How to Make Macrame Christmas Ornaments

Charming and beautiful macrame Christmas ornaments are so easy to make! These pretty little woven Christmas trees make lovely decor, present toppers, or gifts for family and friends.

A Pretty Macrame Christmas Decoration

Macrame is one craft technique that seems intimidating before you try it, but always turns out to be easier than you think! These macrame ornaments only use one knotting technique to keep things simple, but the final product looks intricate and beautiful.

I love this project for lots of reasons!

First, it’s a great introduction to macrame if you’re a beginner. Secondly, these macrame ornaments come together really quickly so you can make a whole batch in a sitting.

And finally, the materials are minimal and extremely affordable (not to mention it fits beautifully into a boho holiday theme when you combine it with some pretty beaded garland and ornaments, and a little DIY tassel action.)

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What is Macrame?

So let’s back up a bit. What is macrame, anyway?

Macrame is a type of textile created by using various knotting techniques, as opposed to weaving or knitting. This technique can be traced back to Arabic weavers in the 13th century, and has been spotted throughout many different civilizations over the centuries.

During the Victorian era, intricate macrame tablecloths, curtains, and other home textiles became hugely popular. And sailors practiced the technique while at sea, then bartering with the macrame items they made while in port. This helped the technique continue to travel around the globe.

The Best Macrame Cord for Beginners

Macrame cord can be made of many different materials, including cotton twine, linen, hemp, jute, yarn, or even leather. They’re identified by their construction — braided, multi-ply (3,4,5, etc.), or single strand.

If you’re just beginning, I recommend a braided cotton cord. This is what you’ll probably be most likely to find at an affordable price point in your local craft or hobby shop.

Once you become more proficient at macrame you may find that you want to explore the 3-ply cord. It knots nicely and creates a nicer fringe than the braided cord.

And finally, if you really take a liking to the technique, single strand macrame cord is the best quality for professional creations. It tends to be more expensive than the other types of cords.

Supplies You’ll Need

You only need a few supplies to put together these pretty macrame ornaments.

• macrame cord
• large wooden beads
• comb
• scissors

How to Make A Macrame Christmas Ornament

1. Start by cutting three pieces of your twisted cotton macrame cord. One piece should be 14″ and the other two should be 10″. Fold the 14″ piece in half with the loop at the top. Insert the loop through a large wooden bead and pull the loop through so that it’s about 1″ long.
2. Fold one 10″ piece in half and tuck the loop under the top of the 14″ piece, from left to right.
3. Then fold your other 10″ cord in half. Tuck this loop up through the loop of the first 10″ cord, from the right to the left.
4. Next, pull the second 10″ cord across the center line of the 14″ cord. Insert the ends of the first 10″ cord through this loop.
5. Pull on both ends of the cords equally to tighten this knot.
6. Repeat the steps of adding two more 10″ loops and tying this knot, but alternate the sides where you insert the first loop. So this time insert the first loop under the center cord from the right and the second from the left. The next time, start back on the left again. Repeat until your tree is as tall as you’d like to be. We made 7 knots on these trees.
7. Use scissors to start trimming your ends into a tree shape.
8. Use your fingers and a comb to fray and separate the twisted strands of the macrame cord. Gently brush through using the comb.
9. Trim again into a tidy tree shape.

Ways To Use Macrame Ornaments

These unique macrame ornaments were designed to hang on a Christmas tree. But you could do so much more with them!

• Add them to a gift as a pretty gift topper or bow.
• Hang them over the top of a wine bottle to create a festive holiday gift.
• Give to neighbors, teachers, or friends.
• String a few macrame trees together on a piece of twine to create a garland.

More Holiday Projects You’ll Love

I took a moment to round up some of our other holiday projects that complement these macrame ornaments perfectly! Take a peek through these and be sure to pin your favorites so you always know where to find them.

• Giant Cardboard Christmas Trees
• Advent Calendar Idea: A Christmas Village with Gifts Inside
• Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar with Free Printables
• How to Make a Pom Pom Christmas Ornament
• Make Fire Starter Pine Cone Crafts
• How to Make Christmas Stockings
• Make Personalized Christmas Stockings
• How to Finger Knit a Holiday Garland

And if you try our macrame Christmas project, be sure to rate it below. Have fun! xoxo