Building your own BDSM gear is rewarding, cost-effective, and allows you to customize every detail to your preferences. One of the easiest DIY projects—perfect for beginners—is creating a flogger out of paracord. Paracord is durable, widely available, easy to knot, and comes in countless colors, making it a fantastic material for functional and attractive kink toys.

This guide walks you through how to design, build, and finish a paracord flogger that’s safe, stylish, and completely your own.

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Why Paracord Makes a Great Flogger Material

Paracord (also called 550 cord) is:

• Strong and abrasion-resistant
• Lightweight but durable
• Easy to cut, knot, and braid
• Available in hundreds of colors and patterns
• Affordable

Depending on how you finish the falls, you can create a flogger that’s:

• Thuddy
• Stingy
• Decorative
• Beginner-friendly
• Or surprisingly intense

Paracord is versatile enough to cover almost any sensation profile.

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What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following tools and materials:

Materials

• Paracord (550 cord) – 50 to 150 feet depending on fall length
• A core material for the handle, such as:
  • ¾” wooden dowel
  • PVC pipe
  • A pre-cut nylon handle
• Electrical tape or gaffer tape
• Optional: A metal D-ring or wrist loop

Tools

• Sharp scissors or paracord cutters
• Lighter (for sealing ends)
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Sandpaper (if using a wooden dowel)
• Optional: Paracord needle/fid for tight braiding

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Step 1: Preparing the Handle

Your handle needs to be sturdy, comfortable to grip, and long enough for control. The ideal handle length is 6–8 inches.

1. Cut your handle core (dowel or PVC pipe).
2. If using wood, lightly sand the ends to avoid splinters.
3. Wrap the entire handle with electrical or gaffer tape to create grip and prevent slipping.
4. If you want a wrist loop, secure a folded length of paracord to one end before wrapping.

This forms the solid backbone of the flogger.

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Step 2: Cutting the Falls

The “falls” (or tails) determine how the flogger will feel. Typical lengths range from 14 to 24 inches.

For a beginner-friendly flogger:

• 20-30 falls
• 18–20 inches long

Cutting:

1. Measure and cut the paracord strands to your desired length.
2. For a fuller flogger, aim for 25–40 cord pieces.
3. Seal each end with a lighter to prevent fraying.

Sensation Tip

• Tightly sealed ends = stingier
• Unraveled/fuzzy ends = softer and thuddier

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Step 3: Attaching the Falls to the Handle

There are two main methods: looped attachment and tied attachment.

Method 1: Looped Falls (Easiest)

1. Cut each fall to double length (folded in half).
2. Fold each piece and slide the looped end under your handle’s tape wrapping.
3. Secure the loops with several tight layers of tape.
4. Trim the ends so they’re even again.

This method creates a softer, fuller head.

Method 2: Tied Falls (More Durable)

1. Tie each fall directly onto the end of the handle using a lark’s head knot or square knot.
2. Push each knot tightly against the previous one.
3. Secure the whole mass of knots with a layer of tape.

This version is slightly heavier and transmits more impact.

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Step 4: Wrapping the Handle with Paracord

To finish the handle, wrap it with a paracord braid. This improves grip and gives your toy a professional look.

Simplest handle wrap:

• Start at the base of the falls.
• Melt and anchor the end of a long paracord strand under the first wrap.
• Wrap tightly, spiraling down the handle.
• Melt and flatten the final end at the bottom of the handle.

More advanced options:

• Cobra stitch
• King cobra weave
• Basket weave
• Diamond knot pommel

A decorative knot at the bottom of the handle adds weight and prevents slipping.

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Step 5: Finishing Touches

Now make your flogger smooth, safe, and attractive.

Suggestions:

• Trim all fall ends evenly
• Add a decorative knot at the base
• Add a wrist loop by weaving a short piece through the bottom wrap
• Customize the color: black and red, neon rainbow, leather accents, etc.

Your new flogger should feel balanced, with the weight concentrated toward the falls.

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Safety Tips for DIY Paracord Floggers

Although paracord floggers are relatively safe, mind the following:

• Test your flogger on a pillow first to understand its intensity.
• Avoid striking the spine, kidneys, neck, or joints.
• Keep falls clean—paracord can trap sweat and skin oils.
• Inspect before each use to ensure no knots or cords are loosening.

DIY gear is safe as long as it’s well-made and checked regularly.

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Conclusion

Making your own paracord flogger is an accessible, fun, and customizable way to explore BDSM craftsmanship. With simple tools and affordable materials, you can create a beautiful, functional flogger tailored to your kinky preferences—light, thuddy, stingy, or artistic.