Macrame Star Ornament Tutorial: Make A Gold Christmas Star
FREE CHRISTMAS MACRAME PATTERN · BY NICOLE WOO
A little gold cord, a familiar knot, and a handmade star ready to shine. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a six-point macrame star ornament with an open center, layered Double Half Hitch rows, and a long twisted tassel.
We’ll build the star a section at a time, mirror the points, and hide the finishing knots at the back. Each step below includes beginning and finishing views, with extra photos for the cord attachments and knot sequences. Select a photo to open it larger, or use the timestamp link to watch the movement.
Your Gold Star Ornament At A Glance
This star is shaped entirely from knotted cord. Double Half Hitch rows form the six points around an open hexagonal center; a thin cord forms the hanger and a Gathering knot finishes the tassel.
The finished size is approximately 7 × 30.5 cm. Knot tension and tassel trimming affect the final dimensions.
Materials And Tools For Your Gold Star
Choose 3mm 3-ply metallic macrame cord in Gold to follow the cutting lengths and match the shimmer of the original ornament.
3mm Metallic Cord
Choose Gold, 3-ply, to match the tutorial. You will cut 6.25 meters for one star.
Shop Gold Cord →
Macrame Scissors
Black scissors for cutting your cords and trimming the finished tassel.
Shop Macrame Scissors →
Measuring Tape
Measure the three long cords, the 120 cm cord, and the short finishing cord.
Shop Measuring Tape →Complete Materials And Tools Checklist
The tutorial uses tape to hold the work on the table. A macrame board is optional. No ring, beads, or wooden star frame is required.
Cord Cutting List For One Star
Cut the five pieces below from 3mm metallic cord. Measure in centimeters for consistency; the inch measurements are rounded.
| Quantity | Length Per Piece | Use | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 160 cm / 63 in | Two starting cords + one added in Step 6 | 4.80 m |
| 1 | 120 cm / 47 in | Added in Step 8 | 1.20 m |
| 1 | 25 cm / 10 in | Separate the fibers for the hanger and Gathering knot | 0.25 m |
| Total | 5 pieces | One complete ornament | 6.25 m |
Macrame Knots You’ll Use
- Double Half Hitch (DHH): makes the ribbed rows and shapes the star points.
- Reverse Lark’s Head: attaches the thinner hanging cord.
- Double Overhand knot: secures the cords at the back in Step 17.
- Gathering knot: wraps and holds the tassel.
Anchor cord: the cord you hold in the direction of the row. Working cord: the cord that wraps around it. A complete DHH knot contains two half hitches made with the same working cord.
Watch The Gold Star Ornament Tutorial
Follow along with Nicole, then use the timestamp links beside each step to revisit the knot movements.
How To Make A Gold Macrame Star Ornament
Work from the top section toward the side points and bottom point. Keep the front facing you until Step 17, when you turn the star over to secure the back. Compare your work with the finishing photo before continuing.
1. Attach The First Two Cords
- Lay one 160 cm cord horizontally as your anchor.
- Attach a second 160 cm cord to it with a Double Half Hitch (DHH) knot.
- Before tightening, adjust the attached cord so its bottom end is 2 inches (about 5 cm) longer than its top vertical end.
Keep the anchor steady while you tighten both half hitches.
2. Bring The Ends Together
- Bring the right end of the horizontal cord over to meet its left end, creating a loop.
- Slide the DHH knot toward the left side of that loop.
Check the loop and knot placement before starting the next attachment.
3. Add The Hanging Cord
- Separate the fibers of the 25 cm cord into two thinner bundles, keeping their full length.
- Set one bundle aside for the Gathering knot in Step 18.
- Attach the other bundle to the right side of the loop with a Reverse Lark’s Head knot.
Split the cord along its fibers; do not cut it into two 12.5 cm pieces.
4. Work Across To The Left
- Take the right cord over to the left and make a DHH knot as shown.
- Keep the loop and hanging cord in position as you tighten.
Follow the direction of the anchor rather than pulling all the cords straight down.
5. Bring Both Sides Toward The Center
- Make one DHH knot toward the center on each side.
- Work the right and left sides as a mirrored pair.
Compare the two sides before pulling the knots fully snug.
6. Add The Third 160 cm Cord
- Attach the remaining 160 cm cord onto the middle anchor cords with DHH knots.
- Before making the bottom DHH knot, adjust the cord so the bottom end is 2 inches (about 5 cm) longer than the top end.
This is the third and final 160 cm piece from your cutting list.
7. Build The First Layered Point
- Bring the top cord down on each side and make a row of two DHH knots on both sides.
- Repeat this twice more underneath, working three rows on each side in total.
Keep each new row close to the one above it so the ribs sit neatly together.
8. Attach The 120 cm Cord
- Attach the 120 cm cord onto the middle anchor cords with DHH knots.
- Leave the bottom end 2 inches (about 5 cm) longer than the top end before making the bottom DHH knot.
Check the unequal ends before tightening; this is the last full-thickness cord you add.
9. Start The Right-Side Section
- Bring the bottom-right cord out to the right to act as the anchor.
- Make a row of DHH knots to the right using the adjacent working cords.
Hold the anchor in the direction you want the row to travel.
10. Add Two Shorter Rows
- Skip the left cord and make another row of two DHH knots to the right.
- Repeat once more underneath, creating two shorter rows.
Keep the skipped cord out of the working group for these rows.
11. Turn Back To The Left
- Bring the anchor cord to the left and make a row of DHH knots in that direction.
- Then take the right cord to the left for another row of two DHH knots underneath.
The change in anchor direction creates the return edge of the section.
12. Complete The Three-Knot Row
- Take the right cord to the left and make a row of three DHH knots.
- Ease the knots together so the section has a clean edge.
Count three complete DHH knots, with two half hitches in each knot.
13. Repeat The Smaller Section Below
- Repeat the same smaller section on the right side underneath the one you have just made.
- Follow the sequence in Steps 9–12 and the short video recap.
Compare the two sections on the right before moving to the other side.
14. Mirror The Two Sections On The Left
- Make the same two smaller sections on the left side, mirroring the right.
- Reverse the direction of the anchor and working rows so the points face outward on each side.
Lay the work flat and compare the matching points and the open center.
15. Build The Bottom Section
- At the bottom, bring the right anchor to the right and make a row of DHH knots.
- Then skip the left cord and make three consecutive rows of DHH knots to the right.
Work the first row, followed by the three additional rows described above.
16. Finish The Bottom Point
- Use the second cord from the right as the anchor and make a DHH knot to the right.
- Repeat the same bottom-section pattern on the left, mirroring the right side.
Check the symmetry of the bottom point before securing the back.
17. Secure The Back
- Turn the star over.
- At the top of the bottom section, secure the two groups of cords with Double Overhand knots, following the back-view demonstration.
Check that the closures are snug and sit at the back of the ornament.
18. Wrap The Tassel
- Gather the cords at the bottom.
- Use the thinner bundle saved from the 25 cm cord in Step 3 to make a Gathering knot around them.
- Draw the finishing end beneath the wraps to secure it.
Keep the wraps together and hold the tassel in position as you tighten.
19. Tighten And Trim
- Tighten and settle the cords, trim the excess ends, and trim the tassel to your preferred length.
- Hang the star and check its balance before making any final cuts.
Trim gradually and keep the scissors clear of the structural knots and hanging loop.
Help Your Star Points Sit Evenly
- One side looks larger: compare matching row counts, anchor direction, and tension before tightening the next section.
- Rows look loose: hold the anchor steady and bring the two half hitches of each DHH together.
- The open center looks uneven: lay the star flat and adjust the opposing sections gently before securing the back.
- The tassel looks uneven: hang the ornament first, let the cords settle, and trim a little at a time.
For a closer look at tension and spacing, read our five tips for neater Double Half Hitch knots.
Gold Macrame Star Ornament FAQs
Can A Beginner Make This Macrame Star?
Yes, if you already know the Double Half Hitch knot. The main challenge is changing the anchor direction and mirroring the small sections. Practice a short DHH row first and pause the video as needed.
How Much Cord Do I Need?
The cutting list totals 6.25 meters: three 160 cm cords, one 120 cm cord, and one 25 cm cord. The short cord is separated into thinner fiber bundles for two finishing uses. Keep extra cord for practice.
What Cord Is Used In The Tutorial?
Nicole uses Bochiknot 3mm 3-ply metallic macrame cord in Gold. Use the same thickness and construction to follow these measurements.
How Big Is The Finished Star?
Approximately 2.75 inches wide and 12 inches long, including the hanging loop—about 7 × 30.5 cm. Knot tension and tassel trimming can change the final size.
Do I Cut The 25 cm Cord Into Two Short Pieces?
No. Separate its fibers into two thinner bundles, keeping their full length. One bundle is used for the hanging attachment in Step 3 and the other for the Gathering knot in Step 18.
Do I Need A Ring, Beads, Or Stiffener?
The supplied pattern uses cord to form the star, with no ring or beads. Stiffener is not part of these instructions. Tape holds the project on the table; a macrame board is optional.
Can I Change The Cord Size?
Changing the cord thickness can change the finished size and how much cord the knots use. Start with 3mm cord for the listed cutting lengths, and test a complete ornament before adapting the measurements.
Is This Pattern Free?
Yes. Follow the written steps, screenshots, and the linked YouTube tutorial for free. Cord and tools are purchased separately.
Your Next Step With Macrame
Build on what you’ve practiced with another Bochiknot Christmas tutorial.
3D Tabletop Christmas Tree
Try a freestanding tree built with looped knotwork.
Explore the Tutorial →
Beaded Tree Ornament
Make a smaller Christmas tree ornament decorated with beads.
Explore the Tutorial →
Fringeless Macrame Star
Practice shaping a six-pointed star with a neat, fringeless edge.
Explore the 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 Nicole
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.
Small Macrame Projects
Find inspiration for smaller makes and seasonal decorations.
Build Your Knotting Skills
Keep practicing techniques you can carry into your next design.
Larger Creative Projects
Explore ideas for more detailed macrame pieces.
NICOLE WOO · BOCHIKNOT
Take your time with the first point, then let the repeated rows become familiar. Before trimming, hang your star and check its balance. Will this one stay on your tree or become a gift? Happy knotting!
A Little Inspiration Between Projects
Follow Bochiknot for tutorials, new ideas, and more ways to keep knotting.
Love This Star? Make Your Own.
Gather your metallic cord and tools, then come back to knot along with Nicole.
Shop Metallic Gold Cord →Pattern and video instruction: Nicole Woo, Bochiknot. All step-by-step photos are unaltered frames from the original tutorial.
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