What is Paracord?

My paracord I use in making these bracelets is USA made 550 parachute cord.  It was originally (and is used) in the military for parachutes, of course, but has in recent years been made more available to civilians in a wide variety of colors.  The original is olive drab, which is often called military green or OD.  Military men were innovative with their cord, and thanks to them, we've been making all sorts of things (especially bracelets) with it.

550 paracord is capable of supporting up to 550 lbs, incredibly strong considering how thin and light it is.  It consists mostly of nylon, including an outer sleeve and seven inner strands.  These inner strands support up to about 50 lbs, and are very useful in their own right, for smaller work such as fishing or sewing.

Paracord can be used for, but is not limited to:
-building shelter/sleeping gear-handle grip braiding (such as making a knife or other tool)-crafts-shoe/boot laces backup-pack lashing-food hanging-sewing/repair work-fishing-knot making-hunting/trapping-weaponry-fire starting