3 DIY Macramé Christmas Ornaments Under $5 Each (Beginner Patterns + Video)
3 DIY Macramé Christmas Ornaments Under $5 Each (Beginner Patterns + Video)
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Macramé Christmas ornaments (also called knotted holiday ornaments, DIY macramé tree decorations, or handmade rope ornaments) are small hand-knotted decorations made from a single roll of 3mm cotton macramé cord and a few basic knots (double half hitch, lark's head, gathering knot), used to decorate a Christmas tree, gift toppers, garlands, or advent calendars. The three beginner patterns in this guide — Star, Christmas Tree, and Angel — each take 30 to 45 minutes and cost under $5 in materials, versus $15 to $26 each at boutique retailers.
Quick answer
- What you'll make: three beginner-friendly macramé ornaments — a Star, a Christmas Tree, and an Angel — using one roll of 3mm cotton cord and basic knots.
- Total time: about 2 hours for all three (30 to 45 minutes each). If this is your first weekend with macramé, budget an extra 20 minutes for the first ornament while you get the feel of it.
- Total cost: around $5.25 in materials for all three. The equivalent at Anthropologie or a Christmas boutique runs $45 to $78.
- What you need: one petite roll of 3mm cotton cord, a small ball of 2mm string, one 2" wooden ring, optional beads, and a pair of scissors. That's it — no dowels, no glue gun.
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Save to PinterestEvery ornament has a step-by-step video below
Each of the three ornaments below includes the full YouTube walkthrough with exact cord lengths and knot placement. If you learn best by watching hands move, scroll straight to the video for that ornament.
What's in this guide
- Total cost breakdown
- Cheaper than store-bought
- How many ornaments per roll
- Total time investment
- Ornament 1 — Star
- Ornament 2 — Christmas Tree
- Ornament 3 — Angel
- Which one to start with
- Perfect gift ideas under $5
- Sell your handmade ornaments
- More ways to use them
- What to know before you start
- Pro tips
- Common mistakes
- Keep learning
- You might also like
- FAQ
Total cost breakdown
Every material below comes from one petite roll of 3mm organic cotton cord (100 m) plus a small ball of 2mm string and one wooden ring. Prices reflect the actual per-ornament share of each material you'll use — not the price of the whole roll.
| Ornament | Cord & materials | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star | 3mm cotton cord + 2mm string | ~30 min | ~$1.25 |
| Christmas Tree | 3mm cotton cord + 6 beads (optional) | ~45 min | ~$2.05 |
| Angel | 3mm cotton cord + 2" wooden ring + 3 beads (optional) | ~45 min | ~$1.95 |
| All 3 ornaments | One shopping trip covers it | ~2 hours total | ~$5.25 |
Cheaper than store-bought (and better)
A quick honesty pass — I priced comparable handmade macramé ornaments at six retailers so you can see the actual gap. Prices verified July 2026.
| Source | Comparable ornament | Retail price |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropologie | Cotton macramé star/tree | $18–$26 |
| West Elm | Woven cotton ornament set | $24 (set of 4 = $6 each) |
| Etsy (handmade) | Macramé angel / star | $12–$28 each |
| Terrain | Boho fiber tree ornament | $16–$22 |
| Local craft fairs | Cotton knotted ornaments | $8–$18 |
| Make it yourself | Same look, same cotton cord | ~$1.75 avg |
You can price-match the highest-end version and still come out 88 to 93 percent cheaper. Making three ornaments takes about the same time as driving to Anthropologie and back.
How many ornaments can you make from one roll?
One petite roll of 3mm organic cotton cord (100 m) makes roughly 30 to 40 macramé ornaments in the size range shown here (3 to 5 inches). That's enough for the whole tree, plus a full set of gift toppers, plus a few to give away — from a single roll that costs $19 in the Bochiknot shop.
Cost per ornament from one roll: about $0.55 in cord, before beads or rings. Even loading up on beads and rings only pushes it to around $2 per ornament finished.
Total time investment
Real talk from teaching a lot of first-timers: your first ornament will take longer than the video says. That's normal — you're not just learning the pattern, you're learning how tight to pull, how to keep tension even, and how your specific cord behaves. By ornament number two, you'll cut the time in half. By ornament number four, you'll finish in less time than the video plays.
Plan on 3 hours for the first three ornaments including learning time. After that, expect 20 to 30 minutes per ornament — a good afternoon of tea + Christmas movies gets you a full tree of them.
Ornament 1 — Macrame Christmas Star
Difficulty: Beginner · Time: ~30 min · Cost: ~$1.25
This is the ornament I recommend absolutely everyone make first. The star only uses two knots — the double half hitch and a gathering knot — and it teaches you tension control in a very forgiving way. If your first one comes out slightly wonky, it still looks like a star.
Cord & materials
- 1× 3mm single-strand organic cotton cord
- 1× 2mm string (1.5mm works as a substitute if that's what you have)
Tools
Cord lengths
Exact cord lengths are shown in the video walkthrough above — I call them out at the start so you can cut everything before you begin.
Knots used
- Double half hitch (DHH)
- Reverse lark's head
- Overhand knot
- Gathering knot
🎄 Did you know?
Five-pointed stars appear in nearly every culture's holiday tradition — the earliest paper star ornaments date to 1830s Germany, where they were called Weihnachtssterne (Christmas stars). Yours will hold up better than the paper originals.
Ornament 2 — Macrame Christmas Tree with Beads
Difficulty: Beginner · Time: ~45 min · Cost: ~$2.05
The tree looks intricate, but it's actually the same double half hitch you learned in the star — just repeated in a triangle shape. Adding six beads down the center dresses it up and gives you something to talk about when guests notice it on your tree.
Cord & materials
- 1× 3mm single-strand cotton cord
- 6× large-hole beads (optional but recommended — try these pearl beads)
Tools
Cord lengths
Exact cord lengths are shown in the video walkthrough above. If you want a taller, skinnier tree, add 10 cm to each strand — the pattern still works.
Knots used
- Overhand knot
- Reverse lark's head
- Double half hitch (DHH)
- Gathering knot
🎄 Did you know?
The Christmas tree tradition started in 16th-century Germany, where Protestant reformer Martin Luther is credited with the first candle-lit tree. Fabric and yarn ornaments came later — cotton and wool were the original Christmas tree materials before glass took over in the 1840s.
Free download — the Bochiknot beginner ebook
If these ornaments are your first macramé project, grab the free beginner's ebook. It walks through the 4 knots you actually need (square knot, lark's head, DHH, gathering) with photo diagrams and 3 starter projects. Sent to your inbox, no strings.
Get the free ebookOrnament 3 — Macrame Christmas Angel
Difficulty: Beginner · Time: ~45 min · Cost: ~$1.95
The angel is the most photogenic of the three, and it's the one people always ask to buy at markets. The wooden ring is what gives her the halo — so if you're picking just one to gift, make it this one.
Cord & materials
- 1× 3mm cotton cord
- 1× 2" wooden ring
- 3× large-hole beads (optional — pearl beads)
Tools
Cord lengths
Exact cord lengths are shown in the video walkthrough above. The wooden ring stays the same 2 inch diameter — swapping ring sizes will change the angel's proportions.
Knots used
- Lark's head knot
- Reverse lark's head + half hitch
- Double half hitch (DHH)
- Gathering knot
🎄 Did you know?
The angel-on-top tradition traces to the Gospel of Luke's telling of the shepherds and the angel Gabriel. Handmade cotton angels became popular during WWII when metal and glass ornaments were rationed — yours is part of that same craft heritage.
Which one should beginners start with?
Start with the star. I know the angel is the prettiest of the three, but the star is the most forgiving — the double half hitch is the only real knot you need, and the shape hides tension mistakes. Make one star to prove you can do it, and the tree and angel become weekend projects instead of a two-week commitment.
If you've made a lark's head or square knot before (say, from a plant hanger tutorial), skip straight to the tree. You already know the vocabulary.
Perfect gift ideas under $5 each
Every ornament in this guide doubles as a thoughtful, gift-able holiday token. Here's who they work for:
Teacher Gift
Attach a star to a small candle or notebook. Handmade, not another mug.
Hostess Gift
An angel tied to a bottle of wine. Slower than store-bought, but memorable.
Coworker Secret Santa
Tree ornament + hot cocoa mix in a jar. Feels expensive, cost you $2.
Neighbor Thank-You
Any of the three in a small kraft paper bag with a handwritten note.
Stocking Stuffer
Bundle all three tied with baker's twine. Fills a stocking, feels curated.
Baby's First Christmas
The angel with a soft off-white cotton cord — dateable keepsake for the box of firsts.
Sell your handmade ornaments
Handmade macramé ornaments sell on Etsy for $12 to $25 each, which is a 5x to 8x markup on materials. A single batch of 30 ornaments (one petite roll of cord) at the low end sells for $360; at the high end, $750 — from about 15 hours of work while watching TV.
If you're just starting to sell handmade, holiday ornaments are the softest possible entry: buyers are already primed to spend on cute gifts in November and December, listing photos are easy (flat lay on a piece of pine), and shipping is a padded envelope.
More ways to use them (beyond the tree)
- Gift toppers — tie one to any wrapped present, prettier than a bow, reusable
- Advent calendar — hang 24 mini ornaments on a garland with tiny clothespins
- Wreath decoration — hot-glue 4 to 6 stars onto a plain evergreen wreath
- Napkin rings — thread one onto a linen napkin at your holiday table
- Ribbon substitute — attach one to a cheese board or hostess gift
What to know before you start
- Your first ornament will take longer than the video says. Give yourself 45 to 60 minutes for the very first one, then it drops fast.
- Cotton cord is forgiving but not unlimited forgiving — pull too tight and the shape distorts. Aim for firm-but-not-strangling tension.
- Don't cut the fringe until the very end. Cutting early forces you to work smaller than the video assumes.
- If your first star looks lopsided, look at where you tied the gathering knot — 90% of the time that's the culprit. Redo just that knot instead of starting over.
Pro tips (5 things that make these come out better)
- Cut all your cord before starting. Cutting mid-project loses your rhythm and you end up with mismatched lengths.
- Use a piece of painters tape on the table. Anchor the top of the cord — it keeps your work stable so both hands are free to knot.
- Comb the fringe with a real fringe comb, not a hair brush. Hair brushes shred the cotton; a fringe comb keeps the fibers glossy.
- Steam-block the finished ornament. A quick hover with a garment steamer (no touching) sets the shape and gives that crisp, "boutique-bought" finish.
- Add one bead at the top before hanging. Even a plain wood bead makes any of the three ornaments look 2x more expensive.
Common mistakes (and the fix)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ornament comes out lopsided | Almost always the gathering knot — redo it, and make sure the wrap sits tight around the whole bundle before you tuck the tail. |
| Fringe looks stringy, not fluffy | You need single-strand cord (not braided). And comb with a real fringe comb — hair brushes shred it. |
| DHH knots don't sit flat | The anchor cord needs to stay taut while you knot around it — pull the anchor tight with your non-dominant hand. |
| Ran out of cord before finishing | Cut lengths 15% longer than the video calls for on your first attempt. You can always trim; you can't add. |
| Cord unravels at the ends | A single overhand knot at each end before you start prevents this. Skip it and the cord unravels while you work. |
Want to master more knots?
The free ebook covers 4 essential knots plus 3 starter projects — the same foundation these ornaments are built on. If you finished all three ornaments, you already know 3 of the 4 knots in the ebook. Grab it and pick up the fourth.
Download the free ebookKeep learning with Bochiknot
You might also be interested in
Made one? Share it on Instagram
Tag #BochiknotHoliday and I'll repost the best ones every December. Seeing what you make is genuinely the best part of running Bochiknot.
Frequently asked questions
What are macramé Christmas ornaments made of?
Macramé Christmas ornaments are made from natural cotton cord — usually 3mm single-strand — hand-knotted with beginner-level knots like the double half hitch, lark's head, and gathering knot. Optional accents include wooden rings, glass or wooden beads, and sometimes 2mm string for detail work. No dowels or hardware are needed for the 3 ornaments in this guide.
How long does it take to make a macramé Christmas ornament?
Each ornament in this guide takes 30 to 45 minutes for a beginner. The Star is the fastest at about 30 minutes; the Christmas Tree and Angel both run around 45 minutes. Once you've made a few, expect 20 to 30 minutes per ornament. All 3 ornaments together take about 2 hours.
How much does it cost to make macramé Christmas ornaments?
The 3 ornaments in this guide cost around $5.25 total in materials — about $1.75 per ornament. Comparable handmade macramé ornaments at Anthropologie or on Etsy sell for $12 to $28 each, so making them yourself saves 88 to 93 percent.
What macramé knots do I need to know?
Four beginner knots cover all 3 ornaments: the double half hitch (DHH), reverse lark's head, overhand knot, and gathering knot. The Angel ornament also uses a lark's head + half hitch combination on the wooden ring. All four knots are basic macramé — none require prior experience.
Do I need special tools to make these?
Just a pair of sharp scissors. You don't need a dowel, glue gun, hoop, or wooden base for any of the 3 ornaments in this guide. The Angel uses one 2 inch wooden ring, but scissors are the only actual tool.
What kind of cord should I use?
Use 3mm single-strand cotton macramé cord. Single-strand (also called single-twist) is what gives the fringe its soft, fluffy finish when combed out. Braided cord doesn't unravel the same way, so it won't produce the same look. The organic petite roll from the Bochiknot shop is 100 meters and covers all 3 ornaments with plenty left over.
Can beginners really make these?
Yes — all 3 ornaments are labeled beginner and use only 4 basic knots. The Star is the most beginner-friendly and is the recommended starting point. If you can tie a shoelace, you can tie a double half hitch. The video tutorials show every step at speed you can follow along.
How many ornaments can I make from one roll of cord?
One petite roll of 3mm cotton cord (100 m) makes roughly 30 to 40 ornaments in the 3 to 5 inch size range. That's enough for a full tree, plus gift toppers, plus extras to give away.
Can I sell these macramé ornaments?
Yes — the 3 patterns in this guide are for personal or small-batch handmade sale. Handmade macramé ornaments sell on Etsy for $12 to $25 each, which is a 5x to 8x markup over materials. A batch of 30 ornaments from one roll of cord sells for $360 to $750 at those prices.
What size are these macramé ornaments?
Each ornament finishes at roughly 3 to 5 inches tall — the right size to hang on a standard Christmas tree branch without weighing it down. The Star and Tree are about 4 inches; the Angel is closer to 5 inches with her halo.
Can I make these with different color cord?
Absolutely. Natural cotton is traditional, but dyed cord in cranberry red, forest green, or dusty pink all look beautiful for the holiday. The knot patterns are identical regardless of cord color — only the finished aesthetic changes.
Are macramé ornaments durable enough to reuse?
Yes — cotton macramé ornaments made properly last decades if stored dry and flat. Wrap each one in tissue paper and store in a shoebox. They don't shatter like glass ornaments and they don't fade like some plastic ones. Many families have macramé ornaments passed down from the 1970s.
Where can I buy ready-made macramé Christmas ornaments if I don't want to DIY?
Bochiknot sells finished handmade macramé decor pieces in the shop, and Etsy has thousands of listings from independent makers. Expect to pay $12 to $28 per ornament. If you want the same look as the 3 patterns here without making them, the Bochiknot patterns collection has downloadable PDF versions.
What's the difference between macramé ornaments and knit or crochet ornaments?
Macramé uses knots to form structure — the cord itself is the design. Knit and crochet use loops on needles or hooks to build fabric. Macramé ornaments have a distinct sculptural, knot-visible look; knit and crochet ornaments tend to look smoother and more fabric-like. For beginners, macramé is often faster because there are no stitches to count.
Can I use these patterns for a macramé wreath or garland instead of a tree?
Yes — the Star and Angel especially work as wreath accents. Hot-glue 4 to 6 stars onto a plain evergreen wreath, or string 12 mini trees onto twine for a mantel garland. The Bochiknot macramé wreath ornaments guide shows the wreath variations.
Do you have a video tutorial for each ornament?
Yes — every ornament in this guide has a full YouTube video walkthrough embedded above its section. Each video covers cord lengths, knot placement, and troubleshooting in real time.
About Nicole Woo
Nicole is the founder of Bochiknot and has been teaching macramé for 5+ years to a community of 100,000+ makers across YouTube, Instagram, and the Bochiknot blog. Her tutorials focus on getting beginners past the first project — because once you finish one, you'll finish twenty. Every pattern published on Bochiknot is student-tested for beginner clarity before it goes live.
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