This purple celtic knot necklace is a tribute to a hope that lives deep in my heart: a world without Alzheimer’s. Mother’s Day has just passed, and while it’s a day filled with love and celebration for many, it’s also a bittersweet time for those of us who carry memories instead of moments. My husband and I both lost our mothers to Alzheimer’s several years ago, but not a day goes by that we don’t think of them; especially this time of year.

Crocheted into icord from a blend of nubby and smooth yarn, because life with Alzheimer’s is exactly that: uneven and unpredictable, this piece tells a story. The textures mirror the journey of this disease, from moments of clarity to confusion, from connection to heartbreak.

As you’ll see in the reveal, three Josephine knots twist together, like the memories Alzheimer’s tries to unravel, but these knots hold strong. They represent memory, legacy, and unbreakable bonds. And right at the center, a purple crocheted Alzheimer’s ribbon hangs like a quiet reminder of what we’re fighting for.

Creative Craft Hop

Before we get to the tutorial, it’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop! So if you are visiting from Cecilia at My Thrift Store Addiction, welcome! It’s finally the season for outdoor furniture and Cecilia’s no sew pillows are  such a great timesaver! At the very bottom of this post, we’ll be directing you to the next stop on this venture. But don’t forget to check out the other stops too because you’ll find plenty more ideas. Be sure to drop back in throughout the week to visit them all!

This project is a great scrap buster! The nubby purple yarn is Melrose, Designer’s Choice Rosette in a colour called Wisteria; long out of production and likely out of business over 30 years ago. Since it was left over from a student project I made 40 years ago when I was studying fashion design, it was a tangled mess and I was almost ready to toss it. But I took time to methodically untangle and rewind it on a yarn winder.

This tip will save your sanity: place a piece of painters tape around the outside so the end can’t get caught up with the working yarn in the centre and cause another tangle.

I crocheted the yarn cake you see above into one long iCord almost 12 feet long.

Celtic Knot Necklace Materials

[If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): The blue links in this post may be affiliate links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases which we proudly donate to Alzheimer’s research. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more! Thanks for helping to support our fundraiser!]

• Yarn (mine is a silky and nubby rayon)
• Mini purple cotton yarn (look for it at the dollar store)
• 1.5 mm crochet hook
• Yarn winder
• Scissors
• 14mm jump ring
• Sliders and clasp (found on clearance at Michaels).

Crochet iCord

If you’d like to see how to crochet the iCord in real time, watch this video starting from :45:

i-Cord Instructions

Start by chaining 4. Then pull up loops in the next 3 stitches so there are 4 stitches on the hook.

Now drop 3 stitches and single crochet the stitch on the hook. Then you pick up the next stitch and do the same until all 4 stitches are back on the hook. Keep repeating this until you have the length you want. When working with two strands (ie. nubby yarn), you have to be cautious to keep both strands together as you form each stitch.

Celtic Knot Necklace

Once you have the length, you can start the Josephine knot. Here’s a step-by-step with illustrations on how create each knot:

1. Make a Loop

• Fold the iCord in half; you’ll be working with two strands.

• Now lay the cord flat. Form a loop, crossing the working end (right side) under the standing end (left side). This is the base loop the rest of the knot will form around.

2. Shape into Pretzel

• Take the working end and bring it under the left loop,

It should look like a pretzel:

3. Weave Over and Under

• Now weave it:

  • Over the non-working end,

• Under the bottom strand of the bottom loop, and

• Over the next strand and then under the strand running through the middle of the top loop as shown.

These arrows may help with this under-over-under weaving:

3: Pull Through and Shape

• Gently pull the end through and start tightening slightly to form the symmetrical weave.

4: Adjust and Tighten

• Pull both ends gently to tighten and neaten the knot.

• Ensure the loops are symmetrical and the crossings are smooth, keeping both strands together.

You’ve made your first Josephine knot! You’ll be able to further tighten if you wish after all three knots are formed.

At this point, it’s time for a little bling! I found a bunch of jewelry findings at Michaels on clearance and will be using a pair of silver sliders (seen circled below).

A piece of contrast yarn helps to tread on one of the sliders. I can pull the end and guide it onto the double iCord.

Slide it down into place.

Continue to form two more knots. Here’s the start of the next one with that classic pretzel shape.

And after weaving.

Finally snug it up against the first one and tighten it up.

Continue in the same manner with the last Josephine knot to complete the celtic knot necklace.

Lastly, slide another jewelry finding onto the end.

Crochet Charm

No tribute to Alzheimer’s would be complete without a purple ribbon. Of course, the ribbon is completely optional and you could just stop here and wear the necklace as-is.

Want to adapt the necklace for a different cause? Simply change out the yarn colours; use pink, for example, to show support for breast cancer awareness.

I’m using a mini skein of purple cotton to make the ribbon.

Row 1. Chain 36. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 2. single crochet (sc) 35. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 3. sc 6. Chain 3, skip 3 sc, sc 26. Fasten off and hide ends.

Use a 14mm jump ring to loop the ‘ribbon’ onto the bottom cord of the middle celtic knot. 

Celtic Knot Necklace Reveal

Attach a similar hook system as the sliders to each end and wear it with pride!

As many of you know, after losing our moms to Alzheimer’s, we’re fully committed to fundraising in their memory. Every dollar we earn, from this blog, our YouTube channel Birdz of a Feather, and other sources, goes directly toward supporting research for a cure. And every stitch in this necklace is part of that mission – small, deliberate, and filled with purpose. By reading, sharing, or supporting our work in any way, you’re part of that mission too, and we’re truly grateful! To see the day no one has to endure this disease, or watch a loved one slip away, would be a dream come true.

It might not be a cure, but it’s a statement: love remembers. And sometimes, a little yarn can carry a whole lot of hope (and look darn good doing it, too).

For a very different, but equally stunning statement necklace, check out this vintage button necklace.

Pin Celtic Knot Necklace

More Unique iCord Crafts

iCord is such a versatile technique as you can see by this air plant magnet, this icord crochet project, and this Easter bunny wreath.

Creative Craft Hop

Now it’s time to check out this DIY Wavy Air Clay Candle Holder from Terrie at Decorate and More with Tip. When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

• Beaded Wire Floral Candleholder
• How to Easily Spray Paint a Glass Lamp for a Fresh New Look
• DIY Salvaged Outdoor Cushions (No Sewing!)
• DIY Wavy Air Clay Candle Holder
• Pool Noodle Garland