How to Make a Mini 3D Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a quick and festive macrame project?

Say hello to the Mini 3D Christmas Tree Ornament—a charming addition to your holiday decor that’s as fun to make as it is adorable. 

Whether it’s hanging on your tree, decorating your holiday table, or wrapped up as a thoughtful gift for loved ones, this handmade ornament is guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer.

Part of our Christmas Ornament Series, this project blends multiple macramé techniques into one delightful 3D design. It’s the perfect mix of creativity and simplicity, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned crafters.

Pressed for time? No worries! 

This project is quick and easy to complete, giving you the chance to enjoy the festive spirit while adding a personal, handmade touch to your holiday celebrations.

So grab your cord, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and let’s dive into the knotty fun! 

Why a Mini Christmas Tree Ornament?

Christmas trees symbolize the heart of the holiday season, reminding us of the joy, love, and togetherness we share with family and friends.

Creating a mini macramé version brings a unique, handmade charm to your celebrations.

Here’s why you’ll love making this ornament:

• Quick and Fun: With just a few simple knots and steps, you’ll have a stunning 3D design ready in no time.

• Great for Gifts: Handmade ornaments make heartfelt presents, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

• Customizable: Play with colors, add beads, or adjust the layers to make the tree truly your own.

• Celebrate the Countdown: Each knot ties you closer to Christmas, making crafting a meaningful way to enjoy the season.

Getting Started: Materials and Tools

To create this mini tree ornament, gather the following:

• 4mm braided cord: For the tree layers, opt for a green shade (army green) to capture the holiday spirit. For the tree stump, I used a rich (coffee brown) to add a natural, rustic touch. 
  

• Gold star bead: Approximately 5 mm in diameter, perfect for threading through 4 mm or 3 mm cords.

Essential Macrame Tools:

• Hot glue gun: For assembling the tree.

• Tape: To stabilize your work and manage fraying cord ends.

• Scissors: For trimming excess cords.

Macrame 3D Macrame Christmas Details

Skill Level:

• Beginners

Completed Size:

• Approximately 2" wide, 4" height

Time Duration:

• 1 - 2 hours depending on skill level 

Materials Needed (for 1 unit):

• 1x 4mm Braided cord
• Gold star bead

Length  of Cord Needed:

• Tree layers: Three sections using 65cm (26 inches) and 110cm (43 inches) cords.

• Tree stump: One 65cm (26 inches) cord and one 45cm (18 inches) cord.

Knots You Will Need to Know

Mastering essential macramé knots is the foundation of creating beautiful, polished projects.

For this project, you’ll need to know the following knots:

• Reverse Lark's Head Knot
• Double Half-Hitch Knot
  
• Crown Knot
• Overhand Knot

These are knots commonly used in many macrame projects, and learning them will give you a solid foundation for creating not only this macrame project but also countless other designs.

Interested in More Macrame Knots?

If you want to add more knots to your macrame designs, check out my free resource, "50 Macrame Knots & Sennit Guide."

It's packed with easy, step-by-step instructions to help you improve your skills and try new creative projects.

Access it here.

Important Macrame Terms for Beginners

Before we begin, we should review a few important terms used in macrame.

This will help you understand the techniques more easily, follow patterns confidently, and set a strong foundation for your macrame journey.

• Knots: Macrame involves various knots, like the overhand knot and alternating overhand knot. Learning these basic knots is key to building a solid foundation. Check the "Macrame Knots You Need to Know" section for the knots used in this pattern.
• Cords: The primary material in macrame is cords made from cotton, jute, nylon, or synthetic fibers. They come in different thicknesses and colors. You can learn more about macrame cords with our "Macrame ESSENTIALS: Everything You Need—Cord, Tools, & Materials" post.
• Loop: A loop is formed by crossing the cord over itself to create a ring-like shape. Loops are essential in many macrame designs.
• Fringe: The loose ends of cords that hang down, adding a decorative element. The fringe can be left as is or trimmed to your desired length. Want to learn more about fringe? Here's "My Top 5 Secrets for Creating PERFECTLY Styled Fringe" post you might find helpful.
• Anchor Cord: The fixed cord or structure to which other cords are attached. It provides stability and support for your design. 
• Working Cord: The cord that is actively manipulated to create knots and patterns throughout the project.
• Sennit: A series of knots grouped together to form a pattern or part of your macrame project.
• Frays and Tassels: The loose ends of your cords are often used intentionally as decorative elements like frays or tassels in your design.

How to Make a Mini 3D Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament | Video Tutorial

How to Make a Mini 3D Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament | Step-by-Step Guide

*Note: We recommend following the tutorial video for more detailed instructions and to achieve the best results.

This will provide additional guidance and clarity as you work through each step.

Step 1:

• Place a 65 cm (26") cord down horizontally and then attach a 110 cm (43") cord onto the Left horizontal cord end with a Reverse Lark's Head Plus Half Hitch ("RLHPHH") knot.

Step 2:

• With the second cord from the right as an anchor cord make a DHH knot to the right and a DHH knot back to the left.

Step 3:

• Bring the far right cord over to the left for 2 DHH knots.

Step 4:

• With the same anchor cord, make 2 DHH knots to the right.

Step 5:

• Repeat the same pattern as before to finish off the leaf.

Step 6:

• Make 2 more leaf sections underneath.

Step 7:

• Make 2 more full-leaf patterns.

Step 8:

• Place a 65 cm (26") cord down horizontally and 45 cm (18") cord down vertically. Make 7 crown knots.
  

Step 9:

• Trim off the cords from the leaf patterns and glue the sides together.

Step 10:

• Weave 2 stump cords in between the leaf sections of the leaf pattern. Then weave the other 2 cords through the opposite side.

Step 11:

• Weave the shorter cord through the leaf section of the next leaf pattern. Weave the other shorter cord through a leaf on the opposite side.

Step 12:

• Weave the longer ends through the middle hole.

Step 13:

• Tie a Double Overhand knot with the shorter cord ends.
  Snip off the excess cord ends.

Step 14:

• We've the 2 long cords through the middle of the remaining leaf layer.

Step 15:

• Weave the Bead through the 2 long cords. Then tie a Overhand knot at the top and snip off excess cord ends.
  

Voilà—a quick, festive macramé project to make your holidays extra special! This Mini 3D Christmas Tree Ornament isn’t just decor; it’s a handmade piece of holiday magic.

Whether it’s on your tree, your table, or gifted to someone special, it’s sure to spread cheer.

Want more festive ideas? Visit our Macrame Journey page for holiday-inspired patterns and tutorials to keep your creativity flowing all season long.

Don’t forget to share your creations—I can’t wait to see them! Happy knotting, and may your holidays be filled with joy and macramé magic! 

Looking for Macrame Patterns and Projects? 

I’ve got a fun variety of DIY macrame patterns for you to explore—whether you’re into creating unique wall hangings to spruce up your home or timeless plant hangers, there’s something for every skill level.

Each pattern is super easy to follow with step-by-step photos, clear instructions, and plenty of tips to help you along the way.

Ready to start creating?

Browse DIY macrame patterns on Etsy and dive into your next project.

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