Ask the Experts Lover's Knot Q&A

My great aunt used to tie her beaded necklaces into a lover's knot, but I have lost the instructions. Do you know how?

- Teresa

A lover's knot is basically made from two strands of cord. To make an adjustable lover's knot, tie an overhand knot leaving the knot loose on the first strand of cord. Pass the end of the second strand through the opening of the first knot. Create an overhand knot on the second strand in the opposite direction of the first knot. Pull both knots tight to create knots that will "kiss" when moved together. We also reference this as an adjustable knot in our ''Knots Tutorial''. 

A permanent lover's knot can be made using the same overhand knot technique, and intertwining the two knots. To make a permanent lover's knot, tie an overhand knot, leaving the knot loose on the first strand of cord. Pass the second cord through the opening of the first knot and tie an overhand knot around one side of the first knot. Pull both cords tight to complete the permanent lover's knot.

- Maura Buckner, Jewelry-Making Expert