A few months ago I watched my mother-in-law crochet with some yarn. I wondered if I could do the same thing with paracord, making it easier to store. Later I found a how-to book at the library, then bought a crochet hook and tried some simple chains/stitches. After some practice I could it with even stitches (it helps that you can pull the paracord really tight while crocheting, you can't do that with yarn). I also discovered that I ccould unravel the stitches, which means that a square of crocheted paracord can be easily stored, and easily unraveled when needed. I've now made a few of these for various kits and around the shop. So far it works ok for long-term storage and easy retrival.

Here is an example from my car kit: 100 feet orange 4-strand paracord that is in a 7"x8" square.

Larger Size Image - Orange

Here is my latest one: 100 feet of grey 7-strand paracord that is in a 14"x4" rectangle (the photocaption says 7", sorry) that fits in the bottom of the bladder pocket in my TAD Gen2 FAST pack.

Large Size Image - Grey

I'm sorry if the pictures are not clear enough, I'm still learning about taking and posting digital pictures.

that looks like it would pack and transport, be thrown around kits, cars, etc., very well w/o tangling and hooking on stuff.

As your bottom example points out, it looks like you could squeeze these in anywhere. It also looks like they'd have some decent uses as a pad...or to pad between items in packouts.


How long did it take to learn?

This is a GENIUS idea! Excellent for keeping it easy to access and store. You're brilliant.

I had an ex-girlfriend learn/teach me a few years back. Maybe I'll run out and do that myself! Have you found any sizes to be more useful than others?

It took a few nights of trial and error while watching TV. I first tried with yarn, just to get the basics. That was too hard since it was harder to match the result to the pictures in the book. When I gave up and tried again with paracord it was much easier.

My suggestion is to start with paracord, a book, and a 5.5mm crochet hook. You could use a larger hook, but I think it would be harder to insert into tight stitches. Make a length of about 20 chain stitches, then make several layers of single-stitches. Unravel, then start over again. You should be able to make even stitches within a day or so, then try making squares to a specific size.

Thank you.

I don't think the size of the paracord makes much difference. I've used three different cords (7-strand, 4-strand, and a cheap hardware store cord) with same effect, and have used the same 5.5mm hook for all three.

By the way, when out with my son's troop I've found that paracord is just too stretchy to make a good long clothesline - that we can hang sleeping bags and such on, so I tend to carry 100' of 3/8" braided nylon rope as well as the paracord.

Zen....
Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures and tips on how to do this. This is really a great idea. I'm going to give this a try.

smitty

Oh wow. You've finally unravelled my excuses about not learning to crochet.

I can just see it now- the guys who talk about thier belts and hat bands will swallow their tounges if I can make a full length scarf out of paracord! *manic grin*

Good thinking, Zen. Looks like a great way to pack 550 cord into tight spots. Next up: paracord macrame!