5 DIY Macramé Christmas Ornaments (Beginner Patterns + Video Tutorials)
Last updated: 2026-06-25
- Pick your ornament — Pipa Knot Tree, Holly Wreath, Angel, Pearl Wreath, or Snowflake. Honestly, you'll probably want to make at least three of them.
- Cut your cord — 1–3mm cotton cord, anywhere from 4 m to 15 m depending on the design.
- Knot — three foundational knots cover all five ornaments (square, lark's head, pipa). If you can tie a square knot, you can tie every ornament in this post.
- Finish & hang — trim, glue, add a loop, and gift it (or keep it for your own tree — no judgment).
📌 PIN THIS FOR LATER
Save this macramé Christmas ornament roundup to your boho holiday or DIY Christmas board.
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Prefer to watch?
Every ornament has a step-by-step video below — these are the same tutorials I'd send a friend who's making them for the first time.
Watch the videosJump to an ornament
- Materials & Tools
- Compare All 5 at a Glance
- Cord & Cost Calculator
- 1. Pipa Knot Christmas Tree
- 2. Christmas Wreath with Holly
- 3. Christmas Angel with Wings
- 4. Pearl Bead Wreath
- 5. Elegant Snowflake
- Match Your Tree Theme
- Cluster for Visual Impact
- Pro Tips
- Common Mistakes
- Make vs Buy Savings
- FAQ (16 Q&As)
Materials & Tools You'll Need
The whole batch of 5 ornaments costs less than a single boutique Pottery Barn ornament — and that's including the cord you'll have left over for a dozen more. Here's the short list of what's worth buying once.
Organic Petite Cord
1–3mm organic cotton cord — fine enough for snowflake detail, strong enough for ornament structure.
Shop cord
Rose Gold Scissors
Sharp, clean cuts for tiny ornament fringe and intricate trims — the secret to a professional finish.
Shop scissors
Welcome Kit
Cord, scissors, comb, rings — every supply you need to make all 5 ornaments bundled into one box.
Get the kitCompare All 5 Ornaments at a Glance
| Ornament | Skill | Time | Main Knots | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pipa Knot Christmas Tree | Beginner | 30–45 min | Pipa knot, lark's head | Classic tree, gift toppers |
| 2. Christmas Wreath with Holly | Beginner | 45 min | Lark's head, double half hitch, square | Classic Christmas tree look |
| 3. Christmas Angel with Wings | Beginner | 45 min | Lark's head, square, gathering | Sentimental gifting |
| 4. Pearl Bead Wreath | Beginner | 30 min | Square knot, half hitch | Elegant / white tree |
| 5. Elegant Snowflake | Beginner | 1 hour | Reverse lark's head, spiral half hitch | Window decor, winter theme |
All 5 use 3 foundational knots: square knot, lark's head, and the pipa (or half-hitch family). Master those and every ornament in this post unlocks.
Cord Quantity & Cost Calculator
| What you are making | Cord needed | Approx. cost (organic petite roll) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Pipa Knot Tree | ~6 m | ~$1–$2 |
| 1 Holly Wreath | ~5 m | ~$1–$2 |
| 1 Christmas Angel | ~10 m | ~$2–$3 |
| 1 Pearl Wreath | ~5 m | ~$1–$2 (+ pearls) |
| 1 Snowflake | ~9 m | ~$2–$3 |
| Full set (1 of each, 5 ornaments) | ~35 m | ~$8–$12 |
| Full tree set (20 ornaments) | ~140 m | ~$28–$45 |
💡 Nicole's tip: Add 10–15% extra cord for trims and "I tied it wrong, let me start over" moments. One 100m petite roll comfortably makes the full set of 5 plus a dozen extras — enough for a whole tree.
📹 A note on the videos: Follow the video walkthroughs for every ornament — that's where the wrist angle, tension cues, and "this is what 'snug' actually looks like" details live. The written steps are great as a checklist but the videos are where the muscle memory happens.
1. Pipa Knot Christmas Tree Ornament
Skill: Beginner · Time: 30–45 minutes · Size: 3–4" · Best for: Classic tree decor + gift toppers
This one's my favorite to teach beginners because the pipa knot looks intricate but is genuinely one of the easiest decorative knots to learn. You wrap, tuck, pull — and suddenly you have a perfect little teardrop. Stack three of them and you've got the most charming mini Christmas tree, no real-tree needles required.
Cord & Materials
- 1–2mm macramé string (cream or natural)
- 1 star bead (gold or silver)
- 1 cinnamon stick (for the tree trunk)
- 1 × 2" wooden ring
- 4mm 3-ply cord (optional, for hanger)
Tools
- Sharp scissors
- Special tool: hot glue gun (to secure each pipa knot in place)
Cord Lengths
- 10 × 60 cm (24") — for the pipa knots that form the tree layers
🎄 Did You Know?
The pipa knot is named after a traditional Chinese stringed instrument shaped like a teardrop — the knot mimics that same curved silhouette. It's been used in decorative Chinese knotting for over a thousand years, which makes your tiny macramé Christmas tree part of a very old story.
2. Christmas Wreath with Holly
Skill: Beginner · Time: 45 minutes · Size: 3" · Best for: Classic Christmas tree decor + door tags
This one combines three knots you've probably already met — lark's head, double half hitch, and square — into a wreath that looks like it took three times longer than it actually did. The holly leaves are the moment everyone gasps. They're easier than they look, I promise.
Cord & Materials
- 1–2mm macramé string in Linen, Artichoke, and Natural (for the leaves + berries)
- 1 × 2" wooden ring
Tools
- Sharp scissors
- Special tool: hot glue gun (for tucking ends)
Cord Lengths
- 1 × 240 cm (94") — for the wreath base wrap
- 6 × 40 cm (16") — for the holly leaves
- 6 × 30 cm (12") — for the berries
🎄 Did You Know?
Holly has been a Christmas symbol since pre-Christian Europe — the evergreen leaves and bright red berries represented "life persisting through winter." Romans gave holly wreaths as gifts during Saturnalia (the December festival that predates Christmas), which is essentially the first recorded "DIY Christmas ornament" tradition.
🎁 Free download — The Macramé Knot Starter Guide
Halfway through the roundup? Grab my free 24-page ebook covering every foundational knot used in this post — square, lark's head, pipa, half hitch, gathering — with photo walkthroughs. It's the same guide I send to brand-new makers.
Get the free ebook3. Christmas Angel with Wings
Skill: Beginner · Time: 45 minutes · Size: 4–5" · Best for: Sentimental gifting + tree topper alternative
The angel is the one that always gets emotional reactions when I share it on Instagram. There's something about the silhouette — the round bead head, the soft wings — that turns into a "this reminds me of my grandma" moment for half my audience. It's a meaningful one to make and even more meaningful to gift.
Cord & Materials
- 2mm macramé cord (cream or natural)
- 1 × 2" wooden ring
- 1 large-hole bead (for the head — at least 8mm hole)
Tools
- Sharp scissors
- Stiff brush or fine-tooth comb (for fluffing the wings)
Cord Lengths
- 1 × 50 cm (20") — for the hanging loop
- 12 × 75 cm (30") — for the body and wings
- 1 × 40 cm (16") — for the gathering knot at the neck
🎄 Did You Know?
The tradition of placing an angel atop the Christmas tree comes from a 16th-century German Lutheran custom representing the angel Gabriel announcing the birth of Christ. Today, ~25% of decorated trees worldwide still feature an angel — making it the second-most-popular tree topper after the star.
4. Wreath Ornament with Pearl Beads
Skill: Beginner · Time: 30 minutes · Size: 3" · Best for: Elegant / white tree + boutique gifting
If the holly wreath is "cozy farmhouse Christmas," the pearl wreath is "the boutique gift shop you can't afford." Pearls woven into soft natural cord — it's the same look I see on $40 Anthropologie ornaments every season. The whole thing takes 30 minutes once you get the rhythm.
Cord & Materials
- 1 × 3mm single-strand macramé cord (cream)
- 10 × pearl beads (at least 5mm hole — important, smaller holes won't thread)
Tools
- Special tool: crochet hook — for tucking pearls and cord ends cleanly
- Sharp scissors
Cord Lengths
- 1 × 90 cm (35") — for the wreath base
- 3 × 140 cm (55") — for the square-knot pearl detail
🎄 Did You Know?
Pearl-detail ornaments were a Victorian-era luxury — only the wealthiest families could afford handmade strings of glass pearl beads on their trees. The look you're making in 30 minutes for $2 used to be a status symbol. (We won.)
5. Elegant Snowflake Ornament
Skill: Beginner · Time: 1 hour · Size: 4–5" · Best for: Window hangings + winter-theme tree
This is the showstopper of the five. It looks like real snow caught mid-fall, and it's the ornament that gets the most "wait, you MADE that?" reactions. Don't let the symmetry intimidate you — once you've tied the first arm, the other five are muscle memory. The trick is even tension across all six arms (more on that in the tips section).
Cord & Materials
- 2mm macramé cord (white or cream)
Tools
- Special tool: craft glue or fabric stiffener (to lock the snowflake shape so the arms don't droop)
- Sharp scissors
Cord Lengths
- 1 × 25 cm (10") — for the center loop
- 12 × 70 cm (28") — for the 6 snowflake arms (2 per arm)
🎄 Did You Know?
No two real snowflakes are identical because each one forms around a unique microscopic dust particle — so your handmade snowflakes are just keeping the tradition going. Six-arm symmetry happens because water molecules naturally bond in hexagons, which is the same six-arm symmetry your knot pattern follows.
Match Your Tree Theme — Which Ornament Fits Where?
Trying to pick which to make first? Here's where each one shines — pick the row that matches your tree this year.
Classic Christmas Tree
Holly Wreath + Pipa Tree. Cream + green + red palette, traditional warmth.
Boho / Natural Tree
Pipa Tree + Snowflake. All-cream cotton tones, layered cord textures, pine and eucalyptus accents.
Whimsical / Family Tree
Angel + Snowflake + Holly. Mix big silhouettes with delicate detail — works with kids' handmade ornaments too.
Elegant / White Tree
Pearl Wreath + Snowflake. Cream cord + pearl shimmer + flocked branches = boutique-shop tree.
Gift Toppers
Pipa Tree + Holly Wreath. Small enough to tie to wrapped gifts — the ornament becomes a gift-within-a-gift.
Advent Calendar
Make 24 of any one design — Pipa Tree is fastest. Hang on twine garland, one per day.
How to Cluster Ornaments for Visual Impact
Here's the styling lesson I wish someone had taught me earlier: a single handmade ornament gets lost on a full tree. A cluster of three sings. Here's how I style mine.
- Odd numbers always. Three of the same design clustered on one branch reads as intentional. Two reads as accidental. Trust me on this.
- Stick to a 2–3 color palette. All-cream is sophisticated. Cream + green + a single red accent is classic. Cream + gold + pearl is elegant. Don't try to do everything.
- Anchor the eye-level branches first. Place your largest, most "wow" ornaments at chest-to-eye-level — that's the first thing visitors notice.
- Tuck deeper than you think. Push a handful of ornaments deep into the branches, not just on the tips. Depth is what separates a styled tree from a decorated tree.
- Repeat across the tree. If you have nine Pipa Trees, scatter them in three clusters of three around the tree — not all on one side.
What to know before you start
- Your first ornament will probably not be your favorite — and that's fine. I scrap pieces all the time when something doesn't feel right. It's part of the craft.
- Tension is the entire game. Snug enough to hold its shape but not so tight you can't slide a needle through. You'll feel the difference after the second ornament.
- Cotton cord may yellow slightly over 5+ years of storage. Totally normal. Some people prefer the patina.
- These are NOT flame-retardant — keep away from candles, real fireplaces, and incandescent lights.
- Store flat in tissue paper between holidays. Properly stored, your ornaments will outlast most boutique ones.
Pro Tips for Perfect Macramé Christmas Ornaments
- Pre-cut all your cord at the start. Measuring as you go breaks your flow. Lay out all the cords for one ornament before you tie the first knot.
- Brush out fringe before trimming. Use a stiff brush or fine-tooth comb to fluff cord fibers — this hides any uneven cuts and makes the fringe look pro.
- Glue gun is your friend. A tiny dot of hot glue at the back of each ornament locks knots in place permanently. Don't skip this for the snowflake especially.
- Pair with warm white lights. Cool white LEDs make natural cream cord look gray. Warm white (2700K) is what makes cotton glow.
- Make them in batches. Once your hands learn one ornament, the next three of the same design take half the time. Batch by design, not by tree theme.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Pipa knot looks loose or floppy | Pull each wrap tighter than feels comfortable — the pipa shape relies on tension. If it still droops, add a tiny dot of glue under the final tuck. |
| Holly leaves look uneven | Count your double-half-hitch knots per leaf and stay consistent — 5 or 6 per leaf works best. Eyeballing it is where most leaves go sideways. |
| Angel head won't sit straight | The gathering knot at the neck needs to be REALLY tight. Re-tie if it's not flush against the bead, otherwise the head will tilt forever. |
| Pearls slide around on the wreath | Knot above AND below each pearl to lock it in place. A single square knot above isn't enough — the pearl will migrate. |
| Snowflake arms aren't symmetrical | This is tension drift across 6 arms — easiest fix is to count the knots per arm and re-do any arm with a different count. The video shows the count cadence. |
| Fringe looks shaggy after trimming | Brush first, THEN trim. Trimming first locks the fibers in a stuck position. Always brush, then snip in one clean motion. |
Make It Yourself vs. Buy Boutique
| Source | Per-ornament price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pottery Barn handmade ornament | $18–$32 | Mass-produced overseas, limited "handmade" feel |
| Anthropologie holiday ornament | $22–$45 | Designer-priced, ships with markup |
| Etsy handmade macramé ornament | $12–$28 | Real handmade, plus shipping |
| Crate & Barrel boho ornament | $15–$30 | Plastic with macramé-look print, often |
| Bochiknot DIY (this tutorial) | ~$1–$3 | Handmade by you, customizable, reusable forever |
That's a savings of $15–$42 per ornament. Make a set of 12 and you've saved enough to cover the cord, scissors, AND the Welcome Kit.
Perfect For
Christmas Tree
Mix all 5 designs across a 6-foot tree — about 20 ornaments fills it beautifully.
Gift Toppers
Tie a Pipa Tree or Holly Wreath to wrapped gifts — the ornament IS the gift tag.
Advent Calendar
24 mini Pipa Trees on twine garland — one per day, full month of macramé.
Hostess Gifts
A set of 3 ornaments in a small gift box = thoughtful $5 handmade host gift.
Teacher Gifts
One ornament + a handwritten note. Teachers report these are the gifts they actually keep.
Baby's First Christmas
The Angel makes a meaningful keepsake — date it on the back with permanent marker.
📸 Made an ornament?
Tag @bochiknot on Instagram with #BochiknotHoliday for a chance to be featured here. I love seeing your handmade ornaments on real trees in real homes.
Follow @bochiknot🎄 Want to master more macramé this year?
If these ornaments unlocked something for you, the full Bochiknot ebook covers 25+ knots and 12 starter projects — from beginner wall hangings to full plant hangers. Free, instant download.
Download the free ebookFrequently Asked Questions
What cord works best for macramé Christmas ornaments?
1–3mm single-strand organic cotton cord works best — fine enough for snowflake detail, sturdy enough to hold ornament structure. The Bochiknot organic petite roll is what I use for every ornament in this post.
How long does each ornament take?
The Pearl Wreath is fastest at about 30 minutes. Pipa Tree, Holly Wreath, and Angel each take 30–45 minutes. The Snowflake is the longest at about 1 hour due to its 6-arm symmetry.
Can beginners make these ornaments?
Yes — all 5 ornaments use only beginner-friendly knots (square, lark's head, pipa, half hitch). If you've completed one foundational knot tutorial, you can make every ornament in this post.
What's a pipa knot?
The pipa knot is a decorative Chinese knot shaped like a teardrop — named after the pipa stringed instrument. You make it by wrapping a single cord around your fingers in a figure-8 pattern, then tucking the tail through. Three stacked pipa knots create the mini Christmas tree silhouette.
How do I attach an ornament to my Christmas tree?
Most ornaments have a built-in hanging loop made from leftover cord. Loop it over a tree branch, or use a small metal ornament hook through the loop for a more secure attachment on real trees.
Can I sell handmade macramé Christmas ornaments?
Yes — these patterns are free for personal AND small-business use. Many Bochiknot makers sell handmade ornaments at craft fairs and on Etsy, typically priced $12–$25 each.
How many ornaments can I make from one roll of cord?
A single 100m organic petite roll makes approximately 30–35 ornaments (mixed designs), or about 50 if you make only the smaller Pipa Trees and Holly Wreaths. That's roughly 20¢ of cord per ornament.
Are macramé ornaments fragile?
No — they're some of the most durable Christmas ornaments you can own. Cotton cord doesn't shatter, chip, or crack like glass or ceramic. They handle being dropped, stepped on (briefly), or chewed by cats far better than traditional ornaments.
How do I store macramé ornaments 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 and many makers report using the same set for 8–12 seasons.
Where can I buy ready-made macramé Christmas ornaments?
Bochiknot sells finished handmade ornaments on Etsy at etsy.com/market/bochiknot, with similar designs to the tutorials in this post. Other sources include Anthropologie ($22–$45), Pottery Barn ($18–$32), and Crate & Barrel ($15–$30) — though most boutique versions are mass-produced overseas.
What's the difference between macramé and crochet ornaments?
Macramé uses knotting by hand with no tools (just your fingers + scissors), and creates structured, geometric, textured silhouettes. Crochet uses a hook to interlock yarn loops, producing softer, more uniform, lacy-looking ornaments. Macramé reads more boho; crochet reads more vintage.
How long do macramé ornaments last?
Properly stored, 10+ years. Many Bochiknot makers report using the same set of ornaments for 8–12 holiday seasons before retiring or refreshing them. Cotton cord is one of the most stable natural fibers for long-term storage.
Can I machine wash macramé ornaments?
No — spot clean only. Machine washing causes the knots to loosen and the ornament to deform. Dust with a soft brush between seasons, and refresh scented ones (like cinnamon-stick Pipa Trees) with a drop of essential oil.
What size cord is best for tiny ornaments?
1mm or 1.5mm single-strand cotton cord is best for ornaments smaller than 3 inches — anything thicker overwhelms the small scale. For 3–5 inch ornaments, 2mm is ideal. Save 3mm cord for the larger pearl wreath and angel designs.
How many ornaments do I need to fill a 6 ft tree?
About 20 macramé ornaments mixed across the 5 designs in this post fills a 6 ft tree beautifully when combined with fairy lights and 1–2 garlands. For a fully macramé-themed tree (no other ornaments), plan for 35–45.
Can macramé ornaments be flame-resistant?
Untreated cotton cord burns like any cotton fabric — NOT flame-retardant. Keep away from real candles, fireplaces, and incandescent bulbs. LED fairy lights are completely safe to use alongside macramé ornaments because they don't generate heat.
Keep Learning with Bochiknot
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5 beginner-friendly DIY macramé Christmas tree patterns + video tutorials.
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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
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