The Josephine knot is a flat decorative macrame knot made by interweaving two cords (or two cord groups) into a symmetrical pretzel-like shape. It is one of the most elegant knots in macrame and shows up in fine jewelry, wall hangings, and statement pieces. Despite looking complex, the Josephine knot is just a 6-step weaving sequence that becomes second nature after a few attempts. This tutorial walks you through every step.
What You Will Need
- 2 cord lengths (or 2 small bundles of cords) of equal length
- 3mm or 4mm cotton macrame cord
- A T-pin board or tape to anchor your work
- About 5 to 10 minutes per knot
If you are new to macrame, our 5 essential macrame knots guide covers the foundational knots first.
Shop Cotton Cord
Smooth 3-ply cotton cord for elegant Josephine knots. Use code KNOT10 for 10% off.
What a Josephine Knot Looks Like
A finished Josephine knot looks like a flat interlocking pretzel or Celtic knot. Two cords cross over and under each other in a specific symmetrical pattern, creating a flat decorative shape. The knot lies flat against the surface of your project, which makes it perfect for wall hangings, jewelry, and pieces where you want decoration without bulk.
The Josephine knot is also sometimes called a sailor's knot or a Carrick bend in nautical contexts. The macrame version is purely decorative, where the nautical version is functional.
How to Tie a Josephine Knot Step by Step
Step 1: Lay Out Your Two Cords
Start with two cords (or two cord bundles) of equal length, laid horizontally side by side. Pin them at the top to keep them in place. The cord on the left will be Cord A and the cord on the right will be Cord B.
Step 2: Form a Loop with Cord A
Take Cord A and form a loop, with the right side of the loop crossing over the top of Cord A itself. The loop should look like a backwards "P" shape with the loop on the right and the tail going down.
Step 3: Weave Cord B Through the Loop
Take Cord B and lay it horizontally across the top of the Cord A loop. The end of Cord B should rest just past the center of the loop. Now weave it: bring Cord B over the top of the upper part of the Cord A loop, then under the lower part, then back over the very edge of Cord A on the right.
Step 4: Complete the Weave
Pull Cord B all the way through, making sure it follows the over-under-over-under pattern. The two cords should now be interlocked.
Step 5: Adjust the Shape
Use your fingers to gently pull on all 4 ends (both ends of Cord A and both ends of Cord B). The knot will form into a flat symmetrical pretzel shape. Adjust until both loops on either side look equal.
Step 6: Tighten or Leave Loose
For a tight Josephine knot, pull all 4 ends firmly. For a more decorative open look, leave the knot loosely woven. Both styles work for different aesthetic effects.
Where to Use Josephine Knots
Wall Hangings
A Josephine knot works as a centerpiece in a wall hanging. Pair it with diamond patterns or fringe sections to break up plain knot work.
Macrame Jewelry
This is probably the most popular use. A small Josephine knot in 1mm or 2mm cord makes an elegant pendant for necklaces or bracelets.
Curtain Tiebacks
A row of Josephine knots along a curtain tieback adds visual interest and a touch of elegance.
Belt Buckles
Some boho belts feature a Josephine knot as the central decorative element.
Christmas Ornaments
A small Josephine knot in white cotton looks like a snowflake when hung as an ornament.
Hair Accessories
Tiny Josephine knots make beautiful hair pins, headbands, and barrette decorations.
The Symmetry Trick
The hardest part of the Josephine knot is making both sides symmetrical. Here is the trick: the over-under sequence has to be exactly mirrored.
If Cord B goes "over, under, over, under" on the right side of the loop, then Cord B has to come out "over, under, over, under" on the left side too. If you mirror the sequence correctly, the knot will be perfectly symmetrical. If you mess up one over or under, the knot will look lopsided.
When in doubt, untie and start over. Josephine knots are quick to untie.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Knot looks asymmetrical? You missed an over or under. Untie and re-weave, paying close attention to the sequence.
- Loops different sizes? The two cords are different lengths, or you pulled one side tighter than the other. Adjust the slack and re-tighten.
- Cord too slippery? Bamboo cord can slip. Use cotton for a more secure Josephine knot.
- Want a tighter knot? Pull firmly on all 4 ends after weaving. The knot tightens to a much smaller size when fully pulled.
- Want an open decorative knot? Leave the weave loose. The Josephine knot looks beautiful in both tight and loose forms.
What's Next
For more decorative knot techniques, try our berry knot tutorial or spiral knot tutorial. To put Josephine knots into a real project, our easy wall hanging with beads is a great base to add one to as a centerpiece.
Get Cotton Cord for Decorative Knots
Smooth 3-ply cotton holds Josephine knots beautifully. Use code KNOT10 for 10% off.
