Article: How do you make knots out of chains?

How do you make knots out of chains?
Small chain, big frustration: You want to put on your favorite jewelry and find it's completely knotted. Whether it's fine gold or delicate silver, knots in chains are a classic jewelry tragedy. But don't worry: With a little breathwork and the right tricks, you can unravel even the most stubborn tangles. We promise!
In this article, we'll show you how to remove knots from chains , which home remedies help, what you should avoid - and why it's worth taking sustainable action instead of despairing.
Why do chains get tangled so quickly?
Delicate necklaces, in particular, tend to tangle easily during transport or in storage, especially if they aren't stored individually. When rolled up, in small bags, or while traveling, knots can form that, at first glance, seem almost impossible to unravel.
But: Even if a chain is knotted , you don't have to give up. The question is: How do you get knots out of chains without damaging them?
How to untie a knot from a chain – this is the best way to do it
Patience is key! Instead of pulling wildly or yanking on the chain, this step-by-step approach will help you:
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Choose a quiet surface
Place the necklace on a firm, light-colored surface, such as a clean towel. This will help you see knots more easily. -
Use some oil or baby powder
These little helpers make the metal more supple. You can use them to gently "relax" the knot. More on that in a moment... -
Use two needles or toothpicks
With gentle pressure and fine movement, the knot can be removed from the chain without damaging it. -
Don't tear, just push
Pulling will only tighten the knot. Instead, carefully loosen the loops and slowly unravel them.
Untie knots from chains – home remedies at a glance
Looking for a knot-untying trick that doesn't require special tools? Here are our three favorite home remedies that have solved many knotted necklaces :
1. Baking powder and oil
A real insider tip: Mix a little baking soda with a drop of oil. This makes the metal more slippery. Using a toothpick or needle, you can easily undo the knot in the chain —even in complex tangles.
2. Talcum powder or baby powder
Equally effective and especially suitable for delicate jewelry. The powder lubricates the knot without leaving a greasy residue.
3. Wet wipes or glasses cleaning cloths
They make the area around the knot a little more moist without dripping. Ideal for untangling jewelry on the go.
No matter which household remedy you use, be sure to clean the necklace afterward, for example, with a soft cloth or by soaking it in mild soapy water. And to avoid the annoying fiddling next time, make sure you store your jewelry properly. More on that later...
Unknotting a chain – what to do with very tight knots?
Some tangles require even more patience. It gets particularly tricky with fine link chains or chains with pendants. How do you get knots out of chains when nothing's moving anymore?
Here are some tips to help you:
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Place the chain in a warm water bath with a drop of dish soap for a few minutes.
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Then place it on a soft cloth and work carefully with needles or tweezers.
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Take your time. Tight knots often only loosen with minimal movement.
By the way: In our blog article "Repairing a Chain," you'll also find help if the clasp or a link is damaged. Because repairing is more sustainable than throwing away.
How to get knots out of chains – professional help when nothing else works
Some knots are simply too tight. Before you give up or damage your chain, ask yourself: Do I have to untie this myself?
At fejn, we offer you help because we want to combat the throwaway mentality: Many chains can be restored to their original shape with our repair services . Whether it's a clasp, a link, or a complete replacement. Please send us an email to info@fejn.com with the most important information. We'll get back to you as soon as possible. Because sustainability also means preserving things. And yes—that also applies to chains with knots.
Tips to avoid knots in chains
To help you avoid asking yourself the question “How do you get knots out of chains?” here are our favorite storage tips:
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Store chains individually, e.g. in small zip bags or jewelry rolls
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Secure pendants separately to prevent them from getting caught on other chains
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When traveling: Thread the necklace through a straw or an empty tube – this way it cannot twist
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For home: Use a jewelry board or a necklace hanger with hooks – looks good and prevents chaos
You can find out more in our guide: Jewelry storage – tips for more order
How to get knots out of chains? With patience, care, and attitude
Our conclusion: Knotted necklaces aren't a reason to panic, but rather a reminder to treat your favorite pieces with care. With a little patience, the right tools, and our tricks, almost any knot can be undone . And if not, repairing rather than throwing away is always a good and, above all, sustainable option. So, if the necklace is tangled, take a deep breath. Lay out a cloth. And off you go. You've got this!