Celtic Button Necklace

Description: This Celtic Button Necklace features a combination of decorative Button knots, and a pendant made by linking Josephine knots together. This Micro-Macrame necklace shown in the photos was made with Satin cord, which adds a beautiful sheen. You will need to use very slender pins or the Cross Pin Technique if using that material. This pattern is not recommended for a beginner, since button knots are somewhat challenging to tighten.

The finished size of the necklace itself is approximately 20 inches, but can be changed to any size.

Supplies Needed:

• 2mm Satin Cord or similar material
• Small shank-type button
• Beads with holes large enough to admit 1 cord
• Project Board and Slender Pins (if using Satin or Silk)

Knots used:

• Josephine Knot
• Hanger Knot
• Alternating Half Hitch
• Square Knot
• Celtic Button Knot (Regular and Sliding)

You can click on any of the images and a larger picture will show up in a new window.

Step 1: Cut one strand of cord, 45 inches long, for the pendant of your Celtic Button Necklace. Cut a second strand, at least 90 inches long, for the necklace itself. Prepare the ends in some manner to prevent unraveling.

Creating the Pendant

Step 2: You'll design the pendant for the Celtic Button Necklace first.

Tie a Josephine knot in the center of the 45-inch cord. Tighten it so it is approximately ½ inch in size. Secure it to the board with a pin.

Step 3: You should now have 2 ends to work with. Cross them and use the left strand to make another Josephine knot, with the following changes:

Loop 1: Rotate the end clockwise, passing through the left loop of the first Josephine tied in step 2, from the top (over - under).

Step 7: Make an Alternating Half Hitch chain (5 knots). Fold it towards the front of the pendant, making a loop. Direct the 2 strands around to the back, and tie a tight Square Knot to secure the loop.

Apply glue, and allow it to dry. Trim any remaining cord. This completes the pendant for the Celtic Button Necklace.

Making the Necklace

Step 9: Make a Sliding Celtic Button Knot with the 12 inch tail, tying it around the longer portion. After you tighten it, apply glue to the entire knot. When completely dry, cut off the remaining portion of the short tail. You will now have only 1 strand to work with as you work on the "chain" for the Celtic Button Necklace.

Step 11: Add 2 more beads and Celtic button knots, alternating them as in step 10.

Step 12: Move down another 2½ to 4 inches, depending on how low you want the Celtic Button Necklace to hang on your chest. Tie 2 more button knots, with a bead between them. Pass the end of the cord through the loop in the pendant, heading left to right.

Step 13: Mimic the process outlined above for the right half of the necklace, but in reverse order: 2 Button knots with 1 bead between them, followed by a space. Then 4 button knots alternating with beads, followed by another space.

Step 14: Pass the end through the button used for the clasp. If the shank is large, direct the end through it a second time. You should have 2 strands to work with again. Make a Sliding Celtic Button knot with the tail, around the main cord, as you did in Step 9. Adjust the button, so it rests even with the one on the other end. Try the necklace on to make sure it fits properly. Apply glue to the knot, and when dry, trim off any excess cord.