Making Your Own Handfasting Cord: A Meaningful Creation

At Solar Crone Creations, I craft beautiful, bespoke handfasting cords, weaving together colours, textures, and materials that reflect each couple’s unique journey. However, I completely understand that some couples wish to create their own cord as a deeply personal part of their ceremony. Recently, I’ve been asked if I teach cord-making. While I don’t offer workshops, I do believe that anyone can create a meaningful handfasting cord, even with simple techniques. If you’re considering making your own, here’s a guide to help you craft something beautiful and symbolic.

What is a Handfasting Cord?

A handfasting cord is used in a handfasting ceremony, a beautiful and ancient tradition symbolising the binding of two lives in love and commitment. The cord is wrapped around the couple’s hands as they say their vows, creating a physical representation of their bond. It can be made of various materials, often chosen for their symbolic significance, and can be kept as a cherished keepsake long after the ceremony.

Why Make Your Own Handfasting Cord?

Making your own handfasting cord can be a powerful and personal act. Whether you’re drawn to DIY crafts, enjoy working with your hands, or simply want to infuse your ceremony with your own energy and intention, creating your own cord allows you to weave your love and commitment into something tangible. Unlike a store-bought cord, a handmade one carries the energy and essence of the couple who created it.

That said, not everyone has the time or inclination to make their own, and that’s completely okay! If you’d prefer to have a custom cord made with love and care, I’m always here to help. But if you do want to try making your own, here’s how you can do it.

Choosing Your Materials

The first step in making your handfasting cord is selecting your materials. There are no strict rules—what matters most is that the materials you choose hold meaning for you. Here are some things to consider:

• Fabric or Ribbon: Soft, flexible materials like satin, silk, or cotton ribbons work beautifully. They drape well and are easy to braid or knot.

• Yarn or Embroidery Thread: If you want a softer, more textured look, yarn can be a lovely option.

• Natural Fibres: Hemp, jute, or even braided grasses can add an earthy, rustic touch to your cord.

• Beads and Charms: Adding charms, beads, or even small keepsakes can personalise your cord further. Consider symbols that have significance to your relationship.

• Colours: Different colours carry different meanings, so choose hues that reflect your love and intentions. For example, red represents passion, white symbolises purity, and green is associated with growth and fertility.

  
  

A Simple Braid – The Easiest Way to Make a Handfasting Cord

If you’re new to cord-making, you can’t go wrong with a simple three-strand braid. Any braid that works for hair will work for cord, and simplicity often carries the most meaning. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Cut Your Strands – Cut three equal lengths of your chosen material. The length depends on your needs, but a good rule of thumb is at least 1.5 metres to allow for wrapping and knotting.

2. Tie a Knot – Gather the three strands together and tie a knot at one end. You can secure it to a heavy object or tape it to a table to keep it steady.

3. Start Braiding – Cross the right strand over the centre, then the left strand over the centre, and continue this pattern until you reach the end.

4. Secure the End – Tie another knot to keep the braid intact. You can add beads, charms, or decorative finishes if you like.

This simple braid method is easy, but if you want something more intricate, you can explore four-strand braids, fishtail braids, or even macramé techniques.

Adding Personal Touches

Your handfasting cord should be a reflection of your love story. Here are some ways to personalise it:

• Weave in Keepsakes – Incorporate small items like lace from a family heirloom, a strip of fabric from a meaningful piece of clothing, or even dried flowers.

• Use a Variety of Textures – Mixing materials such as satin with twine or lace with velvet can create a visually stunning effect.

• Embroider Words or Symbols – If you have sewing skills, you can stitch initials, dates, or symbols into the fabric.

• Knot Intentions into the Cord – As you braid or knot your cord, focus on your intentions and desires for your marriage, infusing it with positive energy.

  
  

Embracing Imperfection

When making your own handfasting cord, remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect. This isn’t about achieving a flawless, machine-made look—it’s about creating something meaningful. Any small imperfections will only add to its charm and character. Your cord represents your unique bond, which, like any relationship, is built on love, growth, and the beauty of imperfection.

Using Your Handfasting Cord in Your Ceremony

Once your cord is ready, you can incorporate it into your ceremony in a way that feels right for you. Some couples have a celebrant or officiant wrap the cord around their joined hands, while others take turns wrapping it around each other’s wrists. You can choose to tie a symbolic knot, or simply drape the cord and let its presence speak for itself.

After the ceremony, many couples choose to keep their handfasting cord as a keepsake, displaying it in a shadow box, tying it around a wedding album, or even using it in future anniversaries as a reminder of their vows.

Should You Make Your Own or Have One Made?

If you love crafting and want to add this personal touch to your wedding, making your own handfasting cord can be a beautiful experience. However, if you’re short on time or prefer a professionally crafted cord, I’m always happy to create something special for you. At Solar Crone Creations, I take great care in weaving handfasting cords that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful, incorporating colours, charms, and symbols that resonate with each couple.

Final Thoughts

Making your own handfasting cord is a wonderful way to add a personal and heartfelt touch to your ceremony. Whether you opt for a simple braid, a more intricate design, or a custom creation from Solar Crone Creations, the most important thing is that your cord carries meaning for you and your partner.

If you’d like a bespoke handfasting cord crafted with care and intention, feel free to reach out—I’d love to create something special for your big day. And if you choose to make your own, trust the process, embrace the imperfections, and infuse it with love. That’s what truly makes it magical.