Josephine Knot Bracelet

by TierraCast on 03/03/22

Additional Images:

Project details:

This design is a fresh western take on the beloved Josephine Knot. The technique can seem fussy at first, but is so satisfying by the end! Designed by Tracy Proctor.

↓ Step-by-step

↓ Buy the supplies

Supplies you’ll need:

2 Concho Crimp End
4 Flower Nugget Large Hole Spacer Bead
5 Distressed 6x10mm Barrel Bead
1 Toggle Clasp
3 Oval Jump Ring 3x2mm ID 20ga
5 Size 6 Seed Bead A, turquoise 5 Size 6 Seed Bead B, red 80" Round 1.5mm Leather Cord, brown E6000 Adhesive or Gel Super Glue

chain nose pliers (2) flat, nylon-jaw or parallel pliers scissors or leather snips clipboard or macrame board medium binder clip

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1

Cut four 20" strands of cord.

Step 2

Tie the cords in an overhand knot at one end and anchor to clipboard.

Step 3

Separate cords into two at left (L) and two at right (R).

Step 4

Loop L cords with tail going under to the left. (Fig 1)

Step 5

Lay R cords over loop, and pass under tail from Step 4. (Fig 2)

Step 6

Loop R cords over upper L cords, under upper L loop, over R cords and under lower L loop. (Fig 3)

Step 7

Tighten and bring knot to top of clipboard, straightening cords and eliminating overlaps. For easiest tightening grasp cords where loops overlap at bottom and pull away from each other. (Fig 4)

Step 8

String 1 A bead onto inner strand of left tail, 1 barrel bead onto all 4 cords, and 1 B bead onto inner strand of right tail. Move all up to knot.

Step 9

Begin another knot from the other side*, starting by looping R cords with tail going under to the right. Continue, laying L cords over the loop and weaving through knot. (Fig 5)

Step 10

Before tightening, string 1 flower bead onto inner strand of left tail and weave it into the center of the knot. (Fig 6) Tighten. Distance between knots should be 1/2-5/8". Adjust if needed.

Step 11

String 1 A bead onto inner strand of right tail, 1 barrel bead onto all 4 cords, and 1 B bead onto inner strand of left tail. Move all up to knot. (Fig 7)

Step 12

Repeat Steps 4-7, adding a flower bead to the inner strand of right tail before tightening.

Step 13

Repeat Steps 8-12 once more

Step 14

Repeat Step 9 to form final knot omitting flower bead.

Step 15

Double check length of bracelet, allowing 1 1/4" for clasp. Tighten knots and adjust length between knots as needed.

Step 16

After final knot cut tails to 1". Bring tails together and use a binder clip to hold. (Fig 8) Apply adhesive to knot underneath both tails. Untie knot at other end of bracelet and repeat. Allow to dry, then trim tails close to knots.

Step 17

Apply adhesive to the inside surfaces of 1 crimp end and place over knot at one end of bracelet. Use flat or parallel pliers to gently close crimp down onto knot. Repeat at other end. Allow to dry.