Make beautiful jewelry and accessories from parachute cord. Decorative knotting has long been used as a way to make bracelets—and now you can use this technique with parachute cord, also known as paracord. Paracord was first used in World War II and is now used as a general-purpose utility cord—but it has also been adopted by crafters, such as Linda Peterson.

Available in a wide range of colors, including some with an attractive metallic effect, it’s perfect for knotting and braiding to make durable yet pretty items. The projects here include jewelry, but also accessories—among them a belt, cell phone pouch, and watch. You can even make dog collars!

Linda teaches you how to get started with paracord crafting by outlining the basic techniques—step-by-step photography explains macramé and other decorative knots. Then move onto three chapters of fabulous projects: Knotty Designs, with simple ideas for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, to become familiar with the techniques; For the Guys, showcasing more masculine (but unisex) designs; and Mixing It Up, where you can combine paracord with other materials such as beads and fabric.