Viking Knit Bracelet Tutorial

The Vikings knew a thing or two about accessorizing – no horned helmet required – with this Viking knit bracelet. This centuries-old wire weaving technique might look like something unearthed from a treasure hoard, but it’s easier (and more addictive) than it looks. Grab your wire and pliers because you’re about to learn how to make a Viking knit bracelet – fit for a modern-day warrior with a flair for handmade fashion.

A Viking knit bracelet makes a thoughtful and timeless gift for just about anyone on your list. Its handcrafted charm and intricate looking design give it that personal touch that store-bought jewelry just can’t match. Whether you’re tucking one into a Christmas stocking, celebrating a birthday, or surprising someone “just because,” this bracelet adds a bit of history and heart to any occasion. Plus, it’s unisex, stylish, and totally customizable. Gift one to friends, family, or anyone who appreciates something beautifully made by hand.

Creative Craft Hop

Before we get to the tutorial, it’s time for another Creative Craft blog hop co-hosted every other month by yours truly and Donna from Modern on Monticello! If you are visiting from Beth at Creatively Beth, weren’t her major jar pumpkins adorable? Thanks for hopping over!

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!

Viking Knit 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!]

I’m starting with 22 gauge wire, although you could easilygo thinner and use up to 26 gauge.

Roll of 22 gauge antique brass wire

I just love the antique brass colour of this wire, but of course it’s up to your preference.

Container of antique brass wire shown from the side

If you want to spend the money on gadget to help you with this, there is a tool called the Lazee Daizee Viking Knit tool.

I would love to have had a Lazee Daizee Viking Knit tool but you really don’t need one. Hubs cut me a piece of spare dowel he had hanging around. Then I added paper clips (I think I used 8 to fill around the circumference) and taped them to the dowel.

Paper clips spaced around a dowel and attached with green tape

In addition, I put an elastic band around the top to hold it all in place. To work the first row, hold the tail end, then insert the working end of the wire through the bottom loop of the paper clip. Hold the tail end and the loop with your thumb, then move over to the next paper clip on the right. This video shows you how to weave with the Lazee Daizee but the principles are exactly the same.

Once the first row is complete, watch this video starting at 5:16 for how to proceed with the second row. You’ll be coming under both loops in the first loop you made. Then continue in that manner around the rest of the row.

Paper clips attached to a dowel with tape and elastic and first row of viking knit weaving started

Try to keep the loops consistent. Eventually, you can remove the elastic and tape at the top because you’ll want to move the weaving up as you go.

Viking knit with tape and elastic removed, pulled up on a dowel with paper clips at the top

As the weaving started to grow, I was finding it difficult to keep everything straight, but in the end it didn’t matter because the wire chain drawplate will help even it out.

Since we’re using a dowel, remember to move up the wire work every once in a while so you’ll actually be able to it once you’re done. If you leave it on until the end, it might just get stuck there permanently :).

Viking knit pulled up on a dowel with paper clips at the top

Once you get to the end of the wire, you’ll need to attach a new one and continue weaving to your desired length. Watch this video – starting at 33:05 – for how to add on more wire.

Viking knit pulled up on a dowel with paper clips at the top

Using the Drawplate

Continue weaving until you have a good length. I forgot to measure my final length but I have a tiny wrist. Keep in mind too that it will stretch quite a bit with the next step.

Viking knit pulled up on a dowel with paper clips at the top

Then you can remove the wire from the dowel and it’s time to pull it through the drawplate. Be sure you leave some wire at the end to add end caps.

I started with the largest hole and pulled the entire think through. Right away I noticed how even it became.

Finished iking knit weaving beside a plastic Bead Smith drawplate

Then I worked my way down through smaller and smaller holes.

Pulling the viking knit through the drawplate

I kept measuring as I went and ended up with 6 1/2″. You can go longer and as fine as you like – as long as you have the strength to pull it through.

Tape measure beside viking knit showing it measure 6.5"

End Caps for your Viking Knit

I chose to make end caps out of wire, but you can easily buy them too. If you purchase them, watch this video to see how to measure and install them.

Instead of buying something ready-made, I just wrapped wire around a pair of pliers to get a cone shape. This video demonstrates how to make the end caps with the end of the lazee daze and attach it. Laura also demonstrates how to add beads to your viking knit before pulling it through the drawplate, which I think is such a cool option!

You can also do a straight wire wrap, as this video shows. Again, it’s up to personal preference.

Cone shaped end cap made of wire wrapped around needle nose pliers

Make two and try to be consistent with the size. I switched to a different pair of pliers to get a narrower cap.

Cone shaped end cap made of wire wrapped around needle nose pliers

Use the end of the wire to attach the cap and secure.

Attaching the end cap onto the viking knit bracelet

I used the wire to also make the closure, but you can choose to purchase clasps if you prefer.

viking knit bracelet displayed on a piece of colourful rock with a hole in the middle.

DIY Viking Knit Bracelet

Pin Viking Knit Bracelet

If you found this project inspiring or helpful, why not share the love? Pinning is a great way to support our charitable work and helps others discover creative ideas too! Just click the Pin button and save it to your favourite board; you’ll be able to find it later when you’re ready to try it yourself. Every pin makes a big difference and keeps the creativity flowing!

Fall Into Fabulous

One of the things I love most about blogging is connecting with other makers. And this Fall we’ve created something truly inspiring together: 16 digital goodies from top creators — planners, recipes, colouring books  & more — including our Beginner Crochet e-Book!

Grab it now — the bundle is only available for a limited time at this price: use the coupon code FALLFUN to get it for $9.99! 

As always, every dollar of our commission goes straight to Alzheimer’s research, so treat yourself knowing that you’re making a real difference! Let’s make this Fall fabulous and full of hope. 💜

Pinnable image for beginner crochet, and fall bundle offer

Creative Craft Hop

Now it’s time to check out How to Make an Easy Felt Leaf Wreath for Fall from Carol at Blue Sky at Home. When you’re done, please remember to visit these other amazing talents below:

6 thoughts on “Viking Knit Bracelet Tutorial

    • It’s definitely a great thing to learn during the winter months! Hope you try it; it’s really fun :).

  1. What a beautiful technique, Sara! How cool is this! You never cease to amaze me with your skills and talent!

    • My curiousity always gets the best of me; whenever I see something that catches my eye, I just have to try it!

  2. Sara, I had never heard of this tech before and I love the results! Beautiful! Blessings, Cecilia – My Thrift Store Addiction

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