How to Craft Authentic Viking Knot Jewelry in 5 Simple Steps

The world is rushing toward fast fashion, but a quiet handful of us still love the feel of cold metal in our hands and the story a knot can tell. A simple Viking knot can become a pendant, a ring, or a bracelet that carries a piece of history on your skin. Today I’ll walk you through the whole process, from raw wire to finished piece, in five easy steps. Grab a cup of tea, settle at your workbench, and let’s bring a little Norse spirit to your jewelry box.

Materials You Need

Before we start, make sure you have the basics. I keep a small tray on my desk at Knot & Metal, and it never fails me.

Knit wire – 0.8 mm or 1 mm works best for most knots. Choose copper, brass, or silver depending on the look you want.
Round‑nose pliers – for making smooth loops.
Flat‑nose pliers – to hold the wire steady while you bend.
Wire cutters – a clean cut makes a clean finish.
A small mandrel or dowel – this will be the core of your knot and later the shape of a ring or bracelet.
Polishing cloth – to give the metal a soft shine once you’re done.

If you’re missing any of these, a local craft store will have them for a few dollars. I once tried to use kitchen tweezers and ended up with a knot that looked more like a pretzel. Trust me, proper tools save a lot of frustration.

Step 1: Choose the Right Wire and Cut It

The first decision is the metal. Copper gives a warm, earthy tone that ages nicely. Brass is bright and strong, while silver feels more like a true Viking treasure. I often start with copper because it’s forgiving for beginners.

Measure out a length of about 30 cm (12 inches) for a simple pendant knot. If you plan a larger piece, add a few extra centimeters. Cut the wire cleanly with your cutters – a jagged end will catch on the next bend and ruin the knot.

Step 2: Make the Base Loop

Take one end of the wire and, using the round‑nose pliers, form a small loop about 5 mm (¼ in) in diameter. This loop will become the “eye” of the knot and later the point where you attach a jump ring or chain.

Hold the loop steady with the flat‑nose pliers and gently pull the tail of the wire through the loop once. You should now have a simple overhand loop that can slide along the wire. This is the foundation of the Viking knot, and it’s where the whole design will lock in place.

Step 3: Wrap the Wire Around the Mandrel

Place the mandrel (or dowel) on your work surface. Slide the looped end of the wire onto the mandrel, leaving the tail free. Begin wrapping the free tail around the mandrel, keeping the coils tight and even. For a classic Viking knot, make three full turns, then cross the tail over the top of the coil and make another three turns in the opposite direction.

I like to count out loud: “one, two, three… cross… one, two, three.” It sounds a bit like a chant, and it helps keep the rhythm steady. If the coils are loose, the knot will look sloppy; if they’re too tight, the wire may snap. Find a middle ground.

Step 4: Tuck and Secure the Tail

When you finish the second set of turns, you’ll have a short tail sticking out. Use the flat‑nose pliers to tuck this tail neatly into the nearest coil. Press it down gently so it sits flush. If the tail is too long, trim it now with the cutters, leaving about 2 mm (⅛ in) of wire.

Give the whole knot a gentle squeeze with the pliers to make sure everything is snug. The knot should hold its shape without any loose ends. This is the moment where the Viking spirit really shows up – the knot is a symbol of strength and continuity.

Step 5: Finish, Polish, and Add Findings

Slide the completed knot off the mandrel. If you’re making a pendant, drill a tiny hole through the loop with a fine drill bit, then attach a jump ring. For a ring, you can simply close the ends together on the mandrel and file any sharp points.

Now comes the satisfying part: polishing. Take your polishing cloth and rub the metal in a circular motion. You’ll see a soft shine appear, like the glint of a sunrise over a fjord. I always take a moment to admire the piece before I move on to the next project – it feels like I’ve just forged a tiny piece of history.

A Little Story from My Workshop

The first time I tried this knot, I was impatient. I used a thin silver wire and tried to make the turns too tight. The wire snapped mid‑wrap, and I was left with a broken piece and a bruised ego. My cat, Loki, stared at me as if to say, “You should have taken it slower.” After that, I learned to respect the metal’s limits and to enjoy the slow rhythm of the craft. Now every knot I make feels like a small victory, and I love sharing that feeling with readers of Knot & Metal.

Why This Knot Still Matters

Viking knots were not just decoration; they were a way to bind things together, to show loyalty, and to mark important moments. By making your own knot jewelry, you’re connecting with that ancient mindset. Each piece you wear can remind you of the strength in simple things – a loop of wire, a careful bend, a steady hand.

So next time you feel the pull of modern trends, remember the quiet power of a hand‑crafted knot. It’s a small act of rebellion, a nod to the past, and a beautiful piece of jewelry all in one.