Friendship Bracelets Vs Macrame

Hello Everyone!

Today we’re going to learn the difference between friendship bracelets and macrame…in my opinion, there really isn’t much, but because I’m stepping into the macrame sphere, there are a few things that do separate the two forms of knot art.

The first thing you’ll notice is that friendship bracelets can be made in 3 different ways and that’s through knot art, beading or a combination of the two. Macrame is the art form of knot work. So, it doesn’t just act as a form of jewellery making, but it also can be used for making décor for your home, as well as making other useful tools, like actual fishing nets or tying two pieces of a tool together.

So, while the difference is subtle, there is a difference. Now, let’s dive into the topic of friendship bracelets vs macrame.

Friendship Bracelets – Why Are They Called That?

Well, for one, friendship bracelets are a form of gift giving, to honour a friend. It’s as simple as that. In fact, the gift doesn’t actually have to be a bracelet, it can be anything really, as long as you pay respect to that friend, but I digress. Friendship bracelets are called friendship bracelets because that is exactly what they are. They are bracelets made to gift to a friend.

Of course, there is a history behind it, although it doesn’t really go too far back. In fact, the whole concept of friendship bracelets grew popular in the 1960s, with the hippy movement, and really soared from the 1980s onwards, to which they’ve now become a staple in the friendships and lives of young teenagers, and in some cases, can extend to adulthood. Of course, the use of woven or knotted fabric bracelets, the kind we see today, were most likely influenced by indigenous cultures of Central America or South America, after all, these countries are known for their bright and colourful fabric and designs, it’s possible that these influenced the rise of these patterns in friendship bracelets, but the concept itself is as ancient as civilisation itself.

Think about it, even in the ancient world, a gift of friendship was always exchanged, it didn’t matter what the exchanged gift was, just the act of it was enough to honour a friend. So, that’s why friendship bracelets are called that, they are, for all intents and purposes, a bracelet of friendship.

A Brief Look At The History Of Macrame

The art of macrame is actually an old one. It came from the ancient cultures of Assyria, where they used the knotting techniques, for their everyday clothes. I don’t mean they made macrame clothes, what I mean is they used macrame techniques to finish off their textiles and clothes. Essentially, hand weaving clothes was a common practice, not just in Assyria, but in every ancient culture around the world, but in Assyria, they used macrame techniques to finish off those weaves and ensure the work doesn’t fray. Think about it, back in the ancient world, they didn’t have sewing machines that locked off a piece of fabric, so they had to do something to protect it.

From there the use of macrame changed. In 17^th Century Italy, it was called “punto a groppo”, meaning “knotted lace” and has since been associated with that form of textile (I may look into trying my hand at lace…one day). Later it became the decorative art form we know today, thanks to, once again, the hippy movement in the 1960s and its popularity in the 1970s. Eventually, the nautical style of macrame, the kind used in fishing nets and boat ties, took over the art form, and that’s why many beach homes, shops, restaurants, and vendors sell these products, even to this day.

Now We Know The History, Let’s Look At The Differences

The traditional form of friendship bracelets are the knotted ones, essentially the form of macrame that creates a weaved fabric look. So, this form isn’t too different, the only thing I will say is that the use of macrame knots in friendship bracelets are too compact to call it macrame. Typically, especially in modern forms of macrame, there are gaps between the knots, that help them create the macrame patterns. For friendship bracelets, the patterns come from the colours. So, that's why there's a difference, at least for me.

The next form of friendship bracelets and macrame is the inclusion of beads, gemstones and other items that elevate the look of the piece. At this point, the line between friendship bracelets and macrame jewellery (let’s be clear, we’re only talking about jewellery here, the other decorative uses of macrame are not included) become blurred. You still need to weave the beads and ephemera into the piece, but the style of knots around the bead is what defines whether the piece is still called a friendship bracelet, or a macrame one. If, once again, there are gaps or there’s a particular style, then I would say it’s macrame, but if the knots are tight, then it’s called a friendship bracelet.

Finally, there’s beaded friendship bracelets. This is definitely not macrame, because there are many different ways you can create beaded friendship bracelets. There’s the simple one, where you string together a simple pattern of beads to form a bracelet, and then there’s the more complicated form which takes a needle or a crochet hook, a durable, transparent thread and many, many beads. In fact, beading itself is a whole other art form…which I may get into soon, we’ll see. Nevertheless, this form of friendship bracelets is unique and the complete opposite form of macrame. Thus defining the difference between friendship and macrame.

So, Friendship Bracelets Or Macrame?

Honestly, it’s completely up to you. There are forms of both crafts that appeal to me, which I hope to, one day explore further, but like with everything on this website, I’m still rather new. So, join me as I continue to create and craft new things, whether it’s to decorate the home, or to decorate the body, I’m always up for a new craft.

What about you, which form of friendship bracelet or macrame do you prefer? And do you have a preferred pattern you follow. Let me know, and if you’re happy to, send me those patterns, so I can also give them a try.

Well, that’s it from me today. I’m off to make more trinkets, jewellery and decorative pieces, for myself and my home. While I go do that, please don’t forget to like, subscribe, comment, share and follow me, here on Feather’s Charm, on my YouTube channel, on my other social media channels (Instagram, Twitter/X, Tiktok), and on Patreon. Your support really helps me make more content like this, for you guys.

And as always, be kind, be creative, and be unique.

I’ll see you later!

Feather, out!