- 1). Drill a 1/8-inch hole horizontally through the dowel rod about 1/2-inch from one end. Cut a piece of cord about 6 inches long. Pass it through the hole and tie the ends together to create a handle loop. Slip the loop through a carabiner and hook the carabiner to a sturdy clothesline or an eyehook sunk into the wall.
- 2). Cut six lengths of parachute cord about 25 feet long. Gather the cords and slip them through the loop hanging from the carabiner, making sure the cords are centered (half their length on either side of the loop). Let the cords drape on either side of the dowel rod. Separate three cords from the rest and slip them into the carabiner, so they hang above the dowel rod.
- 3). Gather the left and right sides of the lower four cords. Pull the cords on the right side under the cords on the left side. You want to do this by pulling the cords on both sides so they cross at the dowel rod. They should form a tight loop over the end of your dowel rod. To keep track of the plaiting process, it is helpful to mentally label the cords. Consider those protruding to the left as cords 1 to 4 from top to bottom, and the ones protruding right as A to D from top to bottom.
- 4). Bring one cord down from the carabiner. Wrap the right side of the cord to the left over cords A through D. Slip the left side of the cord between cords 1 and 2 and bring it to the right. Repeat with the second cord in reverse order, wrapping the left side over cords 1 to 4 and slipping the right side of the cord between cords A and B. Bring the third cord down, weaving it through as you did the first cord.
- 5). Pull the strands projecting to the right and left until they are taught. Bring the cord A from the right to the center, then cord 1 from the left, laying it over cord A. Cord A should project left and cord 1 should project right. Continue this way to the ends of your cords, bringing cords B and 2, C and 3, and D and 4 to the center in order. The cords should wrap themselves around your dowel and taper outward as you reach the end of the whip. Melt the ends of the cords to the cords around them so your whip stays together.
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