DIY Macrame Angel Ornament: Turn Cord into a Christmas Keepsake
Make a macrame Christmas angel ornament on a 3-inch metal ring, with soft cotton wings, a bead head and brushed fringe. This free tutorial includes a cord cutting list, 14 illustrated steps and a follow-along video. Hang your finished angel on the Christmas tree or give it as a small handmade gift.
The ring gives you an outline to work within. The detail comes from the angled knot rows and the fringe you comb and trim around them. Take your time with those two parts, and you will learn skills you can use again in other small macrame projects.
Macrame Angel Ornament on a Ring: Project at a Glance
| Skill level | Beginner; practice the knot variations below first if they are new to you. |
|---|---|
| Making time | Approximately 1–2 hours, depending on experience; allow extra time for any stiffener to dry. |
| Finished size | Approximately 3.5 inches wide × 5.5 inches long, depending on tension and trimming. |
| Cord | 2mm single-strand cotton cord |
| Frame | One 3-inch metal ring |
| Other material | One bead with a hole large enough for the top cords |
| Cord required | 29 cut pieces totalling 11.75 metres, before extra practice cord |
| Instructions | Free written pattern, step photos and YouTube video |
Before you start
A small ornament still asks you to pay attention to tension. Practice a short row of double half hitch knots on spare cord, then start the angel. You will find it easier to match the two wings when the knot movement already feels familiar.
Materials and Tools You Will Need
Start with the right cord, then gather the ring, bead and finishing tools below.
2mm single-strand cord
Fine cord for the knotted wings and soft, brushed fringe.
Shop 2mm single-strand cord →
Macrame scissors
Sharp blades for shaping the wing edges and trimming the hair.
Shop macrame scissors →
The Amazon ring and fabric stiffener links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Why use 2mm single-strand cotton cord?
This angel combines knotted rows with brushed fringe. Single-strand cotton can be separated and combed out for the wings, lower fringe and hair. The 2mm thickness also keeps the knotwork in proportion to the small ring.
If you change the cord thickness, construction or ring size, expect the finished proportions and cord requirements to change. Make one test ornament before cutting cord for a whole set. For help choosing materials, read our guide to macrame cord and materials.
Cord Cutting List For One Angel
Measure in centimetres for consistency. The inch values below are rounded equivalents from the original pattern.
| Quantity | Length per piece | Where it goes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 70 cm / approximately 28 inches | Anchor cord for the first mounting row |
| 9 | 50 cm / approximately 20 inches | Eight mounting cords, plus the centre cord |
| 12 | 40 cm / approximately 16 inches | Two fringe bundles of six cords |
| 7 | 25 cm / approximately 10 inches | One gathering cord, plus six hair cords |
Total: 29 pieces and 11.75 metres of cord. Keep extra cord available if you want to practice the knots or leave more trimming room.
At the workbench
Separate the lengths into four labelled groups. The seven short pieces have two different jobs: one secures the fringe, and six become the hair. Keeping them together until you need them makes that easy to track.
Knots to Practice Before Making the Angel
- Reverse Lark’s Head: attaches the centre cord to the anchor.
- Reverse Lark’s Head plus half hitch: attaches the first eight cords. Learn the mounting variation.
- Double half hitch: makes the angled wing rows and attaches cords to the ring. Practice the double half hitch knot.
- Gathering knot: wraps and secures the fringe bundle. Learn the gathering knot.
- Overhand knot: secures the hair and forms the hanging loop.
In the steps below, an anchor cord is the cord you hold in position while another cord knots around it. The working cord is the one you move. Fringe means the loose fibres you comb and trim.
Brand new to knotting? Begin with three essential macrame knots for beginners, or keep the free 50 Macrame Knots & Sennits guide nearby as a reference.
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 Angel Ornament Video Tutorial
Follow along with the video for the cord paths, especially when you attach the wings to the ring. Pause between steps and compare your work with the photos below.
If the player does not load, watch the macrame angel tutorial on YouTube.
How to Make a Macrame Christmas Angel Ornament on a Ring
Keep your four groups of cut cord within reach. Work through the knotting before making your final fringe cuts; trimming is the part you cannot undo.
Step 01 Mount the first eight cords
Lay the 70 cm cord horizontally as your anchor cord. Attach eight of the 50 cm cords using a reverse Lark’s Head plus half hitch knot. Keep the mounting knots close together and check that your cord ends are even before tightening.
Step 02 Add the centre cord
Find the middle of the eight mounting knots. Attach the remaining 50 cm cord there using a reverse Lark’s Head knot, with the knot facing upward as shown in the photo. This gives you a centre point to work out from.
Step 03 Knot the first rows of the wings
Use the middle-right cord as your anchor and work a row of double half hitch knots toward the right. Repeat on the left, using the middle-left cord as your anchor. Keep the anchor cord steady while the working cords tie around it.
Step 04 Attach the right side to the ring
Attach the top-right cord to the metal ring with a double half hitch knot. Bring the bottom anchor cord over the ring, then attach the top cord to that anchor with another double half hitch knot. Pause the video here if you need a closer look at the cord path.
Step 05 Mirror the attachment on the left
Repeat the ring attachment on the left side. Before tightening everything fully, compare the two sides so the knotted section sits evenly inside the ring.
Step 06 Add the next wing rows
Use the middle-left and middle-right cords as your anchors. Work another row of double half hitch knots on each side, following the direction shown in the photos. Check the two sides together as you go; small tension adjustments are easier now than after trimming.
Step 07 Comb and shape the wings
Gently comb out the loose cords. Start at the ends and work toward the knots so you are not pulling hard against the knotted rows. Trim gradually to shape the wings, comparing the left and right sides before taking off more fringe.
Step 08 Prepare the two fringe bundles
Divide the twelve 40 cm cords into two groups of six. Comb through each group to separate the fibres and create the soft fringe used in the next step. Keep the two bundles separate.
Step 09 Position and secure the fringe
Place one prepared fringe bundle on each side of the angel, following the photos. Use one 25 cm cord to tie a gathering knot underneath and secure the arrangement. Set aside the other six 25 cm cords for the hair.
Step 10 Refine the fringe shape
Comb and re-trim the fringe on both sides, then tidy the middle fringe. If you want a firmer shape, apply fabric stiffener according to its instructions and allow it to dry. Test it on a spare piece of the same cord first.
Step 11 Add the bead head
Thread the top cord ends through your large-hole bead. Move the bead into position above the body. The hole needs to accommodate the cords together; if they will not pass through comfortably, use a bead with a larger hole rather than forcing them.
Step 12 Add the angel’s hair
Comb out the six remaining 25 cm cords. Place them between the top cords and secure them with an overhand knot, following the placement in the photos.
Step 13 Secure the top and make a hanging loop
Attach the top two cords to the ring with double half hitch knots. Tie a large overhand knot at the top to form the hanging loop. Lift the ornament by the loop and check how it hangs before the final trim.
Step 14 Give the hair a final trim
Brush the hair into place and trim a little at a time. Check the wings, lower fringe and bead placement together. Once the silhouette looks balanced, your angel is ready for the tree.
Troubleshooting your macrame angel
| What you notice | What to check |
|---|---|
| One wing looks higher or tighter | Compare the direction of the anchor cords and the tension in the two rows. Loosen and adjust the tighter section before trimming. |
| The wing rows look uneven | Hold the anchor steady and bring each double half hitch snugly against the previous knot. Check that you have completed both half hitches. |
| The fringe looks patchy | Comb gently from the ends toward the knots, then lay the fibres flat before trimming. Avoid cutting more from one side simply because the fibres are sitting differently. |
| The bead will not slide onto the cords | Check its hole size against the actual cord ends. Choose a larger hole if needed. |
| The ornament tilts when hung | Check the left and right ring attachments and the top hanging loop before changing the fringe shape. |
For more help with finishing, see five tips for combing and styling macrame fringe.
Want to try a different wing style next? Our macrame Christmas angel patterns guide compares four angel designs so you can choose your next project.
Ways to Personalize Your Christmas Angel
For your first angel, keep the cord thickness and ring size the same as the pattern. Then make the next one your own through colour and finishing choices.
- Change the colour: choose a single cotton shade that works with your Christmas decorations.
- Change the bead: try a different finish while keeping a suitable hole size and checking the proportions.
- Make a small set: use the same fringe outline across several angels so they look related on the tree.
- Give it as a gift: attach a separate handwritten name tag to the hanging loop or tie the ornament onto a wrapped present.
Once the season is over, store the angel flat so the wings are supported. Gently arrange the fringe before packing it away.
Macrame Angel Ornament FAQs
Can a beginner make this macrame angel?
Yes, with some knot practice first. This pattern uses reverse Lark’s Head knots, a half hitch variation, double half hitch knots, a gathering knot and overhand knots. Follow the video for the ring attachments and work slowly when matching the wings.
How much cord do I need for one angel?
The cutting list uses 11.75 metres of 2mm cord across 29 pieces: one at 70 cm, nine at 50 cm, twelve at 40 cm and seven at 25 cm. Keep additional cord for practice or adjustments.
What size ring does the pattern use?
Use a 3-inch metal ring to follow the original proportions. Changing the ring size may require different cord lengths and spacing.
Can I use 3mm cord instead of 2mm?
You can experiment, but 3mm cord makes larger knots and changes the amount of space the design occupies inside the ring. Do not assume the cutting list or finished dimensions will remain the same. Test the altered materials before making a batch.
Do I need to stiffen the wings?
Stiffener is optional. It can help the brushed fringe hold a firmer outline. Follow the product instructions, test it on spare cord and allow the ornament to dry before hanging.
How long does the angel take to make?
Allow approximately 1–2 hours, depending on your experience. Knot practice and drying time may add to that.
Is this macrame Christmas angel tutorial free?
Yes. The written instructions, cord cutting list, step photos and linked YouTube tutorial are free to use here. Cord, the ring, bead and tools are separate supplies.
KEEP LEARNING
More Macrame Christmas Ornaments To Make
Macrame ReindeerWall Hanging
Try attaching and arranging cord around a shaped frame.
Make The Reindeer →
Macrame StarOrnament
Add a different shape to your tree with a knotted star.
Make The Star →
Cinnamon StickChristmas Tree
Pair your angel with a small macrame tree built around a cinnamon stick.
Make The Tree →Find more ideas in our macrame Christmas tutorials, or work through the complete beginner’s guide.
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A NOTE FROM YOUR MACRAME TEACHER
Made by you. Shared with love.
You have practiced mounting, shaping and finishing in one small piece. What colour will you try next? Share it in the comments—I would love to hear how you make this angel your own.
Much love,
Helping you learn knots, build confidence and create pieces to use, display and give. Contact Bochiknot
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