The Macrame Christmas Star Ornament You’ll Hang Every Year
This free macrame star ornament pattern turns three long cords into an open-centred star, finished with a wrapped tassel. You do not need a ring or frame: the shape comes from the direction of your knots.
I’ll show you how to build one side, mirror it, and bring the cords together at the bottom. Follow the 13 illustrated steps, and use the timestamped video whenever you want a closer look at the anchor cord.
Your Macrame Star At A Glance
| Skill Level | Intermediate-friendly. Beginners should practice Double Half Hitch knots before starting. |
|---|---|
| Making Time | Allow approximately 45–90 minutes, as estimated in the original written tutorial; practice may take longer. |
| Finished Size | Previously listed as approximately 3 × 6 inches (7.6 × 15.2 cm); inclusion of the hanging loop is not specified. Measure your sample before planning a set. |
| Main Cord | 3mm single-strand cotton cord; Natural is used in the tutorial. |
| Hanger | 25 cm of fine string; the video uses 1.5mm 2-ply string. |
| Cord Total | 3.75 metres of main cord, plus 25 cm of hanging string. |
| Construction | DHH knot sections with an open centre and a gathered tassel. No ring required. |
Materials And Tools You Will Need
Start with 3mm single-strand cord for the closest match to this pattern. Keep a separate short length of fine string for the hanger. Your anchor angles and knot tension matter more here than adding extra supplies.
Fine Cotton String
A current 2mm option for the hanger; the video uses 1.5mm string.
Shop 2mm String →
- 3mm single-strand cotton cord: Cut three 115 cm pieces and one 30 cm piece.
- Fine cotton string: Cut one 25 cm hanger. The linked 2mm cord is an alternative to the 1.5mm string shown in the video.
- Scissors: For cutting and trimming the tassel.
- Measuring tape: Measure all pieces before beginning.
- Crochet hook (optional): Can help draw a cord end through a tight loop when finishing.
The Amazon crochet-hook link is an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Cord Cutting List For One Star
| Material | Quantity × Length | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 3mm Cord | 3 × 115 cm (about 45 in) | Knotted star body and tassel strands |
| 3mm Cord | 1 × 30 cm (about 12 in) | Gathering knot around the tassel |
| Fine String | 1 × 25 cm (about 10 in) | Hanging loop |
Total: 4 metres across five pieces—3.75 metres of 3mm cord and 0.25 metres of fine string. Measure in centimetres for the closest match; inch conversions are rounded. Set aside the 30 cm wrapping cord until Step 12.
These lengths are designed around 3mm single-strand cord. Thicker cord, a different construction or looser knots may need longer pieces. Make one sample before cutting for a set.
Knots To Practice Before Making The Star
- Double Half Hitch (DHH): shapes the star. Practice the Double Half Hitch knot in both directions before beginning.
- Reverse Lark’s Head: attaches the hanger. Review the Lark’s Head knot and its reverse variation.
- Overhand Knot: closes the hanging loop.
- Gathering Knot: wraps the tassel strands together. Step 12 includes the video demonstration.
The anchor cord is the strand you hold along the direction of the row. The working cord ties around it. A DHH knot has two half hitches; finish both before moving to the next cord.
Nicole’s tips for clean Double Half Hitch knots are especially useful if the direction changes feel unfamiliar. For the basics, start with our beginner’s guide to macrame.
A REFERENCE BESIDE YOUR CORD
Keep Your Next Knot Within Reach.
Use the free 50 Macrame Knots & Sennits guide when a pattern introduces a technique you want to practice.
Watch The Macrame Star Ornament Tutorial
Start knotting at 02:13. The first right-side section begins at 07:08, the mirrored left side at 08:56, and the gathering wrap at 11:43. Pause between sections to compare your cord positions with the photos.
How To Make A Macrame Star Ornament
Keep your work oriented as shown in each step. When a step asks you to turn or mirror the pattern, check which strand becomes the anchor before you tighten the next knot.
Step 1: Start With Two Long Cords
Fold one 115 cm cord in half and place it horizontally. Attach a second 115 cm cord vertically at the centre with a DHH knot. Compare the horizontal and vertical ends with the photo before continuing.
Step 2: Attach The Hanging Loop
Attach the 25 cm string to the horizontal cord with a Reverse Lark’s Head knot. Tie an Overhand knot with the string ends at the top to close the hanging loop.
Step 3: Turn The Right Anchor Down
Fold the right horizontal cord end down. Use the bottom vertical cord end to make another DHH knot towards the left, following the placement shown.
Step 4: Work Both Sides
Take the right cord as the anchor and tie another DHH knot towards the left. Turn the pattern over as demonstrated and repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Add The Third Long Cord
Use the third 115 cm cord to make two DHH knots onto the two horizontal cord ends. Check that this cord is positioned like the photos before starting the side sections.
Step 6: Begin The Right-Side Section
Make a row of two DHH knots towards the right. Underneath that row, make one more DHH knot towards the right. Follow the anchor angle in the video to form the turn.
Step 7: Turn Back Towards The Left
Fold the anchor cord down and make one DHH knot towards the left. Underneath, use the far-right cord as the anchor and make two DHH knots towards the left.
Step 8: Repeat The Right-Side Section
Repeat the full section underneath on the right, using the same two-row sequence from Steps 6–7. Compare the direction changes before tightening the last knot.
Step 9: Mirror The Left Side
Repeat the same two sections on the left, mirroring the right side. Check the anchor angles and spacing so both sides have a similar shape.
Step 10: Shape The Bottom
On the left, take the anchor cord and make a row of two DHH knots towards the left, followed by one DHH knot underneath. Repeat the corresponding sequence on the right to bring the sides towards the bottom.
Step 11: Secure The Back
Take the top two cords at the back and tie a DHH knot. Check the front of the star before tightening fully so you can adjust the outline if needed.
Step 12: Wrap The Tassel
Gather the remaining cords at the bottom. Use the reserved 30 cm cord to tie a Gathering knot around them: leave a loop, wrap around the bundle, pass the end through the loop, then pull the opposite end to tuck the loop inside the wraps. Follow the video for the finishing placement.
Step 13: Trim The Fringe
Trim the bottom fringe to your preferred length. Start with a longer tassel, then shorten it gradually while checking the balance of the star.
Troubleshooting Your Macrame Star
Pause before the final wrap. Lay the star flat, compare its left and right points, then check the back. The Step 10 photos show the bottom closure; Step 11 shows the securing knot at the back.
| What You Notice | What To Check |
|---|---|
| The Outline Looks Uneven | Compare the left and right anchor angles. Check that each mirrored section has the same rows and knot counts. |
| A Section Turns The Wrong Way | Pause at Steps 6–7. The first rows travel right; the next rows travel left. Identify the anchor before tying. |
| The Centre Closes Up | Compare the spacing with the step photos. Avoid pulling the connecting sections so tightly that the open shape collapses. |
| Cord Is Running Short | Check that the three main cords started at 115 cm and that the 30 cm wrapping cord was kept separate. Different cord thickness or tension can use extra length. |
| The Gathering Wrap Looks Loose | Keep the tassel strands together while wrapping. Pull the finishing loop inside the wraps before trimming the wrapping ends. |
Before You Trim: Three Finishing Checks
- Uneven points: Compare each mirrored section with Steps 6–9. Check the knot count and anchor direction before adjusting tension.
- A centre that will not lie flat: Set the work on a flat surface. Check for a twisted connecting cord or a section pulled tighter than its partner. Ease that section and compare the open centre with the photos before tightening again.
- A bulky or uneven closure: Recheck the cord placement in Steps 10–11. Secure the back, turn the star over to check the front, and only then add the gathering wrap. Leave trimming until the shape is settled.
Style Your Star For Christmas
Hang the finished star on a branch, tie it onto a wrapped present, or make a coordinated set for your tree. Natural cotton keeps the knot details visible; changing the tassel length is another simple way to personalise the finish.
Keep the 3mm cord size consistent when trying another colour. Store the ornament flat and dry so the knotwork keeps its shape and the fringe stays tidy.
Macrame Star Ornament FAQs
Is This Macrame Star Ornament Pattern Free?
Yes. The cutting list, 13 written steps, photos and video tutorial are free to follow. You supply the cord and tools.
Is This Star Suitable For Beginners?
The video describes it as intermediate-friendly. Beginners can work towards it, but should practice Double Half Hitch knots in both directions before starting the pattern.
How Much Cord Do I Need For One Star?
Cut three 115 cm lengths and one 30 cm length of 3mm cord, plus one 25 cm length of fine string. That is 3.75 metres of main cord plus 0.25 metres for the hanger.
Do I Need A Ring Or Frame?
No. This star is formed with knots alone. The fine string makes the hanging loop, and a Gathering knot finishes the tassel.
Which Knots Does The Pattern Use?
Double Half Hitch, Reverse Lark’s Head, Overhand and Gathering knots. Most of the shaping uses DHH knots with changes in direction.
Do I Need An Extra 60 Cm Cord In Step 6?
No. Step 6 uses the cords already attached. Tie two DHH knots towards the right, then one DHH knot underneath, also towards the right. The video shows this at 07:08.
Can I Use 4mm Cord Instead Of 3mm?
You can experiment, but the knots will be bulkier and the cord requirements may change. The cutting list is for 3mm single-strand cord; make a test piece before cutting for a batch.
How Long Does The Star Take To Make?
The original written tutorial estimates 45–90 minutes. Allow extra time if you are practicing the DHH direction changes.
How Big Is The Finished Star?
The earlier Bochiknot tutorial lists a finished size of approximately 3 × 6 inches (7.6 × 15.2 cm). It does not specify whether the hanging loop is included. Cord choice, knot tension and tassel length affect the result; measure your finished sample before making a matching set.
KEEP LEARNING
More Macrame Christmas Ornaments To Make
Macrame Tree
Ornament
Build a small 3D tree with DHH rows and finish it with a cinnamon-stick trunk.
Make The Tree →
Holly WreathOrnament
Shape two holly leaves with DHH knots, then add raised berries to a wrapped ring.
Make The Wreath →
Macrame AngelOn A Ring
Explore another way to shape double half hitch rows and finish soft cotton fringe.
Make The Angel →Find more ideas in our macrame Christmas tutorials, or work through the complete beginner’s guide.
MAKE SOMETHING NEXT MONTH, TOO
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A NOTE FROM YOUR MACRAME TEACHER
Made By You. Shared With Love.
You have practiced changing direction, mirroring a pattern and closing your work neatly. Notice how the same DHH knot gives you a different shape when you change the anchor angle. Would you hang your star on the tree or tie it onto a gift? Tell me in the comments.
Much love,
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