How to Make a Four-Pronged Paracord Fidget Spinner

Transcription

1 How to Make a Four-Pronged Paracord Fidget Spinner In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a four-pronged paracord fidget spinner using the Cobra weave. It comprises four strands of paracord (you can use the same colours or contrasting colours) and hex nuts to help the device spin longer. Each prong only has two stitches, which makes a spinner a good size to spin well in smaller hands. Once mastered, a fidget spinner only takes about fifteen minutes to make. This activity can be done with Cub Scouts, but you might need a few adult helpers to assist, too! You can buy supplies online relatively cheaply I used for my paracord. Note: some steps involve fiddly work using superglue, scissors and a lighter. The steps with the hazard indicator should be completed by an adult. For Cub Scouts, you may wish to prepare the bearing as shown up to Step 4 to speed up the process. Fidget spinners contain small parts that may be harmful if swallowed. They should be kept out of reach of small children. These instructions by Lara Cameron-Smith, CSL Blackwood Scout Group Inspired by: Cobra Hex Paracord Hand Spinner Tutorial video by Weavers of Eternity, Available on

2 Materials You need: Ruler Sharp Scissors Lighter (or candle) 608 quality skateboard bearing (eg Bones Reds) Eight 1/4 hex nuts Super Glue* 4 x 40cm (30 ) lengths of paracord 1 x 10cm (approx.) length of paracord, extra Fidget spinner cap (pair) Also: Household iron *Use a quality Super Glue. Inferior glues will disappoint! Step 1: Once you have cut your paracord to the correct lengths, seal the ends of the four longer cords using your lighter. You don t want to be working with frayed ends. Step 2: Pull the inner strands out of the short length of cord. Step 3: Using the iron on a medium setting, flatten the gutted cord. Trim this piece of cord to a length of just under 7½ cms. Check the flattened cord length against the outside of the bearing and trim slightly if needed.

3 Set your prepared bearing aside. Step 4: Put a small amount of glue on the edge of the bearing, and press the flattened cord on. Gradually add more glue around the edge of the bearing, attaching the cord as you go. Use the glue sparingly, taking care not to allow glue to spill into the inside of the bearing. Step 5: Fold each paracord length in half and arrange as shown. Place contrasting colours opposite each other. Step 6: Align one half of each piece of cord with the neighbouring cord as shown.

4 Step 7: Feed two of the neighbouring ends through a hex nut, then twist to feed the nut onto the paracord. Step 8: Repeat Step 7 for the remaining neighbouring strands until you have four hex nuts attached as shown. Step 8: Place the bearing in the centre of the joined strands. Step 9: Manipulate the hex nuts so that they are tight and spaced evenly around the bearing.

5 Step 10: Doing one section at a time, shift the paracord slightly and place a small dab of glue to secure to the prepared bearing. After gluing, ensure the hex nuts are still evenly spaced and the paracord around the bearing is centred. Try not to get glue on your fingers! Step 11: Now attach the outer hex nuts to each pair of strands as for Step 7.

6 Step 12: For the first prong of the spinner, position the outer nut approximately ¾cm above the inner nut. It is important not to leave too wide a gap, even though it may seem only a large enough gap for one stitch. 13a. Using just those two strands, bring the right strand over the centre strands in-between the hex nuts and under the left strand. 13b. Bring the left strand behind the centre strands.

7 13c. Pull the left strand through the loop on the righthand side. 13d. Cinch the stich tight by pulling on the side strands. 14a. Now start the second stitch by bringing the left strand over the centre strands in between the hex nuts and under the right strand. 14b. Bring the right strand behind the centre strands, then pull the left strand through the loop on the righthand side. 14c: Cinch the second stich tight by pulling on the side strands, ensuring that the stitch is between the two nuts on the back and front. Make sure it s tight!

8 Step 15: Repeat Steps on the other three prongs of the spinner. Step 16: Trim each of the strands flush with the edge of the stitches on each prong.

9 Step 18: Snap the two sides of the spinner cap onto the bearing. Step 17: Using your lighter or candle, seal the ends of each trimmed section of paracord. Do not put the paracord directly in the flame instead hold it near the flame so that the heat melts the paracord without burning it. Whilst the paracord is hot, press firmly with the metal part of your scissors to seal onto the sides of the spinner.

10 Your fidget spinner is now complete! Enjoy making your own unique fidget spinners, and happy Scouting.