Macramé Bear Ornament Tutorial: How to Make a Bear Bow-Tie Ornament
Updated May 2026 · 10 min read · Beginner-friendly
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This step-by-step macramé bear ornament tutorial shows you exactly how to make an adorable DIY macramé bear bow-tie ornament from scratch. With a gold metal ring for the face, two fluffy knotted square-knot ears, and a sweet grosgrain ribbon bow-tie, this is one of the most charming beginner macramé ornaments you can make — and one of the most giftable. Hang it on your Christmas tree, use it as a gift topper, or display it as a year-round boho wall accent.
In this macramé bear ornament tutorial, Nicole walks you through every step with photos pulled directly from the video — so you can follow along at your own pace, whether you're a total beginner or an experienced maker looking for a quick, satisfying project.
Beginner tip: You only need two knots for this entire project — the lark's head knot and the square knot. If you've never tried macramé before, this is a perfect first project. Most people finish in 45–60 minutes.
Why This Macramé Bear Ornament Is the Best Beginner Project
If you've been searching for the right beginner macramé ornament to start with, this DIY macramé bear is it. Here's what makes it stand out from other macramé animal ornament tutorials:
- Only 2 knots required. The lark's head knot and the square knot are the two most fundamental knots in macramé. You'll use them both here — and once you know them, you can make almost any project.
- Small, fast, and satisfying. Unlike large wall hangings or plant hangers, this is a compact macramé ornament on a metal ring you can finish in under an hour — perfect for evenings or weekends.
- An instantly recognisable result. The rounded knotted bear ear silhouette is charming and unmistakable. You'll want to make a batch as gifts.
- Versatile — Christmas ornament, gift topper, or year-round decor. This cute macramé ornament DIY works beautifully as a boho Christmas ornament on the tree, tied to a wrapped gift, or displayed as wall art any time of year.
- Minimal supplies needed. All you need is cord, a metal ring, ribbon, and scissors. No dowel, no frame, no special tools.
Can't see the video? Watch on the Bochiknot YouTube channel — 100,000+ subscribers.
In This Tutorial
- Why this is perfect for beginners
- Supplies & materials list
- Cord cutting guide
- Step 1: Cut & prepare your cords
- Step 2: Attach cords with lark's head knots
- Step 3: Build the first bear ear
- Step 4: Build the second bear ear
- Step 5: Add the ribbon bow-tie
- Tips for the best results
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Frequently asked questions
Supplies & Materials
What You'll Need
- 3mm single-strand macramé cord — approx. 15–20 metres total (shop 3mm cord).
- 1 gold metal ring — 3–4 inch (8–10 cm) diameter (shop metal rings)
- Grosgrain or satin ribbon — approximately 30–40 cm (12–16 inches), about 1.5 cm wide
- Sharp scissors (shop Rose Gold Scissors)
- Crochet hook or tapestry needle — for weaving in ends
- Tape + foam board or stiff cardboard — to hold the ring steady while knotting
Cord Cutting Guide
You'll make two ears — one for each upper corner of the ring. Cut all cords before you begin.
| Part | Number of Cords | Cut Length Each | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left ear | 5 cords | 60 cm (24 in) | Each cord folds in half — 2 working strands per cord |
| Right ear | 5 cords | 60 cm (24 in) | Same as left ear |
| Ribbon bow-tie | 1 ribbon length | 35 cm (14 in) | Grosgrain or satin, ~1.5 cm wide |
Cut & Prepare Your Cords
Cut all 10 cords to 60 cm (24 inches) each. Fold each cord in half to find the center loop — this is the point you'll use for your lark's head knot in the next step.
Tape your gold metal ring securely to your foam board or a piece of stiff cardboard with the opening facing up. This keeps the ring from shifting as you knot.
Attach Cords to the Ring (Lark's Head Knots)
For the first ear, work on the upper-left section of the ring. This is the core technique for creating a macramé ornament on a metal ring — fold your first cord in half, place the loop over the top of the ring, and pull the two tails through the loop to secure a lark's head knot. Repeat with the remaining 4 cords, placing them side by side to fill the upper-left arc.
When all 5 cords are attached you'll have 10 working strands hanging down from that section of the ring.
Tie Square Knots to Build the First Bear Ear
You'll tie square knots in rows to build up a full, rounded dome shape — the bear's ear. Work from the ring outward, tightening each knot firmly so the cluster is dense and 3D.
How to Tie a Square Knot
Take 4 strands (left outer, 2 center fillers, right outer). Cross the left strand over the two center fillers and under the right strand. Then bring the right strand under the two center fillers and up through the loop on the left. Pull both outer strands to tighten. Repeat in the other direction to complete the full square knot.
As you add more rows, the knotted section will naturally curve into a dome shape. Keep working outward until the cluster is plump and ear-shaped.
Once the ear is the right shape, use your crochet hook or tapestry needle to weave all remaining tail ends into the back of the knot cluster. Trim any excess with scissors.
Build the Second Bear Ear
Now repeat the entire process for the upper-right section of the ring. Attach your second set of 5 cords with lark's head knots, then tie square knots row by row until you have a matching dome that mirrors the first ear.
Weave in and trim all tail ends on the second ear, then hold the ring up to compare both ears side by side. Adjust the shape with your fingers or by teasing out individual loops.
Add the Ribbon Bow-Tie
The bow-tie is what gives this ornament its signature charm! Take your 35 cm ribbon and thread the center through the bottom center of the ring. Pull it through so both tails hang out in front.
Tie the ribbon into a neat bow knot: cross the right tail over the left, fold one tail into a loop, wrap the other tail around it, and pull through to create the second loop. Adjust both loops until even and full.
Trim the ribbon tails to your preferred length — a 45-degree angle cut or V-cut prevents fraying and gives a polished finish.
Tips for the Best Macramé Bear Ornament Results
Knotting & Shaping
- Keep your knots tight and even. Loose knots create gaps in the ear dome. Pull each square knot firmly before moving to the next.
- Work symmetrically. Count your lark's head knots for each ear so they start from the same position on both sides of the ring.
- Fluff as you go. Squeeze the ear cluster periodically as you build to encourage the 3D dome shape early on.
- Use a crochet hook for clean finishing. Threading ends through the knot cluster keeps the back tidy and secures tails without glue.
Colour, Style & Gifting
- Choose your colour story. Red Wood has a warm, earthy holiday feel. Try Natural White for a winter wonderland look, or Sage Green for a cozy woodland vibe. See Bochiknot's full 3mm cord range for all colour options.
- Make a batch. Once you've made one, the second and third ornaments come together in 30–40 minutes each — perfect for holiday gifts or tree decorating parties.
- Style it beyond Christmas. This macramé bear ornament isn't just for the holidays. Swap the grosgrain ribbon for velvet or twine and you have a charming boho macramé ornament you can display year-round as wall decor, a keychain, or a gift accent.
Common Macramé Bear Ornament Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Most first-timers run into one or two of these — here's how to spot and fix each one before it ruins your ornament:
Loose knots → gaps in the ear dome
Fix: Pull each square knot firmly and push it up toward the ring before starting the next. The knot cluster should feel dense and compact — if you can see through it, tighten up.
Uneven ears → a lopsided bear
Fix: Count your lark's head knots before knotting each ear. Use exactly 5 cords (10 working strands) per side, and position both sets of cords symmetrically on the ring — the same distance from the very top on each side.
Cords slipping on the ring
Fix: Pull each lark's head knot tight so the loop grips the ring firmly. Tape the ring flat to your foam board before you start — a stable ring stops the entire cluster from rotating as you work.
Flat ears instead of a 3D dome
Fix: As you add rows of square knots, gently push the cluster away from the ring face so it curves outward into a dome. Squeeze the cluster between your palms regularly — this trains the fibers into a rounder shape while the knots are still fresh.
Floppy or lopsided bow-tie ribbon
Fix: Use grosgrain rather than satin — it holds its shape far better. Keep the ribbon no wider than 1.5 cm (⅝ in) and no longer than 35 cm (14 in) before tying. Trim both tails to equal length after the bow is tied, and use an angled cut to prevent fraying.
Skip the guesswork — get everything you need
3mm cord in holiday colours, gold metal rings, scissors and more — all in the Bochiknot shop.
Also available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca with Prime shipping.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a macramé bear ornament?
A macramé bear ornament is a handmade decorative piece created by knotting cotton cord around a metal ring to form two fluffy ear domes — giving it the look of an adorable bear face. A ribbon bow-tie threaded through the bottom of the ring adds the signature finishing touch. It's one of the most popular cute macramé ornament DIY projects because it requires only two basic knots and can be finished in under an hour.
Is a macramé bear ornament hard to make?
No — this is one of the easiest beginner macramé ornament projects you can find. You only need two knots (lark's head and square knot), a small amount of 3mm cord, and a metal ring. Most beginners complete their first macramé bear ornament in 45–60 minutes.
Can I use this as a boho Christmas ornament?
Absolutely! This macramé bear ornament is a perfect boho macramé Christmas ornament. The natural cotton cord, gold metal ring, and grosgrain ribbon give it a warm, artisan aesthetic that suits a bohemian, rustic, or Scandi-style Christmas tree beautifully. It also works as year-round wall decor — simply change the ribbon colour to suit the season.
What size ring works best for this ornament?
A 3–4 inch (8–10 cm) gold metal ring is ideal. A smaller ring makes tiny, delicate ears; a larger ring gives you more room for fuller, chunkier knot clusters. The ring Nicole uses in the video is approximately 3.5 inches.
Can I use a different cord thickness?
3mm cord gives the best texture for the knotted ears, but 2mm or 4mm single-strand cord also works. Thinner cord gives more delicate ears; thicker cord gives a chunkier, more rustic look. Avoid multi-ply twisted cord — it doesn't square-knot as neatly for small ornament work.
How do I hang the ornament on a Christmas tree?
Thread a loop of matching cord or a thin ribbon through the top of the gold ring and tie it off. The ring is lightweight enough to hang from a tree branch, a hook, or a ribbon garland. A 5–8 cm loop length works well for most ornament hooks.
Can I make this as a gift topper?
Absolutely! This ornament doubles beautifully as a decorative bow on a wrapped gift — just loop it around the package with extra ribbon. It also makes a lovely handmade gift on its own, especially when paired with matching cord or a handwritten tag.
I'm a complete beginner — is this project too hard?
Not at all! You only need the lark's head knot and the square knot. Both are beginner-friendly and most people learn them in under 30 minutes. If you'd like to practise first, our basic knots tutorials are a great warm-up.
How long does this project take to make?
Most people finish their first bear ornament in 45–60 minutes. Making a batch for gifts? You'll speed up with each one — the second and third typically take 30–40 minutes each.
Ready to Make Your Macramé Bear Ornament?
Now that you know how to make a macramé bear ornament, all you need is the right cord. Our 3mm single-strand cord is exactly what Nicole uses in this macramé animal ornament tutorial — it knots cleanly, fluffs beautifully, and comes in a range of holiday-ready colours. For the complete macramé ornament on a metal ring experience, pair it with one of our gold metal rings and you're all set. Or get everything you need in one box with our Macramé Welcome Kit.
→ Shop 3mm macramé cord
→ Shop gold metal rings
→ Shop the Macramé Welcome Kit
→ Shop tools & accessories
About Bochiknot
Bochiknot was founded by Nicole Woo, a self-taught macramé artist and educator with a passion for making fiber art accessible to everyone. Bochiknot has helped over 100,000 people learn macramé through free YouTube tutorials and leads a community of 40,000+ crafters on Facebook. Our premium macramé cord, starter kits, and patterns are trusted by beginners and experienced makers across the US, Canada, and Australia — available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca. Read our story →
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