DIY Macrame Angel Ornament for Beginners
FREE CHRISTMAS MACRAME PATTERN · BY NICOLE WOO
At first, it’s a wooden ring, a bead, and a handful of cotton cords on your table. Then the wings take shape, the bead becomes a little face, and a soft skirt brings the whole angel together. This DIY macrame angel ornament gives you that lovely moment when the materials suddenly become a character.
We’ll give the wings their shape with neat rows of knots, then soften the finish with a brushed tassel skirt. The wooden ring does double duty as the frame and halo, so every part has a place.
If the wings look a little ambitious, we’ll take them one row at a time. I’ll show you how to make the first, mirror the second, and bring everything together. By the end, you’ll have a handmade angel ready for a Christmas branch or a gift—and a little more confidence in shaping your knotwork.
New to the knots? Keep our free 50 Macrame Knots & Sennits guide nearby while you follow the video.
The Project at a Glance
Finished measurements are approximate and depend on cord and tension. Allow extra time if you are learning the knots.
Cord and Materials for Your Ring-Halo Angel
Use 3mm single-strand cotton cord so the skirt can be combed into soft fringe. You also need one 2-inch wooden ring and one 20mm wooden bead. The video specifies a 10mm bead hole. Our current wooden bead has a 9mm hole, so test that both body-cord ends pass through comfortably before starting.
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3mm Single-Strand Cord
Choose the 3mm option for the cutting list. Natural recycled cotton is an alternative to the original milk-white cord; test the bead fit with your actual cord.
Shop Single-Strand Cord →
2-Inch Wooden Ring
One wooden ring forms the halo and the support for the wings, bead and skirt.
Shop Wooden Rings →
20mm Wooden Bead
Use one bead for the head. Current product: 9mm hole; video: 10mm hole. Test both cord ends through it before knotting.
Shop Wooden Beads →Your Remaining Tools
Use measuring tape, precision scissors, and a fringe comb. Secure the anchor with tape on a suitable work surface or pins in a knotting board. Braided cord will not brush out into the same skirt.
Use supplies you already own where possible. For other craft essentials, browse the Bochiknot Amazon US storefront.
Cut Your Cord Before You Start
| Use | Cut length | Approximate conversion | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wing anchors | 2 × 50 cm | About 20 in each | One per wing |
| First wing attachments | 2 × 70 cm | About 28 in each | One per wing |
| Second wing attachments | 2 × 80 cm | About 31.5 in each | One per wing |
| Third wing attachments | 2 × 90 cm | About 35.5 in each | One per wing |
| Outer wing attachments | 2 × 100 cm | About 39.5 in each | One per wing |
| Bead and hanger | 1 × 60 cm | About 24 in | Fold in half |
| Skirt | 10 × 25 cm | About 10 in each | Two groups of five |
| Gathering knot | 1 × 25 cm | About 10 in | Separate from skirt cords |
Total: 22 pieces and 11.15 m (about 36.6 ft) of cord. Keep the 25 cm gathering cord separate from the ten skirt cords. Cut by the metric measurements; the inch values are approximate.
Understand the Knots Before You Combine Them
Reverse Lark’s Head + Half Hitch
Use the combined mounting knot shown in this pattern; it is different from a plain attachment.
See The Knot Tutorial →
Double Half Hitch
Tie two half hitches with the working strand around an anchor. The anchor sets the direction.
See The Knot Tutorial →
Gathering Knot
Wrap a bundle, feed the end through the loop and pull it beneath the wraps to secure.
See The Knot Tutorial →The bead cord uses a standard Reverse Lark’s Head attachment. An overhand knot finishes the hanger; see the assembly timestamp.
Sort the wing cords by length, then make two matching sets. Keep the short 25 cm cords aside for assembly. Practice the combined mounting knot before beginning the wing.
Watch Nicole Make It
Use the full video for an overview, or click the timestamp beside any step to jump directly to that demonstration.
Ring-Halo Angel: Step-by-Step Pattern
Read the instruction, compare the original step photos, then use the linked video whenever you need to see the cord move. Clicking a step photo also opens that step in the video.
1. Set up the first wing anchor
Place one 50 cm cord horizontally and secure it about 18 cm from its left end. Keep both ends free. This offset is intentional; do not center all the cords automatically.
2. Mount the first 70 cm cord
Fold a 70 cm cord and attach it at the setup point with the Reverse Lark’s Head Plus Half Hitch combination shown in the video. Tighten the mounting knot neatly against the anchor. This combined attachment is different from a plain Reverse Lark’s Head.
3. Mount the remaining wing cords
Add the 80 cm, 90 cm and 100 cm cords to the right of the first cord, in that order, using the same combined mounting knot. Keep the attachments together and the loose ends organized by position.
4. Build the tapering wing rows
Bring the left anchor end underneath and work a row of DHH knots toward the right. Repeat the shaping sequence until the bottom row has only one DHH knot. Adjust the anchor cords gently to settle the rows. Watch the repeated rows at 5:21 · Tension adjustment at 6:24.
5. Close the first wing edge
Start at the top with a regular DHH. Include the working cord with the anchor for the next DHH, then trim the newly added anchor end as demonstrated. Repeat for the next two closing knots. Cut only the identified short end; preserve the cords needed for the remaining construction. Watch the trimming sequence at 7:39.
6. Mirror the wing
Use the second set of 50, 70, 80, 90 and 100 cm cords to repeat the wing in the opposite direction. Mirror the cord order and anchor direction rather than making an identical wing facing the same way. Lay the pair side by side and compare their size.
7. Attach the wings to the ring
Follow the ring-attachment close-up: include the ring with the anchor bundle in the closing DHH sequence, trimming only the newly incorporated short ends shown. Continue for three more closing DHH knots, then attach the other wing using the mirrored sequence. Keep the wings balanced on either side. Continue attaching at 16:09 · Other wing at 18:40.
8. Add the bead and body cord
Fold the 60 cm cord in half and attach it to the bottom of the ring with a Reverse Lark’s Head. Thread both ends through the wooden bead and position the bead inside the ring. If the fit is tight, stop and use a bead with a suitable hole rather than forcing the cord.
9. Secure the head and make the hanger
Attach the two body-cord ends to the top of the ring with DHH knots as shown. Tie a large overhand knot at the ends to make the hanging loop. Check that the bead is centered and the ornament hangs upright.
10. Prepare and position the skirt
Divide the ten 25 cm cords into two groups of five and comb them gently. Feed the groups through the spaces on either side of the bead at its bottom, then blend the fibers at the front and back. Positioning the skirt at 24:16.
11. Wrap the waist and trim the skirt
Use the separate 25 cm cord to make the Gathering knot around the skirt. Pull the binding loop beneath the wraps, tidy its ends, and comb the fringe again. Hang the angel before trimming small amounts from the skirt so the hem falls evenly. Final comb and trim at 27:19.
Check the shape from the front and back, secure every attachment, and hang the ornament before your final trim.
If Your Ring-Halo Angel Looks Different
My wings point the same way.
The second wing must mirror the first. Check the mounting order and direction of the first anchor row before continuing; rotating an identical finished wing may not reproduce the mirrored edge.
The bead will not slide onto both cords.
The video uses a 10mm hole. Check the actual hole and cord fit; a 20mm bead diameter does not describe its hole size. Use a larger-hole bead if needed.
The skirt looks thin or uneven.
Check that you used ten skirt cords, split into groups of five, with the gathering cord kept separate. Comb in small sections from the ends upward, blend the front and back, and trim only while the angel hangs naturally.
Display It, Gift It, Make It Yours
Hang the angel on an evergreen branch or attach it to a keepsake gift. For a softer color variation, choose another 3mm single-strand cotton and keep the wooden ring and bead natural. Store it flat with the skirt straight to avoid tangling the fringe.
Share your finished piece and tag @bochiknot on Instagram. Seeing how a familiar pattern looks in another maker’s colors is part of the fun.
Questions Before You Start?
Is this a beginner macrame angel pattern?
It is suitable for a confident beginner who can tie Double Half Hitch knots. The mirrored wings and ring attachment take more attention than the tassel skirt; use the video timestamps for those sections.
What cord is best for the angel?
The pattern uses 3mm single-strand cotton. It holds the wing knots while allowing the skirt fibers to separate. Braided cord will not create the same brushed fringe.
Can I use the current 9mm-hole wooden beads?
Test first. The original video specifies a 10mm hole; the current 9mm product is an alternative only if both strands of your 3mm cord pass through comfortably.
Does this angel need glue?
The tutorial secures the main parts with knots. Follow the ring-attachment and gathering-knot steps carefully rather than relying on glue to hold the structure together.
What Would You Like to Make Next?
Keep exploring with another free Christmas macrame tutorial. Choose a different construction to build on what you just practiced.
Mini Macrame Wreath Ornament: Free 3D Leaf Pattern
Make a mini macrame wreath ornament by knotting six small leaves and tying them around a 2-inch wooden ring.
Try This Free Pattern →
Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament: Free Metallic Cord Pattern
Make a macrame Christmas tree ornament with layered diagonal knots, a star bead, and a wrapped tassel trunk.
Try This Free Pattern →
Mini Macrame Wreath Ornament: Free Pattern Without a Ring
Create a mini macrame wreath ornament from three cords, a repeating scalloped knot pattern, and a ribbon bow.
Try This Free Pattern →Browse all Christmas macrame tutorials, or follow the Macrame Journey to choose your next learning stage.
KEEP A KNOT REFERENCE NEARBY
A Little Help Between Tutorial Pauses
Revisit a knot before repeating it across your project. Our free 50 Macrame Knots & Sennits guide gives you a reference to return to as you learn.
Get The Free Knot Guide →A LITTLE SUPPORT FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
Keep Learning With The Bochiknot Patreon Community
If you would like a regular reason to pick up your cord, explore the Bochiknot community on Patreon. Choose the level of guidance that fits the projects you want to make.
TIER 1
Mini-Macrame Creations
Explore smaller projects with patterns and video guidance.
TIER 2
Mastering Macrame Skills
Build your technique through guided projects, lessons, and creative challenges.
TIER 3
Macrame Masterpiece
Explore a learning and materials-kit option. Compare the kit schedule and shipping details on Patreon.
Tier 3 also has Macrame Masterpiece Lite (S2) and Macrame Masterpiece Bundle (S1) options. See Patreon for the current inclusions, availability, and pricing.
NICOLE WOO · BOCHIKNOT
Enjoy making something personal for your Christmas tree. Take your time with the shaping, and let the first ornament be your practice piece.
A Little Inspiration Between Projects
Follow Bochiknot for tutorials, new ideas, and more ways to keep knotting.
Pattern and instruction: Nicole Woo, Bochiknot. Original step photographs accompany the linked tutorial. Lifestyle scenes are styled illustrations of the finished project.
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