Handfasting Cord: A Guide To Making Your Own

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ritual that symbolises a couple's commitment to each other. Handfasting cords are a long piece of rope, ribbon, or fabric that is tied or wrapped around the hands of a couple during a wedding ceremony. There is no right or wrong way of using them, and they are not attached to any particular religion. Couples can choose to incorporate handfasting into their wedding ceremony, engagement, or anniversary celebration. The length of the handfasting cord depends on how it will be tied, such as whether it will be tied around two or four hands, and how many times it will be wrapped. The cord can be customised with different colours, charms, and knots to add a personal touch.

Choosing the right materials

Type of Material

The most common materials used for handfasting cords are rope, ribbon, or fabric. You can opt for soft rope, macrame cords, heavy embroidery threads, or even recycled cotton for a rustic look. If you want something more luxurious, consider satin ribbons. The key is to choose a material that is easy to work with and will hold up well during the ceremony.

Colour

Colour plays a significant role in handfasting cords, as they can be chosen based on personal preference or the symbolism associated with different colours. You can select colours that match your wedding theme or choose colours that represent specific meanings. For example, you can incorporate the colours yellow, red, blue, and green to symbolise the four elements: air, fire, water, and earth.

Number of Strands

The number of strands in your handfasting cord is also important. Handfasting cords typically feature multiples of three strands (3, 6, 9, or 12), although some prefer 7 strands based on Celtic folklore. You can also opt for a simple 3-strand braid or go for a more intricate 8-10 strand knot if you're feeling adventurous.

Embellishments

To add a touch of personalisation and symbolism, you can include charms, bells, little bags, or other decorative items in your handfasting cord. These embellishments can be added after braiding or knotting the cord, providing a beautiful finishing touch.

Length

The length of your handfasting cord will depend on how you plan to tie it. Consider whether you will be tying two or four hands, the number of times you want to wrap it, and how much cord you want cascading down from your hands. Ensure you have enough length to comfortably work with and create the desired look.

When choosing your materials, it's important to keep in mind the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and any symbolic meanings you want to incorporate. By selecting the right type of material, colours, number of strands, and embellishments, you can create a handfasting cord that is not only visually appealing but also holds special significance for your wedding ceremony.

Selecting a colour scheme

If you want to choose colours based on their symbolism, you can refer to Celtic folklore, where multiples of three (3, 6, 9, or 12) are often chosen, although some schools of thought prefer the number 7. You can also consider the four elements of ancient traditions: air, fire, water, and earth, which are symbolised by the colours yellow, red, blue, and green, respectively.

Additionally, you can select colours that represent each partner in the couple, with one colour for each person running the length of the cord. This can be a fun and meaningful way to personalise your handfasting cord.

When choosing a colour scheme, it is also important to consider the availability of materials in your desired colours. Macrame cords or heavy embroidery threads are often used as they are stiffer and easier to work with than ribbons. These types of cords are typically available in a wide range of colours, allowing you to find the perfect match for your colour scheme.

You can also add charms, bells, or other decorative items to your handfasting cord to further enhance its visual appeal and symbolic meaning.

Adding charms and pendants

Choosing the Right Materials

When selecting charms and pendants, it's important to consider the type of cord you're using. If you're using ribbons, keep in mind that they may not bear the weight of heavier charms. In this case, you might want to opt for lighter materials such as plastic or wood. If you're using a sturdier cord, like macrame cord or embroidery thread, you'll have more flexibility in the weight and size of your charms.

Types of Charms and Pendants

The type of charms and pendants you choose is entirely up to you and your partner. You can select charms that hold symbolic meaning for you as a couple or simply choose ones that you find aesthetically pleasing. Some popular options include:

• Celtic knots: These knots symbolise love, eternity, and the complexity and beauty of love.
• Tree of life: This symbol represents growth, strength, and a connection to nature.
• Hearts: A classic symbol of love and romance.
• Infinity signs: Representing eternity and everlasting love.
• Personalised charms: You can also customise your handfasting cord with charms that include your initials, wedding date, or a meaningful quote.

Attaching the Charms

There are a few different ways you can attach charms and pendants to your handfasting cord:

• Knotting: If your charms have a loop, you can simply tie them onto your cord with a secure knot.
• Clasp: Some charms come with a lobster claw clasp, which can be easily attached to the cord.
• Gluing: If you want a more permanent option, you can use a strong craft glue to adhere your charms to the cord.

Placement of Charms

When it comes to placing your charms, you have a few options:

• End of the cord: You can place charms at the end of each strand of the cord, creating a visually appealing finish.
• Throughout the braid: If you're braiding your cord, you can incorporate charms throughout the braid, creating a more intricate design.
• Centrepiece: You can also place a larger charm or pendant in the centre of your handfasting cord, making it the focal point of your ceremony.

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to add charms and pendants to your wedding handfasting cord. Get creative, and choose elements that truly represent your unique love story!

Braiding and knotting techniques

The first step is to decide on the method of wrapping. Will someone be walking up to the couple and placing the cord around their hands? How many people will be doing this? If it's just the officiant, you can knot and braid a portion and have them wrap the colours while talking, or they can just wrap once and then say the blessings. If many people are wrapping and you want them to place individual cords, it gets a little messy if pre-braiding or knotting is done.

If you are braiding, you can do a simple three-cord braid, or try something more complex like an eight- or ten-strand braid. You can also do a standard three-strand braid, with each strand representing the couple and their union.

When it comes to knotting, you can try a decorative knot like an expanded Josephine knot, or a Celtic knot. You can also finish with a big knot, or try an infinity knot. The infinity knot is made by the celebrant at the ceremony and results in a knot remaining in the cord after the hands are slipped out. This is a tricky technique, so be sure to practice beforehand.

Length and style of the cord

The length of your handfasting cord depends on how you want to tie it. Consider whether you will be tying two or four hands, how many times you want to wrap it, and how much cord you want to cascade off your hands.

For a simple knot, you can cut the cords to the desired length before the ceremony. Leave a good 24 inches of hanging threads to wrap around the hands. If you wrap in a figure-8 pattern, you won't have any trouble extracting your hands from the cords.

If you want to add charms, bells, or other embellishments, it's best to do so after the ceremony while photos are being taken. That way, you can ensure the cord is secure and any additions are properly attached.

When choosing the style of your cord, consider the symbolism of different colours and the number of strings used. For example, in Celtic folklore, multiples of three (3, 6, 9, or 12) are often chosen, though some prefer 7. You can also incorporate Celtic knots, which symbolise the complexity and beauty of love.

Frequently asked questions