By Barry LeClair

Paracord Specialist, Based in Suburban Indiana

This is the 28th blog of the paracord blog series. You can check the other blogs I wrote from here – https://beadshub.co/blogs-paracord/

When the holiday season rolls around, many of us look for ways to make meaningful gifts and decorations. For me, one material always comes to mind—paracord. It’s durable, colorful, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect crafting companion for the holidays. In this blog, we’ll explore how to create festive holiday crafts with paracord, including ornaments, DIY gifts, and unique home decor ideas. 🎄✨

Why Use Paracord for Holiday Crafts?

Paracord isn’t just for survival bracelets and camping gear. Its vibrant colors and texture make it a strong candidate for holiday crafting. Whether you’re making gifts, decorating the tree, or just looking for a creative winter project, paracord offers:

• Durability – Unlike yarn or twine, it holds up well year after year
• Color Variety – Available in festive hues like red, green, gold, and silver
• Tactile Appeal – Its braided texture gives a sturdy and satisfying feel to finished crafts
• Endless Creativity – Easily paired with other materials like wood, ribbon, and brass beads

Paracord Ornaments to Brighten Your Tree 🎅

1. Candy Cane Twist

Make a two-tone spiral using red and white paracord. Add a brass bead to the bottom for weight and visual pop. These look great on the tree or as gift tie-ons.

2. Snowflake Knots

Create symmetrical snowflake shapes using square knots or monkey fists as centers. Incorporate mini bells or small wooden beads to accent the design.

3. Wreath Loops

Form a circle with green paracord, braid in some red ribbon, and tie with a bow. Use a paracord brass bead from https://beadshub.co as the anchor point—it makes hanging easier and adds a classy finish.

Want more knot tutorials? Animated Knots is a great resource for visual learners: https://www.animatedknots.com

Handmade Paracord Gifts🎁

1. Keychains & Zipper Pulls

Quick to make and endlessly customizable. Use your favorite knot (cobra, snake weave, etc.) and finish with a brass bead for elegance.

2. Bracelets with Holiday Themes

Go with green and red paracord and add themed charms or clasps. These make excellent stocking stuffers.

3. DIY Dog Collars

Know someone with a pup? A festive paracord dog collar is a thoughtful gift. Use durable side-release buckles and finish with an engraved tag or bead.

4. Knife Lanyards

For your outdoorsy friends, create a functional and attractive paracord lanyard finished with a brass bead from https://beadshub.co. It adds grip and weight—perfect for gear handles or knives.

Paracord Holiday Decor 🕯️

1. Garland Strands

Instead of traditional popcorn garlands, try stringing paracord in alternating festive colors. Tie decorative knots every few inches and accent with small ornaments or beads.

2. Napkin Rings

Weave mini paracord rings for a rustic holiday table setting. Add a single brass bead or wood slice as a centerpiece.

3. Wall Hangings or Tree Tapestries

Use macrame techniques with red, green, and gold paracord to create striking holiday wall decor. These are especially popular for boho or Scandinavian-style interiors.

Tip: Macrame basics can be learned here: https://www.themacrameboutique.com/macrame-basics

Add Flair with Brass Beads ✨

A great way to elevate any paracord craft is by adding brass beads. Beyond aesthetics, they serve functional purposes:

• Add weight to ornaments or lanyards
• Create better grip on zipper pulls
• Mark start/end points of complex weaves

Our brass beads at https://beadshub.co are crafted with both form and function in mind. Designed specifically for paracord projects, they make your handmade gifts feel premium.

Tips for Crafting with Paracord in Winter ❄️

• Keep your paracord warm before working—it stiffens in cold temps
• Use sharp scissors for clean cuts; melted ends help seal frays
• Work in good lighting for detailed weaves or knotwork

Also, don’t forget to organize your paracord by color—it saves time and adds joy to the crafting process.

Final Thoughts

Holiday crafts with paracord are a fantastic way to give handmade, meaningful gifts and add personality to your seasonal decor. With just a few basic knots and some creative ideas, you can craft ornaments, gifts, and decor that last for years to come.

Have questions or want to share your holiday paracord project? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear what you’re working on! 💬

Next week, we’re diving into holiday-themed knife accessories—what would you like to learn about? Let me know!