How to Make Paracord Balls by TIAT (UPDATE - Video Instructions Added!)

[JD~TIAT]

Paracord Balls are more often seen, than clearly understood.
Glancing eyes dismiss them as Monkey's Fists. More factually,
they are the products of rounded Turk's Heads.



The balls can be used to decoratively adorn the tail of a cord, or
to create an attractive pair of cuff-links.

Still, I've always thought most the ball's merit is on their own;
serving no other purpose than elegantly holding a sphere of
rope in a seemingly endless pattern of over and under weaves.



Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNS43htgqMA

JD ~ TIAT

[Rrok007]

Muwahahaha....

Just when the local renfair crowd thought I was joking when I commented on using a set of rope bocce balls.... 

[wood]

Muwahahaha....

Just when the local renfair crowd thought I was joking when I commented on using a set of rope bocce balls.... 

I say "DO IT!" Just make sure the rope used is fashion police approved. I ought to be able to hear them grumble from here!

[dewildeman]

I made a set of paracord balls for my son in law to juggle.  I covered 2 1/2 inch wooden balls with a globe knot.  I'm not sure if the weight is right, he hasn't gotten back to me yet.

[Angy]

Although may sound silly, could you tell me what kind of thread do you use to practice the knots? Please

[Sweeney]

Hi Angy - welcome to the forum, I hope you enjoy your visits.

Never worry about sounding silly (just have a look back through some posts - we all do it at sometime but don't always realise it!). To answer your question the work done by JD uses parachute cord - usually called paracord. It comes in several sizes which refer to its breaking strain in pounds eg 350, 450 and 550. In the UK 550 is about the only one available (there is a much bigger choice in the US) though many colours are available. 550 is the thickest.  If buying in the UK avoid the cheap stuff (polypropylene) and try and find American made nylon - the quality is far better and it is much easier to use. UK made is usually olive green only and OK for practical use eg as a guy rope but not good for decorative work except maybe bracelets.

There is a thread on the Forum which gives links to suppliers of all sorts of materials see http://igkt.net/sm/index.php?topic=3623.0

Hope this helps.

Barry