Abstract: A method for automated forming of a knot in a strand of dough includes providing a spacer element having an outer surface and an integral channel, and forming around this outer surface a loop from a first part of the strand. A second part of the strand is then positioned such that at least an end of the strand extends into the channel, crossing a virtual plane passing through the loop, and the spacer element is withdrawn from the loop of dough such that the strand remains in the form of a knot. A device for implementing the method typically includes a work surface with at least one aperture, a mechanical manipulator for gripping and manipulating the dough, and a displacer element aligned with the aperture and movable in a direction roughly perpendicular to the working surface to displace an end of the strand through the plane of the loop of dough to form a knot.