4 Easy Macramé Christmas Wreath Ornaments for Beginners (+Video)
Last updated: June 24, 2026
4 Easy Macramé Christmas Wreath Ornaments (Beginner DIY Patterns + Video)
- Choose your wreath style: Holly + Berry, Beaded Boho, Mini Ball, or Floral Bloom.
- Cut your cord: 2mm or 3mm organic cotton cord, 4–8 cords per ornament.
- Tie 3 foundational knots: square knot, lark's head, and gathering knot — that is the whole skill list.
- Finish + hang: trim ends, fluff the fringe, attach a small gold loop, hang on the tree.
📌 Skip the $24 West Elm ornaments — pin this DIY
Store-bought macramé ornaments run $14–$32 each. Save this DIY guide to your boho-Christmas, handmade-holiday, or DIY-ornaments Pinterest board and make a full set of 4 for under $5 in cord.
Save to Pinterest
🎥 Prefer to watch?
The full step-by-step video walks through all 4 wreath styles, showing every knot placement, every fringe trim, and every finishing touch in real time. Pause and rewind freely as you work along.
Jump to videoWhat You'll Learn
Tutorial Contents
- Why DIY macramé Christmas ornaments?
- Compare all 4 wreath styles side-by-side
- Materials & tools you'll need
- Cord quantity & cost calculator
- Video walkthrough
- Wreath 1 — Holly + Berry
- Wreath 2 — Beaded Boho
- Wreath 3 — Mini Ball
- Wreath 4 — Floral Bloom
- Match your tree style
- How to display your ornaments
- What to know before you start
- Pro tips
- Make vs buy (savings table)
- Perfect for
- FAQ (16+ questions)
- Keep learning with Bochiknot
Why DIY Macramé Christmas Ornaments?
Store-bought handmade macramé ornaments run $14–$32 each at West Elm, Anthropologie, and on Etsy. Mass-produced craft-store versions look cheap up close. Making your own — even your first set of four — gives you three advantages no store can match:
- Cost. Each ornament costs $0.50–$1.50 in cord. A full set of 4 is under $5. A full tree of 20 is under $20.
- Custom colors. Match your exact tree theme — natural cream for boho, cream-and-sage for modern, red-and-green for classic, or rose-gold metallic for glam.
- Heirloom-feel. Cotton cord softens beautifully over years of storage, gaining the same vintage hand-feel as the macramé ornaments your grandmother might have made in the 1970s.
Compare All 4 Wreath Styles
Each of the 4 ornaments has a different look, knot list, and best-fit tree style. Pick the one that matches your aesthetic — or make all four for a varied, layered tree.
| Wreath | Skill | Time | Size | Main knot | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Holly + Berry | Beginner | 25 min | 2.5" × 5" | Square + Berry knot | Classic Christmas trees |
| 2. Beaded Boho | Beginner | 15 min | 5" × 5" | Lark's Head | Boho & modern trees |
| 3. Mini Ball | Beginner | 20 min | 5" × 5" | Gathering knot + Bow | Kid-friendly trees |
| 4. Floral Bloom | Easiest | 10 min | 5" × 5" | Daisy knot variation | Quick batch makers |
Materials & Tools You'll Need
Organic Petite Cord
The right diameter for tiny ornaments — 2–3mm organic cotton drapes cleanly without bulking up
Shop cord
Rose Gold Scissors
Sharp, clean cuts for tiny ornament fringe — the secret to a professional-looking finish
Shop scissors
Welcome Kit
Cord, scissors, comb, dowels — everything bundled for first-time ornament makers
Get the kitEssential supplies
- Organic cotton cord (petite roll, 2–3mm) — the bridal-cord equivalent for tiny ornaments
- Rose gold scissors — for clean fringe cuts
- 2" wooden rings (Holly + Berry and Floral Bloom only)
- Matte metallic large-hole beads (Beaded Boho only)
- Ribbon (Mini Ball only — switch up for color flexibility)
- Crochet hook (Holly + Berry — for tucking accent cord ends)
- Craft glue (optional — reinforces hanging loops)
Cord Quantity & Cost Calculator
Use this table to plan your cord order. Costs are based on the organic cotton petite roll at $19 per roll (about 50 m of usable cord per roll).
| Set size | Cord needed | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ornament | ~5 m | $0.50–$1.00 | Gift-topper or single gift tag |
| Set of 4 (all styles) | ~20 m | $3–$5 | Sampler set + teacher gifts |
| Tree set of 12 | ~60 m | $8–$12 | Small tree, focal-cluster decor |
| Full tree of 20 | ~100 m | $12–$18 | Standard 6-ft tree |
| Gift-set of 50 | ~250 m | $25–$35 | Craft fair, holiday market, bulk gifting |
Video Walkthrough
1. Holly + Berry Wreath Ornament
Holly jolly Christmas, anyone? 🎄 This petite wreath is topped with a hand-knotted holly leaf and tiny berry accents — the most "classic Christmas" of the four, and beginner-friendly all the way through.
It's small enough to slip onto a wrapped present as a keepsake gift topper, charming enough to anchor a section of tree branches, and unique enough to use as a DIY napkin ring around your holiday table runner.
Materials
- 2mm macramé cord in 3 colors (cream, green, red)
- 2" wooden ring
- Crochet hook
- Craft glue
Cord lengths
- 1 × 240 cm (95")
- 6 × 40 cm (16")
- 6 × 30 cm (12")
2. Beaded Boho Wreath Ornament
Boho-bride favorite turned tree decor. This sparkly little wreath threads matte metallic beads onto knotted cord for a playful, eye-catching ornament that beginners can finish in 15 minutes flat.
It's also our most versatile design — pretty in a window with sunlight catching the beads, charming in a car for festive cheer on the road, or strung together for a handmade boho garland across a fireplace mantel.
Materials
- 3mm single-strand cord (any color)
- 10 large-hole matte metallic beads (5mm hole)
Cord lengths
- 1 × 90 cm (35")
- 3 × 140 cm (55")
3. Mini Ball Wreath Ornament (Without a Ring)
The cutest design of the four — and a kid-favorite to make alongside you. 🎀 Crown a tiny wreath with a hand-tied bow in classic red, modern metallic, rustic jute twine, or elegant velvet ribbon. Whatever your tree palette, the bow customizes instantly.
The compact size makes it perfect for filling in those awkward small spaces on your tree, attaching to wrapped gifts as a doubly-purposed keepsake, or marking holiday place settings at the dinner table.
Materials
- 3mm single-strand macramé cord
- 1–2mm macramé string
- Ribbon (red, metallic, jute, or velvet)
Cord lengths
- 3 × 150 cm (59")
4. Floral Bloom Wreath Ornament
Made in under 10 minutes — the fastest design of the four. Perfect for last-minute decorators or anyone batching ornaments for a craft fair, holiday market, or a full tree set. Knot one while you wait for your tea to steep.
Unlike the other three wreaths, this one features a delicate floral pattern in place of a traditional knotted texture — a fresh, modern twist that pairs beautifully with metallic accents, simple natural cotton, or pastel holiday palettes.
Materials
Cord lengths
- For 1" wooden ring project: 1 × 120 cm (47")
- For 2" wooden ring project: 1 × 210 cm (83")
Match Your Tree Style
Each of the 4 wreaths pairs naturally with a different tree aesthetic. Pick the wreath(s) that match your tree, or mix all four for a layered, eclectic boho look.
Classic / Traditional
Holly + Berry in red and green cord — pairs with vintage glass ornaments and twinkle lights
Boho
Beaded Boho in natural cream with matte metallic beads — pairs with pampas grass and string lights
Modern Minimalist
Floral Bloom in single-color cream — pairs with monochrome white or black ornaments
Kid-Friendly
Mini Ball in red velvet ribbon — durable, shatter-proof, and the cutest design for tiny hands
Rustic / Farmhouse
Beaded Boho or Mini Ball in jute and natural cord — pairs with burlap ribbon and pine cones
Glam / Metallic
Floral Bloom in rose-gold metallic cord — pairs with mirrored ornaments and warm white lights
How to Display Your Ornaments
- Cluster 3–5 ornaments together for visual impact — single ornaments get lost on a full tree
- Add gold or silver hanging loops at the top so they catch tree-light reflections
- Pair with eucalyptus or pine sprigs for a layered boho look around the wreath edges
- Use as gift toppers tied to ribbon — doubles the gift's value with a keepsake the recipient keeps forever
What to Know Before You Start
A few honest disclaimers
- These are decorative, not heirloom-rigid. Cotton cord softens over years of storage — that's part of the charm, but means they'll look slightly slouchier in year 10 than year 1.
- Keep away from heat sources. Cotton is flammable — never hang near real candles, fireplaces, or heating elements. LED twinkle lights only.
- Store flat in tissue paper between holidays. Stacked under weight, cotton compresses and the wreath shape distorts.
- Not for very young infants or toddlers to chew on. The wooden rings and beads are small parts. Hang high on the tree if you have crawlers.
- Direct sun fades natural cotton. If your tree sits in a sunny window, expect a slight cream-to-buttercream tone shift after several seasons. Use sun-facing trees for the season only, store away each January.
- Spot-clean only. No machine wash — submerging swells the cotton and distorts the knots permanently. Dab gently with a damp cloth if needed.
Pro Tips
- Batch by knot, not by ornament. Cut all your cord first, then make all your wreath bases, then add all your accents — faster and cleaner than finishing one ornament at a time.
- Use the right cord diameter. 1.5–2mm reads as "delicate ornament" — 4mm reads as "small wall hanging." For a 2–3" wreath, stay under 3mm.
- Pre-cut cord for craft fairs. If you're batching 50+ for sale, cut and color-sort your cord into bundles before you start knotting. Saves 30% on total time.
- Match your tree-loop color to your tree branches. Brown thread on flocked or natural trees, gold on warm-tone trees, silver on cool-tone trees.
- Reinforce hanging loops with craft glue. A tiny dab where the loop attaches to the wreath prevents stress on the cord over years of unpacking.
Make It Yourself vs Buy Ready-Made
| Source | Per-ornament price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Etsy handmade macramé wreath | $12–$28 | Pretty, but shipping adds $5–$10 per order |
| West Elm holiday ornaments | $14–$24 | Mass-produced, not handmade |
| Anthropologie boho ornaments | $18–$32 | Designer markup — beautiful but pricey |
| Pier 1 / craft store | $6–$12 | Lower quality, often plastic or polyester |
| Bochiknot DIY (this tutorial) | ~$0.50–$1.50 | Handmade by you, fully customizable, takes 10–25 min |
Perfect For
Christmas Tree
Cluster 3–5 across the tree for the boho-handmade aesthetic everyone pins on Pinterest
Gift Toppers
Tie one to wrapped presents — doubles as a keepsake the recipient keeps forever
Holiday Garlands
String multiple wreaths along ribbon for a handmade mantel or staircase garland
Teacher Gifts
Sets of 3 in a small box are thoughtful and cost less than a coffee gift card
Hostess Gifts
Bring a set of 4 to a holiday dinner — far more memorable than wine
Ornament Swap Parties
Handmade always wins the "best ornament" vote at the holiday party swap
📸 Tag your finished ornaments on Instagram!
Share your handmade macramé Christmas wreaths and tag @bochiknot with #BochiknotHoliday — we feature DIY makes every week through the holiday season.
Tag @bochiknotMacramé Christmas Wreath FAQ
What cord works best for macramé Christmas ornaments?
2mm or 3mm organic cotton macramé cord works best for small Christmas ornaments. The finer diameter keeps the knots tight and tiny enough to look like a real mini wreath. For the Floral Bloom and Mini Ball wreaths, 3mm single-strand cord drapes most cleanly. For the Holly + Berry, use 2mm string so the holly leaf reads as a delicate accent rather than a chunky shape.
How many cords do I need per ornament?
Each wreath uses 4 to 8 cords. Holly + Berry needs 1 anchor cord plus 12 short accent cords. Beaded Boho needs 4 cords (1 anchor and 3 working). Mini Ball needs 3 long cords. Floral Bloom needs just 1 long cord. Detailed cord lengths are listed in each tutorial section above.
Can beginners make these macramé wreath ornaments?
Yes — all four wreaths are beginner-friendly. The only knots used are the square knot, larks head, gathering knot, and a daisy variation. The Floral Bloom is the easiest if you've never knotted before — it builds on a wooden ring with just one cord.
How long do these macramé Christmas ornaments take to make?
Floral Bloom is the fastest at about 10 minutes. Beaded Boho takes 15 minutes. Mini Ball takes 20 minutes. Holly + Berry takes 25 minutes for the wreath plus the holly leaf accent. A full set of 4 takes about 70 minutes total — perfect for a single afternoon of holiday crafting.
How do I store macramé ornaments between holidays?
Store macramé ornaments flat in a single layer between sheets of tissue paper in a sturdy box. Cotton cord compresses if stacked under weight, so avoid burying them under heavier ornaments. Keep the box in a cool, dry place — attics with high temperature swings can yellow natural cotton over time.
Can I sell handmade macramé Christmas ornaments?
Yes — finished handmade ornaments can be sold at craft fairs, on Etsy, or through local boutiques. Macramé Christmas ornaments typically sell for $8 to $25 each, with sets of 4 retailing for $30 to $60. The pattern copyright belongs to its creator, but the finished pieces you make are yours to sell.
Can I customize the colors for a specific tree theme?
Yes — substitute any cotton cord color to match your tree. Cream and natural read as classic boho. Red and green give a traditional palette. Sage, blush, and rose gold work for modern and minimalist trees. Metallic-thread cord adds sparkle for glam trees.
Are macramé Christmas ornaments safe for kids and pets?
Macramé ornaments are non-toxic and shatter-proof, which makes them safer than glass ornaments around toddlers and pets. The wooden ring and bead components are small parts though — keep them away from babies who mouth toys. The ornaments themselves are gentle to little hands.
Where can I buy ready-made macramé Christmas ornaments?
Handmade macramé Christmas ornaments are available on Etsy (typically $8–$25 each), at Amazon Handmade, and at local craft fairs during the holiday season. Bochiknot also stocks ornament-cord bundles you can make into wreaths yourself for under $1 each.
What's the difference between macramé and crochet for ornaments?
Macramé is a knotting technique that uses your fingers — no needles or hooks required for most patterns. Crochet uses a single hook to pull yarn through loops in a continuous chain. Macramé ornaments have a chunkier, more textured, knotted look. Crochet ornaments tend to be flatter and lacier. Many DIY-ers prefer macramé for ornaments because it's faster and easier to learn from scratch.
Are macramé ornaments fragile?
No — macramé ornaments are made from soft cotton cord and won't break if dropped. They're far more durable than glass or ceramic ornaments, which makes them ideal for high-traffic trees, kid-friendly displays, and shipping as gifts. The only weak point is the hanging loop — reinforce with a small dab of craft glue if your tree gets bumped often.
How long do macramé Christmas ornaments last?
With proper flat storage and limited sun exposure, macramé Christmas ornaments last 10 to 20 holiday seasons. The natural cotton softens slightly over time, which actually adds to the heirloom feel. Avoid attics with extreme temperature swings — heat and humidity yellow natural cotton faster than anything else.
Can I machine wash macramé Christmas ornaments?
No — spot-clean only. Submerging macramé ornaments in water swells the cotton and loosens the knots, which can permanently distort the wreath shape. If an ornament gets a small spot, dab gently with a damp cloth and air dry flat away from sun. Dry-dust between seasons with a soft brush.
What size cord is best for tiny ornaments?
For tiny 2-inch to 3-inch ornaments, use 1.5mm or 2mm single-strand cotton cord. For 3-inch to 5-inch ornaments, 3mm cord drapes most cleanly. Anything thicker than 4mm makes mini ornaments look bulky. Organic petite-roll cord is the sweet spot for ornament-scale projects.
When should I start making Christmas ornaments?
Start in late October or early November for a relaxed crafting pace. A full tree set of 20 ornaments takes about 6 to 10 hours of total knotting — spread that across 4 to 6 weekends and you'll finish before the tree goes up. Last-minute crafters can batch the Floral Bloom design — 20 ornaments in a single 4-hour afternoon is doable.
How many macramé ornaments do I need for a 6 ft tree?
A 6-foot tree looks full with 20 to 30 macramé ornaments spaced about every 6 inches. For a maximalist boho tree, plan on 40 to 50 ornaments mixed with bows, ribbons, and string lights. For a minimalist look, 12 to 15 ornaments grouped in clusters of 3 photograph beautifully.
Keep Learning with Bochiknot
Pipa Knot Tree Ornament
A second Christmas ornament style — the Pipa knot tutorial for tree-shaped macramé ornaments
Read tutorial
Berry Knot
The accent knot used in the Holly + Berry wreath — small, round, and perfect for ornament details
Learn the knot
Square Knot
The first foundational knot — used in 3 of the 4 wreaths above. Master this and you'll cruise through all four
Learn the knot
Lark's Head Knot
The mounting knot every wreath above uses to attach working cord to the wooden ring
Learn the knot
Gathering Knot
The finish knot for clean cord tails behind every ornament — also the main knot in the Mini Ball wreath
Learn the knot
Beginner's Guide
The full guide to the 4 foundational macramé knots — start here if these wreaths are your first project
Start here
About Nicole Woo
Nicole Woo is the founder of Bochiknot Macramé and has been teaching macramé for over 5 years. She's helped thousands of DIY makers knot their first ornaments, wall hangings, and holiday decor through her YouTube tutorials, Patreon community, and best-selling Etsy patterns. When she's not knotting, she's photographing every step so you don't have to guess.
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