The Little Macrame Wreath That Makes A Gift Feel Personal
This mini macrame wreath ornament gets its shape from the knots themselves. Three lengths of cord become a curved strip, then join into a small Christmas wreath finished with a ribbon bow—no ring needed.
Follow this free pattern to make a tree ornament or a handmade gift topper. You’ll find the full cutting list, 11 photo steps and timestamped video links below, including how to join the circle and hide the loose ends.
The original pattern lists 3 inches in length and 6 inches in height. It does not specify which measurements include the hanger or bow. Knot tension and finishing will affect the final dimensions.
Your Mini Wreath At A Glance
| Skill Level | Beginner. Practice the Double Half Hitch knot in both directions before starting. |
|---|---|
| Making Time | Allow 1–2 hours, depending on experience and practice time. |
| Finished Size | Approximately 3 × 6 inches (7.6 × 15.2 cm), as listed in the original pattern. |
| Main Materials | 3mm single-strand cord, 1–2mm string and ribbon. No ring required. |
| Cord Total | 4.5 metres of 3mm cord, plus a 25 cm fine-string allowance. |
| Pattern Repeat | 13 U-shaped Double Half Hitch patterns joined into a circle. |
Materials And Tools You Will Need
Gather the cord, fine string and ribbon before starting. No wooden ring, metal hoop or bead is needed.
3mm Metallic
Cotton Cord
A metallic accent adds a little sparkle to the repeated knots.
Shop 3mm Cord →
Complete Materials And Tools Checklist
The Amazon ribbon link is an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
- 3mm single-strand cord: 4.5 metres total: three 150 cm pieces. The linked Natural Gold Metallic option is 3mm; choose this size to follow the cutting list.
- 1–2mm macrame string: cut one 25 cm piece for attaching the bow. The video uses 15 cm at this step; the longer cutting-list allowance gives you more to hold before trimming. The linked store option is 2mm.
- Ribbon: one 10-inch length (approximately 25.4 cm) for the bow.
- Macrame scissors: for cutting cord, trimming the hidden ends and shaping the ribbon tails.
- Measuring tape: measure each length before cutting.
- Macrame board with T-pins (optional): helpful for holding the short anchor ends steady. You can make the wreath without a board.
Cord Cutting List For One Mini Wreath
Cut the three main cords to the same length. Keep the fine string and ribbon separate until the bow steps.
| Material | Quantity | Length Per Piece | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm single-strand cord | 3 | 150 cm / approx. 59 in | Wreath body and hanger; 4.5 m total |
| 1–2mm string | 1 | 25 cm / approx. 10 in | Bow attachment; video uses 15 cm |
| Ribbon | 1 | 10 in / 25.4 cm | Decorative bow |
Knots To Practice Before Making The Wreath
The wreath grows from a back-and-forth Double Half Hitch pattern. Practice a short row to the right, then a return row to the left. You do not need to master a long list of knots before starting.
- Double Half Hitch (DHH) knot: forms the U-shaped repeats and begins the join.
- Double Overhand knot: secures the joining pairs and the string behind the bow.
- Overhand knot: ties the two top ends into a hanging loop.
Anchor cord: the cord you hold in the direction of the row. Working cord: the cord you tie around it. A completed DHH contains two half hitches; count both before moving on.
For help with tension, watch Nicole’s tips for cleaner Double Half Hitch knots.
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 Ringless Macrame Wreath Tutorial
Follow the full video or use the timestamp beneath each step. Pay particular attention to the starting cord lengths and the join at the back.
How To Make A Mini Macrame Wreath Without A Ring
Knot the strip first, join it into a circle, then add the bow. Leave the short starting ends untrimmed until the joining steps are complete.
Step 1: Set Up The First Two Cords
Place one 150 cm cord horizontally. Lay a second 150 cm cord vertically over it, leaving approximately 4 inches (10 cm) at the top. Use the vertical cord to tie a Double Half Hitch (DHH) knot around the horizontal cord, following the orientation in the photos.
Step 2: Add The Third Cord
Leave approximately 3.5 inches (9 cm) at the left end of the horizontal cord. Add the third 150 cm cord on the right with a DHH knot, leaving approximately 5 inches (13 cm) at its top end. Keep these short ends available for joining the wreath later.
Step 3: Complete The First U-Shaped Pattern
Fold the right cord end over to the left and use it as the anchor for two DHH knots. This completes the first U-shaped pattern. Keep the short ends separate from the cords you are actively knotting.
Step 4: Work Back And Forth
Make the next row of DHH knots towards the right, then turn the anchor and work back towards the left. This forms another U-shaped repeat. Let the anchor direction guide the row rather than pulling all the cords straight down.
Step 5: Make Thirteen Repeats
Continue the same back-and-forth movement until you have 13 U-shaped patterns in total. Count the completed U shapes, not each individual knot. Keep the tension as consistent as you can along the strip.
Step 6: Begin Joining The Wreath
Curve the knotted strip into a circle and bring its ends together as shown. Take the bottom two cords at the join and tie a DHH knot. Check that the strip sits without a twist before tightening.
Step 7: Secure The Middle Pairs
Take the next pair of cords, one from each side of the join, and tie a Double Overhand knot. Repeat with the next pair above. Keep the closures neat and close to the back of the wreath.
Step 8: Make The Hanging Loop
Tie the two remaining top cord ends together with an Overhand knot to form the hanger. Check the hanging length and tighten the knot before trimming excess beyond it.
Step 9: Hide The Four Back Ends
Weave the four remaining cord ends through loops at the back of the wreath, following the photos and video. Check that each end is held in place, then trim the excess. Keep your scissors clear of the wreath’s structural knots.
Step 10: Tie The Ribbon Bow
Make a bow from a 10-inch length of ribbon (approximately 25.4 cm). Weave the fine string through the back of the bow. The video uses a 15 cm string here; you can use the 25 cm piece from the cutting list and trim it after attaching.
Step 11: Attach The Bow
Weave the string ends through the top of the wreath and tie a Double Overhand knot at the back. Adjust the bow so it sits neatly beneath the hanger, then trim the excess string. Lift the ornament by its loop and check the shape.
Help Your Wreath Hold Its Shape
- The strip twists: check that you are changing the anchor direction as demonstrated, and flatten the strip before joining.
- The circle looks uneven: count all 13 repeats and compare the tension along the strip. Adjust the join before tightening the final knots.
- Ends show at the front: turn the wreath over and follow Step 9 to tuck the four tails through the back loops.
- The bow turns sideways: reposition the string behind its centre before securing it to the top of the wreath.
One Wreath Pattern, Different Christmas Looks
Try cream cord with a linen-style ribbon for a soft look, or metallic cord with a red bow for a more traditional Christmas ornament. Make one complete wreath first, then use it as a reference for the tension and bow size in a matching set.
For a different construction, try the macrame holly wreath made on a ring. It adds knotted leaves and berries to your holiday collection.
Mini Macrame Wreath Ornament FAQs
Select a question to expand the answer.
Can I Make A Macrame Wreath Without A Ring?
Yes. This mini wreath uses three 150 cm cords to form a strip of 13 U-shaped DHH patterns. Joining the strip’s ends creates the circle, so no wooden or metal ring is needed.
How Much Cord Does One Mini Wreath Use?
Cut three 150 cm lengths of 3mm single-strand cord: 4.5 metres total. Also allow one 25 cm piece of 1–2mm string for attaching the bow and one 10-inch (25.4 cm) ribbon.
Is This Pattern Suitable For Beginners?
Yes, with practice of the Double Half Hitch knot. The main pattern repeats the same movement in both directions. Allow time for the first few rows and use the close-up video for the join.
How Many U-Shaped Patterns Do I Make?
Make 13 completed U-shaped patterns before joining the ends. Count each finished U-shaped repeat, rather than each individual Double Half Hitch knot.
Should I Cut 15cm Or 25cm Of String For The Bow?
The original cutting list allows 25 cm; the video uses 15 cm at the bow step. Cut 25 cm if you want more length to hold while tying, then trim the excess once the bow is secured.
What Is The Finished Size?
The original pattern lists approximately 3 inches in length and 6 inches in height (7.6 × 15.2 cm). It does not specify whether the hanger or bow is included in those measurements.
Can I Use Plain Cord Instead Of Metallic Cord?
Yes. Plain 3mm single-strand cord gives the wreath a quieter finish. Keep the same cord thickness when following the cutting list, and check your tension as you repeat the pattern.
Do I Need A Comb, Glue Or A Macrame Board?
A board is optional and can help hold the starting cords steady. The pattern does not require a comb or glue: the loose ends are woven into the back and the bow is tied on with string.
Is The Mini Wreath Pattern Free?
Yes. The written pattern, photo steps and YouTube tutorial are free to follow. Cord, ribbon and tools are separate supplies.
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
Keep Learning With Nicole
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- A new #MakingMacrame pattern each month
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Mastering Macrame Skills
For understanding how and why the knots work.
- Everything in Mini-Macrame Creations
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A NOTE FROM YOUR MACRAME TEACHER
Made By You. Shared With Love.
You have turned three lengths of cord into a wreath, using the same small movement again and again. Try a different ribbon on your next one and see how much it changes the mood. Will you make a matching set or a different bow for everyone on your gift list? Tell me in the comments.
Much love,
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