Handfasting Cord: Diy Guide For Your Wedding

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic practice of binding a couple's hands during a wedding ceremony to symbolise their commitment to each other. Handfasting cords are not associated with any particular religion and can be used in a variety of wedding types. There is no right or wrong way to make a handfasting cord, and they can be as simple or elaborate as you like. You can use a variety of materials, such as macrame cords, heavy embroidery cords, drapery cording, silk cording, decorative ribbon, or even parts of your wedding attire. You can also add decorations such as beads, charms, or tassels. The length of the cord will depend on how you want to tie it, but a generic rule of length for a single cord is ideally no less than 6 feet.

Choosing the right materials

Type of Material

The most common materials used for handfasting cords are ribbons, cords, rope, fabric, and silk. Ribbons are easy to obtain in various colours and are simple to knot, but they don't braid well and can be flimsy. Cords designed for macrame or heavy embroidery are stiffer, making them easier to wrap and braid, and they can better withstand the addition of charms and decorations. If you want a more natural or rustic look, you might consider using a strip of tartan fabric or drapery cording.

Number of Strands

Handfasting cords can be made with a single strand or multiple strands braided or tied together. Using multiple strands allows you to incorporate different colours and textures, adding visual interest and symbolism to your cord. For example, you could choose three strands to represent the couple and their union or use multiples of three (3, 6, 9, or 12) based on Celtic folklore. Ultimately, the number of strands is a personal preference, and there is no right or wrong answer.

Length

The length of your handfasting cord will depend on how you plan to tie it. If you are tying two hands, a generic rule is to use a single cord that is no less than six feet in length. This allows for enough length to loop over both wrists and make the necessary knots. If you are having multiple people place individual cords, you may need to adjust the length accordingly.

Decorations

You can further personalise your handfasting cord by adding decorations such as charms, beads, tassels, or bells. These embellishments can be chosen based on their symbolic meaning or simply because you like the way they look. For example, you could add a charm that represents something important to the couple or beads in their wedding colours. Remember that these decorations are meant to stay with the cord for as long as the couple is bound together.

Selecting a colour scheme

If you want to choose colours based on their attributed meanings, you could select colours that represent something to you and your partner. For example, you could choose colours that symbolise your personalities or the values that are important to your relationship.

Alternatively, you could opt for a colour scheme that complements the aesthetic of your wedding. This could include choosing colours that match your wedding attire, decor, or flowers.

You can also involve your partner in the process of selecting the colour scheme. Each of you could choose a colour that represents you individually, and then select an additional colour that symbolises your unity or relationship.

When deciding on the colour scheme, consider the number of colours or ribbons you want to include in your handfasting cord. Some couples choose to use three ribbons, while others opt for four or more colours. Ultimately, the number of colours and the specific colours you choose should reflect what you want to represent and what is easiest for you to work with.

Adding charms and decorations

Firstly, decide on the type of decorations you would like to add. Charms, beads, bells, and little bags are all popular options. You could also incorporate meaningful items such as copper wire and beads, as one couple did to represent the groom's love for building Tesla Coils and other high-voltage projects. You could even add a small model, as one couple drilled a hole through a pewter model to use as a bead.

When choosing your charms, consider what is meaningful to you and your partner. You could select charms that represent your interests, such as a raven, owl, and Celtic knot, or opt for something symbolic like a key. You can also choose charms that reflect your wedding theme or colour scheme.

If you're looking for places to buy charms, there are several online stores to choose from, including ArtBeads.com, BlueMud.com, and FireMountainGems.com.

Once you've gathered your decorations, it's time to start adding them to your cord. You can attach the charms and other items by sliding them onto the cord or using wire or embroidery floss to secure them in place. You can also incorporate beads or charms into your braids or use them to create tassels at the ends of your cord.

If you're feeling creative, you can even try making your own charms or decorations. For example, you could transfer words or images onto your ribbon using an inkjet printer and acetone.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to add charms and decorations to your handfasting cord. Get creative and have fun!

Braiding and knotting techniques

If you are using multiple colours, you can try braiding them together. One user on WeddingWire mentioned that they are "going with a braided ribbon to do a long skinny cord". Another user on Reddit mentioned that they did a "standard 3-strand braid". You can also try an 8-strand braid if you are feeling adventurous.

In terms of knotting, a simple way to start is to make a decorative knot, braid a little, and then leave some length of hanging threads to wrap around your hands. Wrap and make a big knot. Once the ceremony is over and you've extracted your hands from the cords, you can braid the rest of the cords and add any charms or bells. You can also try an infinity knot, which is a slightly trickier way of doing it, but you get to keep the literal knot you tied at your wedding as a keepsake.

Length and size considerations

The length of your handfasting cord depends on how you plan to tie it. If you are tying two hands or four hands, how many times you want to wrap it around, and how much cord you want to be left over after your hands are bound are all important factors to consider.

If you are using a single cord, a generic rule of thumb is that the cord should be no less than 6 feet in length. This will allow you to loop the cord over both wrists and make the necessary knots. However, it is ultimately up to you to decide the length of your handfasting cord based on your personal preferences and the specific details of your ceremony.

When choosing the length of your cord, it is important to consider the type of knot you plan to use. For example, if you are using a decorative centre knot, you will need to leave enough cord to place the knot on top of your hands and then wrap the sides around your wrists. On the other hand, if you are using an infinity knot, you will need to ensure that the cord is long enough to create the desired knot while still having enough length to wrap around your hands.

In addition to the length, the size of the cord itself is also an important consideration. The thickness of the cord will depend on the material you choose and the number of strands you use. For example, if you choose to use ribbons, you may want to consider doubling or tripling them up to create a thicker cord. Alternatively, you can use drapery cording, silk cording, or even parts of your wedding attire to create a more substantial handfasting cord.

Frequently asked questions