Crafting with Paracord: Creative Ideas for Kids

By Barry LeClair – Technical Support Specialist, Suburban Indiana

Introduction: Making Paracord Fun and Safe for the Next Generation

Hey there—Barry here from good ol’ suburban Indiana. When I’m not untangling tech issues at work, I’m usually at my workbench playing with paracord. Lately, my niece and nephew have taken an interest in what I’m doing—and that got me thinking: paracord isn’t just for survival gear and rugged dudes in flannel. It’s also a creative, hands-on way to get kids off screens and into crafting.

This blog is for parents, uncles, scout leaders—anyone who wants to share this awesome hobby with younger hands. I’ll walk you through kid-safe paracord projects, tools, safety tips, and a few lessons I learned the hard way.

Section 1: Why Paracord is Great for Kids

Paracord is soft, flexible, and colorful—plus it holds up to wear and tear (especially with kids who get distracted halfway through a project). It teaches:

Fine motor skills
Creative thinking
Patience and focus

I’ve found paracord projects to be a great bonding activity. It gives kids a sense of accomplishment when they finish a bracelet or lanyard. They walk away with something they made—and that’s powerful.

Section 2: Safety First – What to Avoid When Crafting with Kids

Crafting with kids means planning ahead and removing the hazards. Here are a few pointers I’ve picked up:

Avoid open flames – Pre-melt cord ends or use a heat gun under supervision.
No sharp blades – Pre-cut cords for younger children or use child-safe scissors.
Keep it short – Projects should last 15–30 minutes to match attention spans.
Use non-toxic materials – Stick to 100% nylon cords that meet CPSIA standards.

Reference: Safe Materials for Kids’ Crafts – Healthline

Section 3: Easy Paracord Projects for Kids

Here are 3 simple, tested-by-my-niece paracord crafts that kids love:

1. Zipper Pulls

Uses 2–3 feet of cord
Easy cobra or spiral knot
Customize with colorful brass beads from BeadsHub.co

2. Soap Saver Mesh

Teaches looping techniques
Useful and unique
Great for bath-time fun

3. Keychain Buddies

Use googly eyes and bright cords
Fun to gift or trade with friends

I pre-cut cords and sealed the ends beforehand—it made the session go smoothly.

Section 4: Tools & Workspace Setup for Little Hands

Kids don’t need fancy tools—but a few basics can help:

Blunt-tipped plastic needles (for lacing through tighter knots)
A paracord jig or clipboard
Washable mat or crafting surface

Encourage working at a table—not the floor—so posture and focus stay intact. I like to put on some upbeat music and make it feel like a workshop, not a classroom.

Section 5: Teaching Through Craft

Every paracord project is a teaching moment. Here’s what I emphasize:

Start with simple patterns
Celebrate mistakes – they’re part of learning
Let them choose the colors – that way they feel ownership
Add storytelling – “This bead is a dragon egg,” goes a long way with kids

Crafting becomes less about perfection and more about connection.

Section 6: Product Tie-In – BeadsHub.co

A quick plug (from personal use): BeadsHub.co has awesome kid-safe brass beads. They’re polished, sturdy, and just the right size for smaller hands. Adding a bead or two makes even a beginner’s cord look impressive.

Conclusion: Your Next Family Craft Night Starts Here

Crafting with kids is messy, funny, rewarding, and totally worth it. If you’ve got paracord lying around, don’t keep it to yourself—share it. Start small, laugh when it tangles, and enjoy the magic of making something together.

What Do You Want to See Next?

Got a question about paracord crafting with kids? Or ideas for what I should cover in next week’s blog (maybe how to build a paracord buddy for your backpack)? Drop it in the comments—I’ll be answering personally!