place while tightening.
a) Loop rear-facing loose end around and over the top of the zipper pull, holding in place with thumb.
b) Wrap remaining loose end forward around first and back to rear, then bring end forward through loop made in (a). Pull ends to tighten securely.
c) Repeat cobra knot (always beginning with rear-pointing strand) until 2 knots are formed on each side of zipper pull.
a) (optional) Continue knotting if more length is desired.
b) Cut one excess paracord strand close to the knots, leaving approximately 1/16 inch of strand.
c) Have an adult use a flame to melt the end of the paracord and use the side of the lighter to press the end into the knot, which will prevent fraying and unraveling. Repeat with remaining paracord end.
Safety Note: Do not use fingers to press melted Paracord ends. Melted plastic is hot, and will burn fingers. Seriously, use the lighter base. Fingers are important, and so are fingerprints.
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Thanks for stopping by!
Carla
Laura Kelly
These are super fun and such a great project for the girls in my troop. We are definitely doing these at camp in a few weeks!!! XO