--Making a Weaving Apparatus

If you are up to the task, here is an easy and inexpensive way to create an apparatus to aid you in making a paracord bracelet.  A weaving apparatus is optional-- some people make bracelets without them. 

Supplies Needed:

Priority Mail Flat Rate Box (Small) from the US Post Office

• 2 Twisty Ties
• 1 plastic buckle (3/8" curved, side-release)
• Sharp knife (or any pointed item to make a hole)
• Tape (not shown)

The small priority mail flat rate box is free from US Post Office.  It comes unassembled as shown in the above photo. 

Step One:  Puncture the Box

Lay unassembled box on your carpet.  With your knife (or sharp pointed object), puncture two holes in the small tab of the top of the box, side-by-side:

Here's a closer look:

Then puncture two more side-by-side holes on the other small tab of the top of the box. 

Step 2:  Thread the Twisty Ties

Bend the twisty tie into a "U" and thread the two ends into the punctured holes of the under side of the box tab. 

Pull the ends through evenly.

Repeat the same process for the other tab.

Step 3:  Assemble the Box

The small flat rate box does not stay assembled without sealing the top flap (you will understand what I mean when you try to do this).  When assembling, I use tape to temporarily hold the sides in place before I seal the top flap. 

Remove the adhesive strip...

...and close the top of the box to assemble, but DO NOT TUCK IN THE FLAPS with the twisty ties.

Your assembled box should look like this

Step 4:  Attach the Buckles to the Box

Press the sides of the buckle to detach. 

Male                                              Female

Thread the twisty tie on the left tab of the box through the male buckle; thread the twisty tie on the right tab of the box through the female buckle.  

Buckle ends should point toward each other, curving down

Fold the two ends of the twisty tie down the side of the tab and feed through the bottom loop of the twisty tie.  Repeat on other tab.

Pull down ends of twisty tie to tighten on each side of box.

Here's a closer look:

Tape the sides of the tabs to the bottom of the box for reinforcement (the tabs will tend to lift when weaving). 

Write the word "UP" with an arrow pointing to the female buckle at the top as shown:

Writing "up" or "top" on the box will help you to remember which end to start the weaving process

You are now ready to begin the weaving process. 

Refer to the "How to Make a Paracord Survival Bracelet" post. 

  

GOOD LUCK!

Why do the puppies always get top billing...?

Comments are welcome. 
If something is unclear, please let me know and I will try to explain in further detail...