--- title: Step-by-Step Guide to Weaving a Viking-Style Knot‑Wire Pendant siteUrl: https://logzly.com/vikingweave author: vikingweave (Knot & Metal: Viking Wire Weaving) date: 2026-06-22T07:06:25.060218 tags: [viking, wireweave, handmade] url: https://logzly.com/vikingweave/step-by-step-guide-to-weaving-a-viking-style-knotwire-pendant --- **Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.** The cold months are here, and the urge to sit by the fire with a piece of wire in hand is stronger than ever. A Viking‑style knot‑wire pendant not only warms the heart, it also carries a story that stretches back to the fjords. If you’re after [authentic Viking knot jewelry](/vikingweave/how-to-craft-authentic-viking-knot-jewelry-in-5-simple-steps), this tutorial will walk you through every detail, and I’ll even slip in a free pattern that you can print straight from the blog. ## Why a Knot‑Wire Pendant? Viking jewelry was never just decoration. It was a badge of honor, a talisman for protection, and a way to show skill. [The knot](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Knot&tag=organizationtip101-20)‑wire technique lets you create a piece that feels ancient yet fits modern tastes. Plus, the process is meditative – perfect for those long evenings when the wind howls outside. ## Materials You’ll Need - **Soft [copper or brass](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Copper+or+Brass&tag=organizationtip101-20) wire** – 0.8 mm (about 24 AWG) works well for beginners. - **Two pairs of flat‑nose pliers** – one for bending, one for pulling. - **Round‑nose pliers** – to form loops. - **[Wire cutters](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Wire+Cutters&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – sharp enough to make clean cuts. - **A [small wooden](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+wooden&tag=organizationtip101-20) dowel or a knitting needle** – this will be your “loom.” For a deeper dive into using a knitting needle as a loom, see our guide on a [Viking‑style knit wire bracelet](/vikingweave/weave-a-viking-style-knit-wire-bracelet-step-by-step-guide-for-beginners). - **A ruler or caliper** – to measure lengths. - **Patina solution (optional)** – for an aged look. All of these can be found at a [local craft store](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=local+craft+store&tag=organizationtip101-20) or online. I keep a spare roll of copper in my studio drawer; it never hurts to have extra when the knot decides to wander. ## Preparing the Wire ### 1. Cut Your Length Measure out 120 mm of wire. This gives you enough material for a pendant about 30 mm wide, with a little extra for the jump‑ring and finishing. Cut cleanly; a jagged end makes the first loop difficult. ### 2. Create a Tail Fold the wire in half, leaving a 20 mm tail on one side. The tail will become the jump‑ring later, so keep it straight and untwisted. ### 3. Anchor the Wire Slide the folded end onto your [wooden dowel](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wooden+dowel&tag=organizationtip101-20). The dowel acts like a loom, holding the wire steady while you weave. If you’re using a knitting needle, the same idea applies – just be gentle with the wire. ## The Basic Viking Knot The classic Viking knot is a simple interlace that looks like a twisted rope. It’s called a “knot‑weave” because each strand passes over and under the next, creating a sturdy, flexible pattern. ### Step 1 – First Loop Using the round‑nose pliers, pull the working end (the side without the tail) around the dowel to form a small loop about 5 mm in diameter. Hold the loop with the flat‑nose pliers. ### Step 2 – Second Loop Take the working end and bring it over the standing part, then under the first loop you just made. Pull it tight so the new loop sits snug against the first one. You should now see a “Z” shape. ### Step 3 – Third Loop Repeat the same motion: over the standing part, under the last loop, and tighten. Continue this pattern until you have five loops. The shape will start to look like a miniature rope coil. ### Step 4 – Turning the Row When you reach the fifth loop, you’ll need to turn the direction of the weave. Slide the wire off the dowel, flip the dowel, and re‑anchor the wire on the opposite side. This reversal creates the classic interlocking look. ### Step 5 – Mirror the Pattern Now repeat the same over‑under sequence, but this time the loops will be on the opposite side of the dowel. Keep the tension even; uneven tension makes the pendant look lopsided. ### Step 6 – Closing the Knot After you’ve completed the second row (usually another five loops), you will have a small rectangular shape. Trim any excess standing wire, leaving about 10 mm to work with for the jump‑ring. ## Adding the Jump‑Ring 1. **Form a Loop** – With the round‑nose pliers, bend the remaining tail into a small loop. 2. **Thread the Loop** – Slip the loop over the top of the woven knot. 3. **Secure** – Use the flat‑nose pliers to gently squeeze the loop closed, making sure it’s tight but not crushing the knot. Now you have a pendant ready to hang on a chain or leather cord. ## Free Pattern Download I’ve saved the exact measurements and a simple diagram as a PDF. You can find it on the Knot & Metal blog under the “Free Patterns” section. The file is named “viking‑knot‑pendant‑pattern.pdf”. Print it on regular paper, tape it to your [work surface](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=work+surface&tag=organizationtip101-20), and use it as a guide while you weave. The [free pattern](/vikingweave/step-by-step-guide-to-weaving-a-viking-style-knotwire-pendant) makes the process even smoother. ## [Finishing Touches](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Finishing+Touches&tag=organizationtip101-20) - **Polish** – Use [a soft cloth](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+soft+cloth&tag=organizationtip101-20) to bring out the shine of the copper. - **Patina (optional)** – If you like a weathered look, dab a few drops of patina solution on the woven area, let it sit for a minute, then wipe clean. The knot will keep a darker tone while the rest of the wire stays bright. - **Chain Choice** – A simple leather cord gives a rustic vibe; a thin silver chain adds a modern twist. I often pair my knot‑pendants with a braided leather cord that matches the Viking aesthetic. ## My Personal Tip When I first tried this knot, I kept pulling the wire too tight and the loops would flatten. The trick is to treat the wire like a piece of yarn – give it a little give, but don’t let it sag. A gentle, steady pull yields a clean, even knot that feels like it could survive a raid. ## Troubleshooting Common Issues | Problem | Fix | |---------|-----| | Loops are uneven | Check your tension; use a ruler to keep each loop the same size. | | Wire frays at the tail | Use a slightly thicker gauge for the tail, or wrap the tail around the standing part a few times before forming the jump‑ring. | | Pendant feels loose on the chain | Add a tiny bead or a second jump‑ring to reinforce the connection. | ## Wrap‑Up Weaving a Viking‑style knot‑wire pendant is a rewarding blend of history and hands‑on craft. With just a few tools, a bit of patience, and the free pattern from Knot & Metal, you can create a piece that feels both ancient and personal. I hope you enjoy the process as much as I do, and that the pendant brings a touch of the north to your everyday wear.