Friendship bracelets are special bracelets. As a symbol of friendship these bracelets are given from one friend to another. The amount of thread used in bracelets can vary. They are handmade and usually made out of embroidery floss or thread. Thicker bracelets are commonly worn by both male and female surfers. There are various styles and patterns, but most are based on the same simple half-hitch knot. They are particularly popular with pre-teen and adolescent girls and with present-day hippies, deadheads or Rainbow Family participants. The smallest pattern, a double chain knot, requires two strings. The making of friendship bracelets is a version of macrame. Because of their versatility, they are worn by both males and females of all ages. The candystripe can have as few as three strings and as many as forty, based on pattern and thickness.