Friendship Bracelets
So what exactly is a Friendship Bracelet?
That’s a good question; especially since there are so many styles and variations available.
A friendship bracelet can be made of thread, cord, stainless steel or other metals, Irish linen, embroidery floss, beads, lanyards, stones, rubber, leather...and the list goes on. Combine two or more of these ‘ingredients’ and you can come up with something completely unique to you and even more exciting than some of the plainer styles.
Friendship bracelets are also called by a number of other names. They are referred to as ‘bands’, ‘friendship bands’ or even ‘Sweetie’ bracelets.
It is apparent that there are a great many types of bracelets that could be placed in the category of Friendship Bracelets. Let’s first define what is meant by this term.
A friendship bracelet is normally a bracelet given by one person to another to express care, love and affection. There might be a special occasion that prompts the giving of the bracelet, but no special occasion is required.
Worldwide, friendship bracelets of all different types express a special friendship or an enduring relationship between two people.
Perhaps a teenager gives a friendship bracelet to her best friend as a symbol that their friendship will last forever. Or, a man may give his fiancée or wife a ‘Sweetie’ bracelet as a lasting reminder of his love.
But don’t think that men aren’t also the happy recipients of friendship bracelets. Many retailers that offer these bracelets for women and girls also offer them for both younger and older males.
A bracelet might be a woven design, created by using some of the resources mentioned above, such as Irish linen, lanyards, threads and yarns or cords made from different materials. When woven, there is a vast array of patterns that are popular. Just some of those included have names such as:
Basic diagonal stripe
Broken ladder
Candy stripes
Chevron
Double chevron
Bordered chevron
Diamond
Hearts
Double chain knot
The wrap
If you wish to make your own friendship bands, you only need to open up the internet to find instructions and patterns available for almost any style, pattern or use of materials imaginable.
Basic diagonal stripe Broken ladder Candy stripes Chevron Double chevron Bordered chevron Diamond Hearts Double chain knot The wrapIf you wish to make your own friendship bands, you only need to open up the internet to find instructions and patterns available for almost any style, pattern or use of materials imaginable.
One of the most exciting features of friendship bracelets is the variety and the possibility for making your own that are customized to your own style. This is part of what makes these bracelets so popular with young people and teens.
If you are looking for a gift that both you and your friend can enjoy, you might want to consider purchasing (or making) two similar bracelets – one for them and one for yourself.
Friendship bracelets convey a lasting bond between friends and can be single strand, double strand, multiple strand, stacking or special occasion. A perfect example of a special occasion bracelet would be one given by a bride to her maid of honor in order to express her gratitude and friendship. Likewise, a groom might give a friendship bracelet to his best man or each of his groomsmen to express the same gratitude.
Some friendship bracelets are made of metal and can include stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, etc. Many of these are engravable. By engraving the gift before giving it to your friend or sweetheart, you are adding another special touch, since engraving offers an element of personalization. Engraving the bracelet also transforms your beautiful gift into something truly unique.
One manufacturer, Links of London, offers unique sterling silver, hand-woven lanyard bracelets that are “a modern, grown-up take on the friendship band.” They even offer a Wimbledon tennis ball friendship bracelet!
Friendship bracelets can range from very casual to elegant and sophisticated business styles, like this Rachel Leigh design below.
Why not find a friend or sweetheart to thank for being so special and give them a friendship bracelet!
Resource for bracelets at top of page click