Repeating what was touched-on in another thread...beware of shrinkage after getting wet. Could ruin gear-lanyard or -braid.

This braiding supply site (click on "parachute cord") suggests preshrinking by soaking in hot water 5 minutes, then drying in clothes dryer or sun.

Testing, I took 12-in. length of mil spec 7-strand, soaked it, then dried. Ended up a little under 11-in.