How to Make a Macrame Angel Ornament for Beginners
Make a macrame angel ornament for beginners with a wooden bead, a 2-inch ring and soft 3mm cotton cord. Two rows of knots shape each wing, while brushed fringe creates the angel’s flowing dress.
This free macrame Christmas angel pattern includes the full cutting list, nine illustrated steps and a video you can follow at your own pace. Hang your finished angel on the tree or tie it onto a present as a handmade keepsake.
Your Macrame Angel At A Glance
| Skill Level | Beginner project with Double Half Hitch practice recommended before making the wings. |
|---|---|
| Making Time | Allow 1–2 hours, plus any drying time required by your fabric stiffener. |
| Finished Size | Approximately 5 × 6 inches (13 × 15 cm), as listed in the original pattern. Hanger inclusion is not specified; fringe trimming affects the final size. |
| Main Materials | 3mm single-strand cotton cord, fine string, one wooden ring and one large-hole bead. |
| Cord Total | 6.3 metres of 3mm cord, plus 30 cm of fine string: 18 cut pieces in total. |
| What You Will Practice | Mounting cords, a Gathering knot, mirrored Double Half Hitch rows and fringe finishing. |
This is the size listed in the original pattern. The hanging-loop measurement was not specified. Knot tension and how you trim the fringe will affect your finished angel.
Materials And Tools You Will Need
Single-strand cotton is useful here because it unravels into the soft fringe that forms the dress and wings. Gather your supplies before cutting.
3mm Cotton
Cord
Choose Natural, 3mm single-strand cord for the listed cutting lengths.
Shop 3mm Cord →
2-Inch Wooden
Ring
One ring supports the body and provides the mounting points for both wings.
Shop Wooden Rings →
Large-Hole
Wooden Bead
Use one bead for the head. Check that both cord ends pass through the hole.
Shop Wooden Beads →Complete Materials And Tools Checklist
Gather every item below before starting. The product cards above highlight supplies; this checklist includes the full set.
- 3mm single-strand cotton cord in Natural: 6.3 metres total. Cut one 30 cm piece for the bead and hanger, eight 30 cm pieces for the body, and eight 45 cm pieces for the wings.
- 2-inch wooden ring: one ring for mounting the body and wing cords.
- Large-hole wooden bead: one bead for the head. Check that both 3mm cord ends fit through the hole.
- Fine 1.5–2mm string: one 30 cm length for the Gathering knot. Our current linked option is 2mm single-strand cord in Natural.
- Macrame scissors: for cutting the cord and shaping the fringe.
- Measuring tape: measure each piece before cutting.
- Fringe comb: separate and smooth the cotton fibres.
- Fabric stiffener: used in the finishing step to help the wings hold their shape.
The Amazon stiffener link is an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Cord Cutting List For One Angel
Keep the two types of 30 cm pieces separate: the thicker cord supports the bead, and the fine string wraps the body.
| Material | Quantity | Each Length | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3mm cord | 1 | 30 cm / approx. 12 in | Bead and hanging cord |
| 3mm cord | 8 | 30 cm / approx. 12 in | Body fringe: two groups of four |
| 3mm cord | 8 | 45 cm / approx. 18 in | Wings: four cords per side |
| 1.5–2mm string | 1 | 30 cm / approx. 12 in | Gathering wrap |
Knots To Practice Before Making The Angel
You do not need a large knot vocabulary for this project. Practice these movements first, especially the wing rows.
- Lark’s Head and Reverse Lark’s Head: attach the bead cord and wing cords to the ring.
- Overhand knot: secure the cord ends above the bead in Step 1.
- Gathering knot: bind the body fringe with the fine string.
- Double Half Hitch knot: make the two rows that shape each wing.
Anchor or working cord? The anchor sets the direction of the row; the working cord ties around it. Keep that distinction in mind when you mirror the second wing.
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 Macrame Angel Video Tutorial
Watch the full project, or use the link beside each step to replay that part.
How To Make A Macrame Angel Ornament
Work through the body first, then attach and knot the wings. Save the final trimming until you can compare both sides.
Step 1: Add The Bead And Hanging Cord
Fold the single 30 cm piece of 3mm cord in half and attach it to the wooden ring with a Lark’s Head knot. Thread the bead onto the cord ends, then tie an Overhand knot above the bead. Keep the bead centred as you tighten.
Step 2: Prepare The Body Fringe
Set out the eight 30 cm pieces of 3mm cord. Divide them into two groups of four. Unravel and gently comb both groups, working from the ends towards the middle so you do not pull the fibres into a tangle.
Step 3: Gather The Body Around The Ring
Position one group of brushed cords on the right side of the ring and one on the left, as shown below. Use the separate 30 cm length of fine string to secure the groups with a Gathering knot. Make a loop, wrap the string around the bundle, pass the end through the loop, then pull the other end to tuck the loop inside the wraps. Check the position before trimming the string ends.
Step 4: Arrange The Dress Through The Ring
Separate the body fringe into two halves and pass one half through the opposite side of the ring. Smooth the fibres so the dress falls neatly around the ring. Use the photos and video to check the front and back before attaching the wings.
Step 5: Attach The Wing Cords
Fold each 45 cm cord in half. Attach four to the right side of the ring and four to the left with Reverse Lark’s Head knots. Each group of four folded cords gives you eight working ends. Keep the mounting knots together and leave the body fringe separate.
Step 6: Knot The First Right Wing Row
On the right wing, take the far-left, bottom cord as your anchor. Hold it along the line you want the wing to follow. Use the remaining cords to tie a full row of Double Half Hitch knots towards the right, making two half hitches around the same anchor for each knot.
Step 7: Add The Second Right Wing Row
Count from the left of the right-wing group and use the third cord as the new anchor. Tie another full row of Double Half Hitch knots towards the right. Keep the two rows close together and check their curve before tightening the last knot.
Step 8: Mirror The Left Wing
Repeat the two-row wing pattern on the left side, mirroring the direction. Compare the wings as you work: their mounting positions, row spacing and angles should be similar. Adjust the knots before combing out the loose ends.
Step 9: Comb, Stiffen And Trim
Unravel and comb the remaining fringe gently. Arrange the dress and wings on a protected, flat surface, then use fabric stiffener to help the fringe hold its shape. Follow the stiffener’s application and drying instructions. Trim gradually, checking both wings together rather than cutting one side to its final shape immediately. Watch the finishing tutorial below for a closer look.
Watch Nicole’s fringe stiffening and shaping tutorial for more help with the final finish.
Troubleshooting Your Macrame Angel
| What You Notice | What To Check |
|---|---|
| The Wings Look Uneven | Compare the mounting positions and anchor angles. Each wing starts with four folded cords and has two DHH rows. Adjust the rows before trimming the fringe. |
| The Fringe Tangled While Combing | Support the knotwork and work in small sections from the ends upwards. Separate stubborn strands with your fingers before using the comb again. |
| The Body Slips | Check the Gathering knot before trimming its ends. The finishing loop needs to pull inside the wraps so the string locks around the bundle. |
| The Wings Droop | Arrange the fibres flat and follow the fabric stiffener’s instructions, including drying time. Check the shape again before hanging. |
| The Bead Will Not Thread | Check the hole against the two cord ends before starting. Use a larger-hole bead rather than forcing the cord through. |
Beginner Macrame Angel FAQs
Can A Beginner Make This Macrame Angel?
Yes. The tutorial is designed for beginners, but the Double Half Hitch rows may take practice. Try a short row in each direction before starting the wings, and replay Steps 6–8 as needed.
How Much Cord Do I Need For One Angel?
Cut one 30 cm cord, eight 30 cm cords and eight 45 cm cords from 3mm single-strand cotton: 6.3 metres total. Add one 30 cm piece of fine string for the Gathering knot.
What Size Wooden Ring Should I Use?
The supply link in the video points to Bochiknot’s 2-inch wooden rings. A different ring size changes the spacing, so make a test angel before cutting several sets of cord.
Which Cord Is Best For The Brushed Fringe?
Use 3mm single-strand cotton for the listed pattern. It separates into the soft fibres used for the wings and dress. Braided cord will not give the same brushed finish.
How Big Is The Finished Angel?
The original pattern lists approximately 5 × 6 inches (13 × 15 cm). Your knot tension and fringe trim affect the result; the original measurements do not specify whether the hanging cord is included.
Do I Need Fabric Stiffener?
The tutorial uses stiffener to shape the fringe. It is useful for keeping the wings spread when the angel hangs. Follow the instructions for your chosen product and let the piece dry before displaying it.
How Long Does It Take To Make?
Allow around 1–2 hours for the knotting and finishing, depending on your experience. Fabric stiffener may require additional drying time.
Is This The Same As Your Other Angel Pattern?
No. This version uses 3mm cord on a 2-inch wooden ring, with two knotted rows per wing. Our other ring angel tutorial uses a different cord setup and wing design. Follow the cutting list for the version you choose.
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 →
Alternative AngelWith 2mm Cord
Try our alternative 2mm-cord angel with a different ring and wing design. Use its separate cutting list.
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
Your next project can come with a little more guidance. Learn with Nicole through monthly patterns, follow-along videos and technique lessons. Choose the membership that fits how you want to make.
Mini-Macrame Creations
For a new project without the search.
- A new #MakingMacrame pattern each month
- A full video tutorial to follow as you knot
- Access to the complete pattern archive
- Revisit past projects at your own pace
Mastering Macrame Skills
For understanding how and why the knots work.
- Everything in Mini-Macrame Creations
- A library of macrame lessons and challenges
- Technique breakdowns to help you understand the knots
- More ways to practice beyond the monthly project
Macrame Masterpiece
For learning with project supplies included.
- Everything in Mastering Macrame Skills
- Project supplies through a kit-inclusive plan
- Lite, Bundle and Masterpiece options
- A kit schedule to suit how often you make
Compare current prices and full benefits on Patreon. Kit contents, delivery frequency and availability depend on the plan you choose.
A NOTE FROM YOUR MACRAME TEACHER
Made By You. Shared With Love.
You have practiced attaching cords, shaping two matching wings and turning loose cotton into soft fringe. Before you put your cord away, notice which part feels easier now. Will your angel go on the tree or become a gift? Tell me in the comments.
Much love,
Leave a comment