5 DIY Macramé Christmas Tree Ideas (Free Beginner Patterns + Video)
5 DIY Macramé Christmas Tree Ideas (Free Beginner Patterns + Video)
Last updated: 2026-06-24
- Pick your tree style — Cinnamon Stick Twist, Mini Beaded, Star on Top, Wall Hanging, or 3D Tree
- Cut your cord — 2–3mm organic cotton cord, 5–60 m depending on tree size
- Knot — square knot, lark's head, gathering knot (3 foundational knots cover all 5 trees)
- Finish & display — trim fringe, attach hanging loop, style with fairy lights or pine
📌 PIN THIS FOR LATER
Save this macramé Christmas tree roundup to your boho holiday or DIY Christmas board.
Save to Pinterest
Prefer to watch?
Each tree pattern includes a step-by-step video walkthrough below. Scroll down or jump to a tutorial.
Watch the videosJump to a tree
Compare All 5 Trees at a Glance
| Tree | Skill | Time | Size | Main Materials | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cinnamon Stick Twist | Beginner | 30 min | 3" | Cord + cinnamon sticks | Scented tree, gift toppers |
| 2. Mini Beaded Ornament | Beginner | 45 min | 4" | Cord + matte metallic beads | Tabletop, tree ornament |
| 3. Star on Top | Beginner | 1 hour | 5" | Cord + dowel + gold thread | Classic boho look |
| 4. Wall Hanging (Textured Leaves) | Intermediate | 2 hours | 18" | Cord + wooden dowel | Apartment alternative, gallery wall |
| 5. 3D Macramé Tree | Intermediate | 3 hours | 12" | Cord + cone form | Statement piece, mantel |
All 5 use the same 3 foundational knots: square knot, lark's head, and gathering knot.
Cord Quantity & Cost Calculator
| What you're making | Cord needed | Approx. cost (organic petite roll) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tree (Cinnamon Stick or Beaded) | ~10 m | ~$2–$3 |
| 1 tree (Star on Top) | ~15 m | ~$3–$5 |
| 1 tree (Wall Hanging) | ~40 m | ~$8–$12 |
| 1 tree (3D Tree) | ~60 m | ~$12–$15 |
| All 5 trees (full set) | ~135 m | ~$28–$40 |
💡 Tip: Add 10–15% extra cord for trims and mistakes. Our organic petite roll (100m) comfortably makes all 5 trees plus a few extra ornaments.
1. Cinnamon Stick Twist Macramé Christmas Tree
Skill: Beginner · Time: 30 minutes · Size: 3" · Best for: Scented gift toppers + tree ornaments
Who doesn't love the smell of cinnamon during the holidays? These adorable macramé trees not only bring a boho vibe to your decorations but also double as scented ornaments. The base of the tree is a cinnamon stick, giving it a warm, festive aroma that lingers throughout the season.
Cord & Materials
- 2mm macramé string
- 3–4mm single-strand macramé cord
- 1× 2" wooden ring
- 1× cinnamon stick
- 1× metallic star bead
Tools
- Sharp scissors
- Special tool: Glue gun
Cord Lengths
- 10× 60 cm (24")
💡 Prefer Amazon? Shop our recommended cord, beads, and tools on our Bochiknot Amazon storefront.
🎅 Did You Know?
Cinnamon has been used as a Christmas spice for over 500 years — the warm scent is psychologically linked to nostalgia and comfort, which is why cinnamon-scented decor consistently outsells unscented versions during the holidays.
2. Mini Macramé Christmas Tree Ornament with Beads
Skill: Beginner · Time: 45 minutes · Size: 4" · Best for: Tabletop trees + tree ornaments
This mini macramé Christmas tree ornament is a beginner favorite — the matte metallic beads add a modern boho touch without overwhelming the natural cord. Perfect for hanging on a real tree, displaying on a console table, or tying to a gift as an ornament topper.
Cord & Materials
Tools
Cord Lengths
- String: 2× 25 cm (10")
- Cord: 3× 125 cm (49") · 1× 90 cm (35") · 1× 70 cm (28")
💡 Prefer Amazon? Shop our recommended cord, beads, and tools on our Bochiknot Amazon storefront.
🎄 Did You Know?
The first Christmas tree ornaments were edible — apples, nuts, and gingerbread dating back to medieval Germany. Glass ornaments didn't appear until the 1840s, and beaded macramé ornaments are a modern continuation of that handmade-decor tradition.
3. Macramé Christmas Tree Ornament with a Star on Top
Skill: Beginner · Time: 1 hour · Size: 5" · Best for: Classic Christmas tree look
The classic Christmas tree silhouette — but in soft cream macramé with a delicate gold star on top. This is the most "Christmas-tree-shaped" of the 5 designs and looks especially beautiful clustered in groups of 3 on a mantel or console.
Cord & Materials
Tools
- Sharp scissors
- Special tool: Glue gun
Cord Lengths
- 1× 800 cm (315")
💡 Prefer Amazon? Shop our recommended cord, beads, and tools on our Bochiknot Amazon storefront.
🎄 Did You Know?
The tradition of putting a star on top of a Christmas tree dates back to early Lutheran Germany, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Today, ~75% of decorated Christmas trees worldwide still feature a star or angel topper.
Free Download — The 50 Knots & Sennit Guide
Master the 50 essential macramé knots used in every Bochiknot pattern. Step-by-step photo guide for beginners through advanced.
- 50 essential knots with step-by-step photos
- Beginner-to-advanced knot sequences
- Printable PDF format
- Free forever — no credit card needed
4. Christmas Tree Wall Hanging with Textured Leaves
Skill: Intermediate · Time: 2 hours · Size: 18" · Best for: Apartment Christmas tree alternative, gallery wall
For renters, apartment dwellers, or anyone who wants a Christmas tree without floor space, this textured wall hanging is the perfect alternative. The leaf detail along the branches catches light beautifully and pairs especially well with warm fairy lights woven behind it.
🎨 Ready for the Next Step? Unlock the Full Pattern on Patreon
Mastered Trees #1, #2, and #3 above? You're ready for this intermediate-level boho wall hanging — the graduation piece in your macramé Christmas tree journey. The full step-by-step pattern is available exclusively for our Bochiknot Patreon community.
Your Patreon membership unlocks:
- 📄 Full downloadable PDF pattern — exact cord lengths, knot diagrams, and step-by-step photos
- 🎥 Bonus close-up tutorial videos — multiple angles and slowed-down knot demos
- 💬 Direct Q&A access with Nicole — get personalized help on your project
- 🎁 50+ exclusive patterns in the library — plus new patterns every month
- ★★★★★ "Finally found a Christmas tree that works in my tiny apartment. The wall hanging pattern was so clearly laid out — I finished mine in a weekend." — Sarah K., Patreon member
- ★★★★★ "Nicole's Patreon is hands down the best craft membership I've joined. The cord lengths and step diagrams make impossible-looking patterns totally doable." — Megan T., Patreon member
- ★★★★★ "Made 3 of these as gifts last Christmas. The members-only patterns are worth every penny." — Lauren H., Patreon member
Already a Bochiknot Patreon member? Click here to access this pattern.
✓ No commitment · ✓ Cancel anytime · ✓ Full access during trial
🎄 Did You Know?
Wall-hung Christmas tree alternatives have grown 280% on Pinterest since 2020 — driven by smaller apartments, cat owners, and renters who can't have full trees. Wall-hanging boho trees consistently outperform traditional decor in apartment-dweller search clusters.
5. 3D Macramé Christmas Tree
Skill: Intermediate · Time: 3 hours · Size: 12" · Best for: Statement piece, mantel, console table centerpiece
The showstopper of the 5 designs — a fully 3D macramé tree built around a styrofoam cone form. This one takes the longest but the result is breathtaking. Add tiny fairy lights wrapped around the form before knotting for a glowing tree effect.
🎨 Ready for the Masterpiece? Unlock the Full Pattern on Patreon
This 3D Christmas tree is the showstopper — the final graduation piece in your macramé Christmas tree journey. Built around a styrofoam cone with intricate spiral knot patterns, it's our most-loved holiday project among Patreon members. The full step-by-step pattern is available exclusively to our Bochiknot Patreon community.
Your Patreon membership unlocks:
- 📄 Full downloadable PDF pattern — exact cord lengths, knot diagrams, and step-by-step photos
- 🎥 Bonus close-up tutorial videos — multiple angles and slowed-down knot demos
- 💬 Direct Q&A access with Nicole — get personalized help on your project
- 🎁 50+ exclusive patterns in the library — plus new patterns every month
- ★★★★★ "The 3D tree blew my mind. It looked SO hard but Nicole's instructions are foolproof. Now it's the centerpiece on my mantel every year." — Jess M., Patreon member
- ★★★★★ "Best craft Patreon I've subscribed to. The 3D tree pattern alone justifies a whole year of membership." — Anna R., Patreon member
- ★★★★★ "Made my 3D tree last December and got SO many compliments. People couldn't believe I made it myself." — Brittany S., Patreon member
Already a Bochiknot Patreon member? Click here to access this pattern.
✓ No commitment · ✓ Cancel anytime · ✓ Full access during trial
🎄 Did You Know?
Real Christmas trees consume 4–8 years of growth before being harvested. A single reusable macramé Christmas tree saves approximately 6 real trees over its lifetime (assumed 6–10 year reuse) — making it one of the most eco-friendly Christmas tree alternatives.
Match Your Space — Which Tree is Right for You?
Studio Apartment
No floor space? Tree #4 wall hanging gives you the Christmas feel without taking up a single square foot.
Small Tabletop
Trees #1, #2, or #3 cluster beautifully on a console table or side table — recommend 3 per cluster.
Mantel / Console
Tree #3 (Star on Top) or Tree #5 (3D) make stunning mantel centerpieces. Pair with cream candles + greenery.
Statement Piece
Tree #5 (3D Macramé Tree) is the showstopper — perfect as a single centerpiece on an entry console.
Family with Pets
Tree #4 wall hanging is cat-safe (out of reach). Trees #1–#3 are small enough to display on high shelves.
Travelers / Minimalists
All 5 trees fold flat for storage. Pack and travel for holidays away from home.
Macramé Trees as a Christmas Tree Alternative
If a traditional Christmas tree isn't right for your space or lifestyle, macramé trees are a genuine Christmas tree alternative that's gaining serious traction — Pinterest searches for "alternative Christmas tree" have tripled since 2020.
Who chooses macramé trees over traditional?
- Renters and apartment dwellers without floor space for a full tree
- Cat and dog owners whose pets knock over traditional trees
- Eco-conscious decorators who don't want to cut a real tree or buy plastic
- Frequent travelers who need a foldable, packable Christmas decoration
- Small-space minimalists who want Christmas vibes without the storage burden
- Allergy sufferers who can't handle real pine but want handmade decor
- Families with toddlers who want unbreakable, baby-safe decorations
How they compare to other alternatives
| Tree alternative | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Real Christmas tree | Classic, fresh scent | $60–$200, needles, single-season, eco-impact |
| Plastic artificial tree | Reusable | $80–$300, bulky storage, plastic waste |
| Wall-decal tree | Cheap, easy to remove | Single-use, no texture, low-quality look |
| Felt tree | Kid-friendly | Looks "crafty," not elegant |
| Macramé tree (this tutorial) | $5–$15, reusable, handmade, boho-elegant, foldable storage | Takes 30 min–3 hours per tree to make |
What to know before you start
- Macramé trees are reusable year after year if stored flat in tissue paper between holidays.
- Cotton cord may yellow slightly over 5+ years of storage — totally normal.
- Not flame-retardant — keep away from candles, real fireplaces, and incandescent lights.
- Wall hangings need ~18" of vertical clearance and a sturdy command hook or single nail.
- Trees with cinnamon sticks lose their scent after 1–2 seasons — re-spray with cinnamon essential oil to refresh.
Make It Yourself vs. Buy Boutique
| Source | Per-tree price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pottery Barn boho tree | $79–$149 | Mass-produced, limited boho aesthetic |
| West Elm felt/macramé tree | $39–$89 | Often felt instead of real macramé |
| Anthropologie holiday tree | $49–$129 | Designer-priced, ships with markup |
| Etsy handmade macramé tree | $35–$95 | Handmade but pre-sized, plus shipping |
| Bochiknot DIY (this tutorial) | ~$5–$15 | Handmade by you, custom-sized, reusable forever |
That's a savings of $30–$140 per tree — and yours is fully customizable, reusable, and crafted with knots you'll be proud to share.
Pro Tips for Perfect Macramé Christmas Trees
- Plan your color story. Pick a 2–3 color palette (e.g., cream + gold + rust) and stick with it across all 5 trees for a cohesive holiday display.
- Brush out fringe before trimming. Use a stiff brush or fine-tooth comb to fluff the cord fibers — this hides any uneven cuts.
- Add scent. A drop of cinnamon or fir essential oil on the back of each tree refreshes the holiday smell every season.
- Cluster in odd numbers. Trees look best in groups of 3 or 5 — pairs of 2 or 4 feel visually unbalanced.
- Pair with warm white lights. Cool white LEDs make natural cream cord look gray. Warm white (2700K) or amber lights complement the cotton beautifully.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Tree looks lopsided after assembly | Cords weren't pulled to equal tension — re-do the affected row with even pressure |
| Fringe looks shaggy and uneven | Brush out before trimming, then trim with sharp scissors (not craft scissors) |
| Cinnamon stick falls out of Tree #1 | Add a tiny drop of craft glue at the top of the stick before wrapping the first knot |
| Beads slide around on Tree #2 | Knot above and below each bead to lock it in place |
| 3D tree (Tree #5) cone shows through gaps | Increase cord density — use 60m instead of 50m, or paint the cone cream before knotting |
| Wall hanging (Tree #4) curls at the edges | Lightly mist with water and hang weighted overnight to flatten |
Perfect For
Apartment Christmas
Tree #4 wall hanging — full Christmas vibes without taking up floor space.
Tabletop Display
Cluster 3 of Trees #1–#3 on a console for a stunning boho tabletop arrangement.
Mantel Centerpiece
Tree #3 or #5 anchors a mantel beautifully — pair with candles + greenery.
Gift Toppers
Trees #1 + #2 tied to wrapped gifts make memorable handmade gift accents.
Advent Calendar Accents
Make 24 mini Tree #1 ornaments — one per day, hung on twine garland.
Teacher/Hostess Gifts
Tree #2 or #3 in a small gift box = thoughtful $5 handmade gift everyone loves.
📸 Made a Macramé Tree?
Tag @bochiknot on Instagram with #BochiknotHoliday for a chance to be featured here. We love seeing your handmade Christmas trees in their natural habitat!
Follow @bochiknotFrequently Asked Questions
What cord is best for macramé Christmas trees?
2–3mm organic cotton macramé cord works best — it's thick enough to hold tree shape but fine enough for ornament-size detail. Our organic petite roll is the go-to for all 5 trees in this tutorial.
How long does each tree take to make?
Tree #1 (Cinnamon Stick) and #2 (Beaded) take 30–45 min each. Tree #3 (Star on Top) takes about an hour. Tree #4 (Wall Hanging) takes 2 hours. Tree #5 (3D Tree) takes 3 hours.
Can beginners make these trees?
Trees #1, #2, and #3 are beginner-friendly — they use just square knots and lark's head. Trees #4 and #5 are intermediate but still very doable with the photo tutorials.
How do I store macramé Christmas trees between holidays?
Store flat in tissue paper inside a sealed box. Keep away from sunlight (UV yellows the cord) and humidity (mildew). Properly stored, they last 10+ years.
Can I sell handmade macramé Christmas trees?
Yes — this pattern is free for personal AND small-business use. Many Bochiknot makers sell handmade Christmas trees on Etsy and at craft fairs.
What size tree should I make for my space?
For small tabletop: Trees #1 or #2 (3–4"). For console or mantel: Tree #3 or #5 (5–12"). For wall: Tree #4 (18"). See our "Match Your Space" guide above.
How do I add lights to a macramé Christmas tree?
Use battery-powered fairy lights with warm white (2700K) LEDs. Weave them in BEFORE the final knot pattern for Tree #5, or drape them over Tree #4 after hanging.
Are macramé Christmas trees flammable?
Cotton cord burns like any cotton fabric — keep away from candles, real fireplaces, and incandescent bulbs. LED lights are safe.
Where can I buy ready-made macramé Christmas trees?
Pottery Barn ($79–$149), West Elm ($39–$89), Anthropologie ($49–$129), and Etsy ($35–$95). Or make your own for $5–$15 using this tutorial.
Are macramé Christmas trees the same as crocheted ones?
No — macramé uses knotting (no hook), crochet uses a hook to interlock loops. Macramé trees have a textured boho look. Crochet trees look more uniform and lacy.
How long do macramé Christmas trees last?
Properly stored, 10+ years. Many Bochiknot makers report using the same set of macramé trees for 8–12 holiday seasons before retiring them.
Can I machine wash macramé Christmas trees?
No — spot clean only. Machine washing causes the knots to loosen and the tree shape to deform. Dust with a soft brush between seasons.
Are macramé trees a good Christmas tree alternative?
Yes — they're perfect for renters, apartment dwellers, pet owners, eco-conscious decorators, and frequent travelers. They fold flat for storage and last 10+ years.
What's the best Christmas tree for small apartments?
Tree #4 (Wall Hanging) is the most apartment-friendly because it uses zero floor space. Pair it with a small cluster of Trees #1–#3 on a console for full Christmas vibes.
Can I have a Christmas tree without buying a real tree?
Yes — macramé trees give you the visual celebration without cutting a tree or buying plastic. They're reusable forever and pack flat for storage.
Are wall-hung Christmas trees a real trend?
Yes — Pinterest searches for "alternative Christmas tree" have tripled since 2020, with wall-hanging trees leading the trend. They're especially popular among apartment dwellers, cat owners, and minimalist decorators.
Want to Master More Macramé Knots?
Download our free 50 Knots & Sennit Guide — every essential knot for beginners, intermediate, and advanced projects. Perfect companion to all 5 trees above.
- 50 essential knots with step-by-step photos
- Beginner-to-advanced knot sequences
- Printable PDF format
- Free forever — no credit card needed
Keep Learning with Bochiknot
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About Nicole Woo
Nicole is the founder of Bochiknot Macramé and has been teaching macramé for over 5 years. She's helped thousands of beginners take their first knot through her tutorials, YouTube channel, Patreon community, and best-selling DIY patterns on Etsy. When she's not knotting, she's photographing every step so you don't have to guess. Find her on YouTube, Patreon, Etsy · Amazon
I need the directions to the tree shown at the beginning of post, Oh Christmas Tree, Thank you so much
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