Macrame Angel Ornament With Downward Leaf Wings: Free Tutorial
FREE MACRAME CHRISTMAS TUTORIAL · A FAMILIAR PATTERN, A NEW WING SHAPE
Make a macrame angel ornament with layered, downward-facing leaf wings, a wooden bead head and a softly brushed skirt. This free video-guided tutorial uses 2mm cotton cord, a 2-inch wooden ring and a gold metallic halo to create a finished angel approximately 5 inches wide and 8 inches long.
This design began with our original Leaf Wing Angel tutorial. Nicole flipped it and reworked the leaves into a different wing shape. It is a small design lesson wrapped inside a Christmas project: changing the direction of a familiar detail can change the character of the whole piece.
From the Original Leaf Wing Angel to a New Design
Nicole turned the original design upside down and reworked its knotted leaves into downward-facing wings. Compare both designs below to see how a change in direction creates a different silhouette.
The earlier pattern that inspired this new version.
The reworked design you’ll make in this tutorial.
You can follow either tutorial on its own. Making the original angel first is optional.
Below, gather the supplies, organize your cuts and follow the linked stages alongside Nicole’s demonstration. Each timestamp takes you straight to the part you need, so you can pause, practice and return without searching through the video.
New to knotting? Keep our free 50 Macrame Knots & Sennits PDF nearby, then practice the double half hitch before starting the wings.
Your Angel at a Glance
Best approached once you are comfortable tying double half hitch knots. The layered shaping and assembly make this a more involved project than a simple tassel angel. Finished measurements vary with tension and trimming.
What Makes These Angel Wings Different?
Leaves Become Wings
Angled knot rows form distinct leaf shapes. Reworking their orientation creates the downward-facing silhouette that defines this angel.
Texture Meets Softness
The knotted wings hold their visual outline while the brushed hair and skirt add a softer finish. The contrast makes the details easy to appreciate.
A Useful Design Lesson
You practice mirroring, anchor direction and finishing in one ornament—and see how a familiar pattern can become a new design.
Already made our earlier leaf-wing angel? Treat this as a separate variation and follow this video’s materials and sequence. Do not mix cutting lists between the two designs.
Cord and Materials for Your Macrame Angel
Some links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Bochiknot earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Choose where you shop. Find the materials linked below in our Bochiknot shop, or browse our Amazon US storefront for macrame cord and craft supplies. On Amazon, search “Bochiknot” plus the material you need, then check the thickness, ring size and bead-hole size against this tutorial before ordering.
Use the original 2mm cord for your first attempt. Its fine size suits the layered leaves, and its single-strand construction can be combed into the hair and skirt. The gold braided string is a separate accent for the halo.
2mm Single-Strand Cotton Cord
Choose Natural to match Nicole’s materials. Use this for the soft cotton elements; keep the cut groups separate.
Shop 2mm Natural Cord →
Gold Metallic String
1.5mm braided metallic string gives the halo a fine gold accent. Choose the Gold variant used in the tutorial.
Shop Gold Metallic String →
2-Inch Wooden Ring
You need one ring for one angel. Match this size before cutting or knotting; a different ring changes the layout.
Shop Wooden Rings →
Large-Hole Wooden Bead
You need one 20–25mm bead with a 9mm hole. Our linked bead is 20mm; test the cord bundle through it before assembly.
Shop Wooden Beads →
Macrame Fringe Comb
Separate the cotton fibres gently for the hair and skirt. Support the knotwork and work through the ends in small sections.
Shop The Fringe Comb →
Rose Gold Macrame Scissors
Use sharp scissors for a controlled final trim. Make small cuts after checking the angel hanging upright.
Shop Macrame Scissors →Also have a measuring tape and a clear work surface ready. An optional macrame board can help keep the ring steady. Use tools you already own where possible.
Macrame Angel Cord Cutting List
These are the five cut groups listed with Nicole’s video. Measure in centimetres for the original lengths; the inch values are rounded guides. Keep the single 50cm piece separate from the four-piece 50cm group.
| Cut Group | Pieces | Length Per Piece | Group Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | 14 | 100cm / approx. 39 inches | 14m |
| Group B | 1 | 50cm / approx. 20 inches | 0.5m |
| Group C | 8 | 30cm / approx. 12 inches | 2.4m |
| Group D | 4 | 50cm / approx. 20 inches | 2m |
| Group E | 1 | 40cm / approx. 16 inches | 0.4m |
The listed cuts total 28 pieces and 19.3m. This is the arithmetic total of the supplied list, not a confirmed cotton-only allowance. Keep extra cord available for practice and adjustments.
Understand the Knots Before You Start
The main shaping technique is the double half hitch. Each working strand ties two half hitches around an anchor cord; the anchor’s direction sets the row. Practice changing that direction before attempting the layered leaves.
Lark’s Head & Reverse Lark’s Head
Refresh how a folded cord mounts to a ring. Follow the orientation shown in Nicole’s mounting stage.
See The Knot Tutorial →
Double Half Hitch
Practice an even row, then change the anchor angle. This is the foundation of the leaf-shaped wings.
See The Knot Tutorial →
Gathering Knot
Learn the wrapped finish before securing the angel’s cord bundle during final assembly.
See The Knot Tutorial →If the rows bunch or drift, revisit our five double half hitch troubleshooting tips before pulling the knots tighter.
Watch Nicole Make the Angel Ornament
Watch the finished shape first, then follow along at your own pace. The guide below groups the demonstration into 12 stages; each stage includes the original video timestamps.
How to Make the Angel: Follow the 12 Stages
Use this guide beside the video for orientation and checkpoints. Follow Nicole’s demonstration for the exact cord selection and knot count in each leaf row. Finish one stage before jumping ahead to the next.
Stage 1 of 12
1. Mount the First Cords
▶ Watch This Stage · 05:56Secure the ring so it stays steady while you work. Mount the first cords in the arrangement Nicole demonstrates, keeping the hanging strands visible and untangled.
Before moving on: Check that the mounting direction matches the video before beginning the first leaf.
Stage 2 of 12
2. Build and Close the First Leaf
▶ Watch This Stage · 06:28Follow the first double half hitch rows, then adjust the anchor direction as the leaf develops. Pay attention to which strand is acting as the anchor each time the row turns. Let the rows form the shape gradually.
Before moving on: Check the leaf outline and row spacing before tightening the closing row.
Stage 3 of 12
3. Add the Second Leaf
▶ Watch This Stage · 12:43Continue with the second leaf in the demonstration. Use the same controlled tension as the first, leaving the completed leaf undisturbed while working the next section.
Before moving on: Compare the placement of the two leaves with the video, not just their individual outlines.
Stage 4 of 12
4. Work the Leaves on the Left
▶ Watch This Stage · 13:29Follow Nicole’s left-side sequence. Mirroring changes the direction of the anchor and working movements, so check the demonstration again instead of repeating the right-side movements unchanged.
Before moving on: Pause with both sides laid flat and check their balance before moving to the larger leaves.
Stage 5 of 12
5. Shape the Large Leaf
▶ Watch This Stage · 19:21Start the large leaf and follow the stepped rows. Watch the anchor turn closely: keeping track of the holding strand makes it easier to follow the new direction without pulling earlier rows out of shape.
Before moving on: Check the spacing while building the rows, then close the large leaf as shown.
Stage 6 of 12
6. Mirror the Large Leaf
▶ Watch This Stage · 24:04Repeat the large-leaf construction on the opposite side using the mirrored sequence. Lay the structure flat and compare the two sides before moving into assembly.
Before moving on: Make small tension adjustments now, while the wing structure is still easy to access.
Stage 7 of 12
7. Add the Hanging Cord and Bead
▶ Watch This Stage · 27:31Orient the wing structure as shown for the finished angel. Follow Nicole’s threading path to add the hanging cord and wooden bead. Check the bead’s position against the centre of the design.
Before moving on: Test the fit through the bead before forcing the bundle; the specified 9mm hole is important.
Stage 8 of 12
8. Attach and Arrange the Hair
▶ Watch This Stage · 28:23Attach the hair, then part and blend it following the demonstration. Work in small sections so the hair sits neatly around the bead without covering the face.
Before moving on: Check the front and back before trimming any ends.
Stage 9 of 12
9. Comb and Position the Wings and Front Fringe
▶ Watch This Stage · 31:31Use a macrame fringe comb to separate the loose cotton gently, supporting the knotwork as you go. Follow the weaving step to position the wings, then bring attention to the front fringe.
Before moving on: Keep the knotted leaf edges clear of the comb so the outline stays defined.
Stage 10 of 12
10. Fill Out the Skirt
▶ Watch This Stage · 34:09Follow Nicole’s additions to fill out the skirt, then bring the fringe forward as demonstrated. Separate the strands evenly before judging the fullness or deciding where to trim.
Before moving on: Look at the whole angel from the front and check the skirt falls beneath the head.
Stage 11 of 12
11. Add the Halo and Gathering Knot
▶ Watch This Stage · 36:20Use the gold metallic string for the halo, following its placement in the video. Then make the gathering knot to secure the bundle during assembly. Keep the wrap neat while checking that the surrounding elements remain centred.
Before moving on: Check the halo, hair and wings before tightening the final wrap fully.
Stage 12 of 12
12. Clean Up, Trim and Hang
▶ Watch This Stage · 39:47Tidy the tassel with your fringe comb, then use macrame scissors to make the final trim and hanging-cord knot as shown. Hang the angel upright to check the overall balance; comb again and remove only a little at a time.
Before moving on: Aim for an even finish while preserving the downward-facing leaf tips. The reference angel measures approximately 5 × 8 inches.
Small Fixes for a Neater Angel
One Wing Looks Larger
Compare the anchor angles, row spacing and cord sequence on both sides. Lay the work flat before tightening more knots. A tighter side can look smaller even when the sequence is the same.
The Leaves Twist or Bunch
Pause and check that the anchor has stayed at the intended angle. Ease the latest row and retie evenly. Pulling every knot harder can draw the shape further out of alignment.
The Cord Will Not Fit the Bead
Check the hole size, not only the bead’s outer diameter. The tutorial calls for a 9mm hole. Keep the ends together and follow the threading path rather than forcing a thicker bundle through.
The Fringe Looks Uneven
Comb from the free ends in small sections while supporting the knotwork. Let the fibres settle, hang the angel upright, then trim gradually. Avoid making a deep first cut.
Make the Finish Your Own
For the first angel, keep the cord thickness, ring size and construction the same as Nicole’s. Once you understand the sequence, experiment with a different cotton colour or metallic halo shade. Change one detail at a time so you can see its effect.
Use your finished angel as a Christmas tree ornament, a gift topper or a small seasonal decoration. Lay it flat for storage so the hair, leaf tips and brushed skirt are not crushed.
Macrame Angel Ornament Questions
Is this a free macrame angel pattern?
The video tutorial and this companion guide are free to follow. The guide organises the materials and video stages; use Nicole’s demonstration for the detailed leaf-row sequence.
Is this suitable for a complete beginner?
Practice double half hitch knots and a gathering knot first. This design involves angled rows, mirrored leaves and several assembly stages. If those are new, start with our simpler beginner angel tutorial linked below.
What cord is best for this angel?
Nicole uses 2mm single-strand macrame cord in Natural for the cotton elements, plus separate 1.5mm gold braided metallic string for the halo. Matching the original cord gives you the closest starting point.
Can I use 3mm or 4mm cord instead?
Treat a thicker cord as a new sample rather than a direct substitution. It changes the leaf size, bulk around the ring, bead threading and cord consumption. The supplied cutting list and finished size should not be assumed to work unchanged.
What size ring and bead do I need?
Use one 2-inch wooden ring and one 20–25mm wooden bead with a 9mm hole. The Bochiknot bead linked in this guide is 20mm with a 9mm hole.
How big is the finished angel?
Nicole’s reference angel is approximately 5 inches wide by 8 inches long, or 12.7 × 20.3cm. Cord choice, tension and the final trim can change the result.
How much cord do I need?
The five published cut groups add up to 28 pieces and 19.3m. The description does not identify each group’s material, so check the materials and halo demonstration before splitting that total between cotton and metallic string. Allow extra for practice.
How long does it take to make?
The video runs about 47 minutes. Your making time will be longer if you pause, replay the leaf shaping, comb carefully or adjust the finish. Work in stages rather than treating the runtime as a project-time promise.
How is this different from the earlier leaf-wing angel?
Nicole flipped and reworked an older pattern to create a new downward-facing wing shape. Follow this version’s cutting list and assembly order rather than combining instructions from the older design.
Can I sell the finished angels?
Nicole’s video description welcomes selling or gifting the finished angels you make. Please do not re-film, teach, publish, sell or redistribute the original design as your own tutorial, pattern, ebook or course. Credit Bochiknot when sharing your make.
Choose Your Next Christmas Project
Keep practising with a different wing construction, or compare the original leaf design with this new variation.
Start With a Simpler Angel
Build confidence with a beginner angel before returning to the layered leaf shaping.
See The Free Tutorial →
Explore the Earlier Leaf-Wing Angel
Compare another knotted-leaf design and see how orientation changes the finished ornament.
See The Free Tutorial →
Try an Angel With Loop Wings
Explore a different wing construction for a varied set of handmade Christmas ornaments.
See The Free Tutorial →
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
Give yourself time with the first leaf, then enjoy watching the angel take shape. One familiar technique can open the door to a completely different design. Happy knotting!
A Little Inspiration Between Projects
Follow Bochiknot for tutorials, new ideas, and more ways to keep knotting.
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