Over the years you’ve more than likely come to the conclusion that different tools you have around the house can be used for more than one purpose. Sometimes, we figure this out by necessity in an urgent situation and other times a light bulb goes off in our heads as we look at something and think up a new idea. The latter is what happened to me one day while I was looking at coiled Type 3 Paracord sitting on my desk.
As I looked at the loose paracord and a tool I had within reach, I pondered a way that would help me make a better use of the unused cord. Tools and rope have gone hand-in-hand for a long time. Rope work can require the use of tools, like marlinspikes and fids, when it comes to rope manufacturing, splicing or repair. Even though paracord isn’t quite the same as rope, I wondered if the this idea would transmogrify.
Type 3 Paracord Storage Mat
I’ve mentioned in previous articles that one of my hobbies is to crochet. I have a rather large collection of crochet hooks in all sizes that I’ve accumulated over the years and it occurred to me that one of my large crochet hooks would be a great tool to transform this loose coil of paracord into something more secure. I gave it a shot and it worked!
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I found that by crocheting a simple chain, followed by slip stitches, I was able to create square or rectangle shapes that made paracord storage more utilitarian. (Check out the video below for instructions) It’s no secret that a large coiled loop of cordage can come undone or get tangled. With this new “crocheted” configuration, paracord can be stored almost anywhere and lay flat.
A section of 100 feet of Type 3 Paracord can be transformed into a small mat that would store well in a trunk or a “go bag” without worry of becoming a tangled mess when you need to use it. Smaller sections of 20 – 30 feet make great coaster size squares, which could easily be stored on a shelf, in a drawer, or in the small compartment of your car door.
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Another thing that’s great about storing paracord after its been crocheted, is that it can easily be unraveled for use and you don’t have to worry about knots or tangles in your line.
Don’t have a crochet hook? You can also make these stitches using your fingers. The result may be a little less uniform, but with practice you can perfect your work.
Once I realized crocheting Type 3 Paracord would work well as a storage solution, I started thinking about other ways I store fine/thin yarns that would translate into alternatives for Type 1 Paracord storage. Sure, I could crochet the finer weight of cordage with a smaller crochet hook, however another idea quickly popped into my head.
Type 1 Paracord Storage Nest
When I unravel a crocheted or knitted project, sometimes it’s easiest to rewind the yarn into a center-pull ball using my thumb. This works really well for small amounts of yarn and creates a small nest that can be reused by pulling the working end strand from the center.
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I’ve found that winding the Type 1 Paracord on my thumb can be a bit fiddly at first , however with a little practice it becomes easier to manage. The nest of cord would probably store best in a location where it wouldn’t get jostled around, but if you have a piece of netting to go over the nest, it will hold everything together firmly. You can buy yarn/cord nets or save the netting that comes on apples and pears when you buy produce, or on certain types of flowers at your local flower shop.
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These are just a couple of ideas for you to consider for paracord storage, if you’re looking to eliminate coils of cord hanging around here and there. Do you have other ways of storing paracord that works well for you? If so, please share them in the comments below and check out the other storage methods we’ve shown here on ITS linked below.