How to make a Josephine Knot or “Pretzel Knot”
Let’s make a Josephine knot or also know as the pretzel knot. Here is the finished knot:
This knot is better looking if it is made with 4 (2 on right and 2 on left) or 6 (3 on R and 3 on L) cords. For simplicity I have only used 2 cords. One left and one right. For practicing this knot I suggest using just two cords to start with, and once you are comfortable with what you are doing go ahead and add another cord to each side.
Here we go. Now, if you do not understand my instructions, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment, I will be happy to help out if I can. I don’t bite, you can contact me 
Step 1:
Take one strand and make a loop.
Step 2:
Take your second strand and put it over the loop in step one and then under the strand where I have the number 2 in the picture. You can follow the arrow.
Step 3:
Continuing with your second strand, you will take it over the first strand, under the first loop you made, over the second strand, and then under the loop (which is the first loop you made as well). Whew. I know, its confusing. But follow my blue arrow for more clarification.
Step 4:
You will tighten your knot by pulling the bottom two strands sticking downwards, at the same time. You should get something like the first picture I posted at the top of this post.
Another knot instruction that is clear as mud. I tried my best. Again, if you have ANY questions, please ask. If you have any easier way to make this knot, please share.
Happy Knotting
February 19th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
how do you continue the knots down the necklace?
February 19th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Mikayla,
Using the two strands that are pointing down in the picture, you just repeat the process. Make a loop with one, and then use the other like in steps 2 and 3. And tighten.
My plans are to put up instructions on how to make a full piece of jewelry soon. I need to get a foundation down with just knots, so that I have a place to refer people on how to make the knots first, before a full piece is made. If that makes sense?
Thanks for visiting, I hope this helps
February 28th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
i’m still not getting how to add more knots, i must be dense. i get using the 2 strands that are going down but it seems like things are backwards then. do you have pictures available of adding just the 2nd knot so i can see what i am supposed to be looking at?
February 28th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Hi Renae,
Oh my, your not dense!!! I don’t have any pictures available to show how to keep adding to the knot, but I will get some done!!
Give me a day or so and I will get some pictures up for further reference. Hopefully that will help out more.
Have a great day
March 6th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Renae,
I am sorry I have not gotten the pictures up yet for you. Please give me alittle bit more time, and I will get them posted!!!
March 24th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
yh, this knot is really cool, i have seen it in other places and haven’t known how to do it! thanks for the help.
April 13th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Kristy,
Thank you for the instructions on how to do the pretzel knot… I have been tying knots for years and could never figure that one out! Much appreciated sister hempster.
Peace,
Kirsten
April 14th, 2008 at 5:26 am
Lauren,
Glad to help out!
April 14th, 2008 at 5:27 am
Kirsten,
Your welcome! This is really a cool knot. Kind of hard to do at first, but well worth the practice when u get the hang of it!
April 20th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Great instructions Kristy!
June 25th, 2008 at 1:25 am
i keep getting a strange knot when i try to do the pretzel knot.. any helpful hints? thanks// c
June 25th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
C..
Is there any way you can take a picture of the knot you end up with and email it to me through my contact page?
If I can find out what you are possibly doing wrong, I may be able to help you through it. Without knowing that it is hard to give any tips that I can think of.