Macrame Angel Ornament: The Wings Are Knotted Leaves
This macrame angel ornament with leaf wings is built from six small knotted leaves—three on each side of a wooden ring. A bead forms the head, and the loose cords come together into a soft tassel dress.
Follow this free pattern to make a detailed Christmas ornament with 2mm cotton cord. You’ll find the cutting list, 13 photo steps and timestamped video links below, including close views of the leaf turns and the final Gathering knot.
These are the dimensions listed for this pattern. Hanger inclusion is not specified; knot tension and tassel trimming can change the final size.
Your Leaf-Wing Angel At A Glance
| Skill Level | Advanced beginner to intermediate. Be comfortable tying Double Half Hitch knots in both directions. |
|---|---|
| Making Time | Allow 1–2 hours, depending on your experience and how often you pause to practice. |
| Finished Size | Approximately 4 inches wide × 5.5 inches long (10 × 14 cm). |
| Main Materials | 2mm single-strand cotton cord, one 2-inch wooden ring and one large-hole wooden bead. |
| Cord Total | 9.9 metres, cut into 14 pieces. |
| Wing Design | Six knotted leaves: three on each side, using two 75 cm cords per leaf. |
New to these knots? Start with our beginner macrame angel with fringe wings, then return to this more detailed leaf design.
Materials And Tools You Will Need
Single-strand cotton gives the leaf knots definition and combs out into the soft tassel dress. Gather the full checklist below before cutting.
2mm Cotton
Cord
Choose Natural, 2mm single-strand cord for the listed cutting lengths.
Shop 2mm Cord →
2-Inch Wooden
Ring
One ring supports the body and provides the mounting points for both wings.
Shop Wooden Rings →
Large-Hole
Wooden Bead
Use one bead for the head. Check that both cord ends pass through the hole.
Shop Wooden Beads →Complete Materials And Tools Checklist
Gather every item below before starting. The product cards above highlight supplies; this checklist includes the full set.
- 2mm single-strand cotton cord in Natural: 9.9 metres total: one 50 cm piece, twelve 75 cm pieces and one 40 cm piece. The same cord is used for the leaves and Gathering knot.
- 2-inch wooden ring: one ring for the bead and wing mounting points.
- Large-hole wooden bead: one bead for the head. Check that both 2mm cord ends fit through the hole.
- Macrame scissors: for cutting cord and trimming the tassel.
- Measuring tape: measure each cord before cutting.
- Fringe comb: for separating and smoothing the tassel fibres.
- Macrame board with T-pins (optional): helpful for holding the work steady while you shape the leaves. You can make this project without a board.
Cord Cutting List For One Angel
All lengths below use 2mm single-strand cotton cord. Set the 40 cm wrapping cord aside so it does not get mixed into the wing cords.
| Quantity | Length Per Piece | Purpose | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 cm / approx. 20 in | Bead and hanging setup | 0.5 m |
| 12 | 75 cm / approx. 30 in | Six leaves, two cords each | 9 m |
| 1 | 40 cm / approx. 16 in | Gathering knot | 0.4 m |
| Total | 14 pieces | One complete angel | 9.9 m |
Knots To Practice Before Making The Angel
The leaf shape comes from changing the anchor direction. Practice a short Double Half Hitch row towards the right and then back towards the left before starting.
- Reverse Lark’s Head knot: mounts the bead cord and each pair of leaf cords to the ring.
- Double Half Hitch knot: secures the bead setup and forms the leaves.
- Overhand knot: finishes the cord ends in the hanging setup.
- Gathering knot: wraps the dress beneath the bead.
Anchor cord: the cord you hold in the direction of the row. Working cord: the cord you knot around that anchor. Keep the roles clear when the leaf changes direction.
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 Leaf-Wing Angel Tutorial
Follow the complete video, or use the timestamp under any step to revisit that movement.
How To Make A Macrame Angel With Leaf Wings
Build one leaf slowly before repeating it. Keep every loose end until the final finishing steps: those strands become the angel’s dress.
Step 1: Attach The Bead Cord
Fold the 50 cm cord in half and attach it to the ring with a Reverse Lark’s Head knot. Thread both cord ends through the large-hole bead. Keep the bead centred within the ring as shown in the photos.
Step 2: Secure The Cord Across The Ring
Bring the cord ends to the opposite side of the ring and secure them with Double Half Hitch knots. Check the bead’s position before tightening. The video shows the cord placement around the ring at 03:55.
Step 3: Finish The Hanging Setup
Tie a large Overhand knot at the ends of the cord, following the placement shown below. Check that the ring and bead sit straight before beginning the wings.
Step 4: Mount The First Pair Of Wing Cords
Fold two 75 cm cords in half and attach them to the right side of the ring with Reverse Lark’s Head knots. These four hanging ends form the first leaf. Keep the remaining 75 cm cords aside for the next five leaves.
Step 5: Begin The First Leaf
Make two consecutive rows of Double Half Hitch knots towards the right. Identify the anchor cord before each row and keep it steady while the working cords tie around it. Each DHH knot consists of two half hitches around the same anchor.
Step 6: Turn At The Leaf Tip
Use the second cord from the left as the anchor. Tie two Double Half Hitch knots towards the right, then two back towards the left. This direction change shapes the leaf tip; replay the video here if the anchor is difficult to follow.
Step 7: Complete The Leaf
Make two consecutive rows of Double Half Hitch knots towards the left to finish the leaf shape. Compare its outline with the photos before tightening the final knots. Leave the loose ends untrimmed.
Step 8: Add Two More Right-Side Leaves
Use two new 75 cm cords for each additional leaf. Repeat the mounting and knotting sequence from Steps 4–7 until the right side has three leaves. Keep their spacing and tension consistent so they form one wing.
Step 9: Mirror The Left Wing
Use the remaining six 75 cm cords to make three leaves on the left side, two cords per leaf. Mirror the right-side pattern and check the two wings together as you work. All twelve 75 cm cords are now attached.
Step 10: Comb The Hanging Strands
Gently unravel and comb the vertical strands below the leaf knots. Support the knotwork with one hand and work from the ends upwards in small sections. Keep the knotted leaves intact.
Step 11: Bring The Lower Tassels Forward
On each side, take the bottom two tassels and pass them through the back of the ring to the front, following the photos. Smooth the fibres and check the front and back before gathering the body.
Step 12: Gather The Dress
Bring the front and back tassels together. Use the reserved 40 cm cord as the working cord for a Gathering knot: leave a loop, wrap around the bundle, pass the working end through the loop, then pull the opposite end to draw the loop inside the wraps. Check that the dress sits beneath the bead before trimming the wrapping ends.
Step 13: Comb And Trim The Tassel
Comb the tassel again and trim gradually to your preferred finish. Keep the angel flat while comparing both sides, then lift it by the hanger to check how the dress falls. Avoid cutting into the Gathering knot or the leaf outlines.
Troubleshooting The Leaves And Tassel
| What You Notice | What To Check |
|---|---|
| A Leaf Turns The Wrong Way | Return to Step 6. The second cord from the left becomes the anchor for two DHH knots right, then two left. Identify it before continuing. |
| The Wings Look Uneven | Check that each side has three leaves. Compare mounting positions, anchor angles and knot tension before trimming any loose strands. |
| A Leaf Is Smaller Than Its Neighbour | Compare its knot rows with Steps 5–7. Check for a missed row or a section pulled tighter than the others. |
| The Body Sits Off Centre | Recheck Step 11 and the placement of the tassels through the ring. Smooth the front and back bundles before tightening the Gathering knot. |
| The Tassel Tangled | Support the leaf knots and comb gently from the ends upwards. Separate stubborn strands with your fingers before combing again. |
Macrame Angel With Leaf Wings FAQs
Is This Macrame Angel Pattern Free?
Yes. The cutting list, written steps, photos and video are free to follow. You provide the cord and supplies.
Can A Beginner Make This Angel?
The video describes this as advanced beginner to intermediate. You should be comfortable with Double Half Hitch knots and changes in direction. The simpler fringe-wing angel linked above is a useful starting project.
How Much Cord Do I Need?
You need 9.9 metres of 2mm cord: one 50 cm piece, twelve 75 cm pieces and one 40 cm piece. This makes 14 cut pieces for one ornament.
How Many Leaves Are In Each Wing?
Each wing contains three leaves. Each leaf starts with two folded 75 cm cords, so both wings use twelve cords altogether.
What Size Ring Does The Video Use?
The video’s materials list specifies one 2-inch wooden ring. Use that size for the listed cutting lengths and proportions.
How Big Is The Finished Angel?
Approximately 4 inches wide and 5.5 inches long (10 × 14 cm). The source does not specify whether the hanger is included. Your knot tension and tassel length affect the finished measurement.
Can I Substitute 3mm Cord?
A thicker cord will make bulkier knots and may need longer cuts or different spacing. The cutting list is written for 2mm cord. Make a sample before adapting the pattern.
Do I Need A Separate String Or Fabric Stiffener?
The 40 cm piece of 2mm cord is used for the Gathering knot, so no separate fine string is listed. The tutorial finishes by combing and trimming; fabric stiffener is not part of its required materials.
Is A Macrame Board Required?
No. A board with T-pins can help hold the project steady while you shape the leaves, but it is optional.
How Long Does This Project Take?
Allow around 1–2 hours. Give yourself extra time if you are still practicing the leaf turns or matching the two wings.
KEEP LEARNING
More Macrame Christmas Ornaments To Make
Macrame TreeOrnament
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 →
Fringe-Wing AngelFor Beginners
Prefer an easier angel? Try the 3mm-cord version with brushed fringe wings and two DHH rows per side.
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 turned one leaf pattern into a pair of wings, then brought the loose cords together into a dress. Notice how repeating the same small shape builds a complete design. Will you make a matching pair or try a different colour next? Tell me in the comments.
Much love,
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