DIY Macramé Christmas Gift Topper (Beginner Tutorial + Video)
DIY Macramé Christmas Gift Topper (Beginner Tutorial + Video)
Last updated: 2026-07-03
Quick answer
What you’ll make: A 3–4" hand-knotted mini Christmas tree gift topper that ties around a wrapped present and doubles as an ornament.
Skill level: Beginner — if you can tie a square knot, you’re ready.
Time: Under 15 minutes per topper.
Materials: 3mm cotton cord (about 1.5 meters total) · scissors · a gift to wrap.
Cost: About $1 per topper. Boutique handmade gift wrap accents run $5–$15 each.
📌 PIN THIS FOR LATER
🎥 Prefer to watch? The full step-by-step video is below — a great way to see the loop-forming motion in Step 5 before you try it.
What you’ll learn
- Knots you’ll need
- Materials & tools
- Skill, size & cord lengths
- Full video tutorial
- Steps 1–3: Wrap the gift & anchor the cords
- Steps 4–6: Build the tree shape with square knots
- Steps 7–8: Finish and style
- 15 ways to use these gift toppers
- Why macramé toppers are eco-friendly
- Make it yourself vs boutique wrap
- Pro tips & troubleshooting
- FAQ
Knots You’ll Need
Just two knots for the entire topper — if you’ve tied a square knot before, this project takes 15 minutes start to finish. If not, watch the two linked tutorials once and you’ll be set.
Half Knot & Overhand Knot
Used to mount the tree cord and anchor the topper around the gift.
See knot library
Never Made Macramé?
Watch the complete beginners guide first — 10 minutes to be fully ready.
Start hereMaterials & Tools
Truly the minimum. This project uses less than 2 meters of cord total — perfect for burning through leftover scraps from bigger projects.
Cord & Materials
- 3mm single-strand cotton cord — about 1.5 meters total (see cord lengths below). Single-strand, 3-ply, and braided cord in similar thickness all work beautifully. This is a great project for cord scraps left over from larger pieces.
- 1 wrapped gift — neutral tissue or kraft paper looks incredible with the natural cord. The topper works on any size gift; just scale cord lengths up for larger boxes.
Tools
- Sharp fabric scissors — the rose gold pair I use daily. Clean cord ends make the finish look professional.
- Measuring tape or ruler.
Cord Lengths to Cut Before You Start
| Quantity | Length (metric) | Length (imperial) | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 cm | 20" | Anchor cord — wraps around the gift and holds the tree in place |
| 1 | 100 cm | 40" | Tree cord — folded in half to form the tree shape with square knots |
Gift Topper Details
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner — two knots total, forgiving pattern, quick payoff |
| Completed size | 3–4" tall mini tree, scales with cord length |
| Completion time | Under 15 minutes per topper — perfect while your gift-wrap station is set up |
| Cord needed | 3mm single-strand cotton cord, ~1.5 meters per topper |
| Doubles as | A mini Christmas tree ornament — the recipient hangs it on the tree next year |
Full Video Tutorial
Watching Step 5 (forming the first square knot with side loops) once on video makes the whole pattern click much faster. If you get stuck, this is the section to rewatch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Eight quick steps that cluster into three phases: wrap and anchor, build the tree, then finish. Every step takes 1–2 minutes.
Steps 1–3: Wrap the gift and anchor the cords
Start with the gift itself. The topper looks best on neutral tones — the natural cotton pops against kraft or cream wrap.
- Use neutral tissue or craft paper for a handmade aesthetic — it complements the macrame gift topper nicely and keeps the focus on the mini tree.
Step 2: Wrap and tie the anchor cord
The anchor cord does all the structural work — the tree cord just decorates it. Keep this knot centered and firmly tightened.
- Place the 50 cm anchor cord around the wrapped gift and tie a double overhand knot in the center.
- Leave the two hanging strands pointing upward — these act as the vertical anchor cords for your mini tree.
Step 3: Prepare the tree cord
Finding the midpoint of the tree cord matters. If your two working ends come out uneven, the tree tiers will look lopsided.
- Fold the 100 cm cord in half and find the center. Place this folded cord underneath the two vertical anchor cords so the folded loop is pointing down.
Steps 4: Build the tree shape with square knots
The half knot is your mounting point — loose here means the whole tree will slide. Snug this one down before moving on.
- With the working ends of the folded cord, create a half knot over the anchor cords to secure the tree cord in place — this is the mounting knot.
New to macramé? Grab the free beginner guide.
The complete knot library (square knot, half knot, lark’s head, overhand, gathering) with photos and video links — the same reference I keep at my workbench.
Download the free guide →Step 5: Create the first full square knot and form the top loop
This step creates the top loop of the tree. Slide the knot up carefully so the two side loops form evenly. This one takes a beat to feel right the first time.
- Now make a full square knot. After tightening, slide the knot up so small loops form on each side of the anchor cords.
- Adjust each side so the loops are even. Leave about 1 cm spacing above the knot for the loop.
Step 6: Continue with more square knots to build the tree shape
This is the meditative section. Each square knot gets a little more space than the last, building the classic triangular tree silhouette.
- Make successive square knots beneath the first, each time leaving slightly more space than the last so the loops increase in size and form a tapered tree silhouette.
- If you run out of vertical anchor cord length, you can widen the loop itself instead of spacing knots further apart — this keeps the shape even while conserving cord length.
Steps 7: Finish and style
The bottom loop finishes the shape. Aim to match the size of the previous loop for a balanced tree.
- Add one last square knot to complete the bottom loop (aim to match the previous loop size). Slide knots into position to create a balanced triangle/tree shape.
Step 8: Final styling
Trim any uneven ends and the topper is done. Leave the anchor cords intact if you want to hang it as an ornament after the gift is unwrapped.
- Trim any uneven ends and snip excess cord close to the anchor knot. The topper can stay tied to the gift or be removed and hung on a tree as an ornament.
15 Ways to Use These Gift Toppers
The magic of this project is how versatile a single little topper is. Here are the best places I’ve seen readers use theirs.
Christmas Presents
The classic use. Replace the traditional bow with a handmade tree topper — instantly boho, elegant, and eco-friendly.
Mini Tree Ornaments
After the gift is unwrapped, the recipient unties the anchor cord and hangs the topper on their Christmas tree. Sustainable gifting at its best.
Hostess & Housewarming Gifts
Tie one around a bottle of wine or a home-baked loaf. Handmade always beats store-bought ribbon.
Teacher & Coworker Gifts
A batch of 10 identical toppers takes an evening. Perfect for gifting to a whole classroom or team.
Corporate & Client Gifts
Boutique corporate gifting looks polished with handmade accents. Elevates any small-business Christmas package.
Wedding Favors
Boho winter weddings love these — tie one around each favor bag with a raffia thank-you tag.
Baby Shower Presents
A gender-neutral, keepsake-worthy alternative to a plastic bow — parents can hang it as a nursery decoration.
Advent Calendar Decorations
Attach one to each little box or pouch for a texture-rich handmade advent calendar.
Napkin Rings for Holiday Dinner
Slip one over a rolled linen napkin at each place setting. Rustic elegant table styling.
Wine Bottle Toppers
Loop the anchor cord around the neck of a wine bottle for a handmade take on gift-bagging alcohol.
Wall Decor Cluster
Attach 5–7 mini trees to a single strand of jute for a boho holiday garland.
Craft Fair & Market Stall Products
Sells beautifully at $5–$10 each. Under $1 in materials means a 5–10x markup with zero guilt.
Why Macramé Toppers Are Eco-Friendly
Traditional plastic ribbon and synthetic bows are a huge holiday waste stream — roughly 38,000 miles of ribbon get thrown out every Christmas in the US alone. A macramé topper solves that in three ways.
- Reusable. The topper unties in seconds and lives for years as an ornament, napkin ring, or next-Christmas decoration.
- Biodegradable. 100% cotton cord decomposes naturally — unlike plastic ribbon or metallic bows.
- Handmade. No shipping-heavy manufacturing footprint, no packaging waste. Just cord, scissors, and 15 minutes.
Make It Yourself vs Buy Boutique Wrap
Boutique gift wrap accents are surprisingly expensive. Here’s what a comparable handmade holiday wrap accent costs off the shelf.
| Source | Handmade Wrap Accent | Cost for 12 Gifts |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropologie | $8–$15 each | $96–$180 |
| Etsy (handmade) | $4–$10 each | $48–$120 |
| West Elm (holiday) | $6–$12 each | $72–$144 |
| Craft store premium bows | $3–$6 each | $36–$72 |
| Make it yourself | ~$1 each | ~$12 |
Realistic cost breakdown
Making a batch of 12 toppers — enough for a family Christmas gifting cycle.
| Item | Approximate Cost | How Far It Goes |
|---|---|---|
| 3mm cotton cord (petite roll) | $18–$22 | Makes 60+ toppers |
| Sharp scissors (one-time) | $8–$15 | Yes — used every future project |
| Total for batch of 12 toppers | ~$12 | — |
| Cost per topper | ~$1 | — |
Pro Tips for a Cleaner Finish
- Keep tension medium and consistent. Too tight and the loops look pinched; too loose and the tree shape flops. Aim for the same pressure on every square knot.
- Slide knots up before tightening. Loops form naturally when you slide each square knot upward toward the previous one. Tighten only after the loops look even.
- Cord scraps are perfect for this. Left over 3mm cord from a plant hanger or wall hanging? Use it here. This project is my go-to for burning through the odds and ends drawer.
- Make a batch, not one. Set up your workspace once and make 6–10 at a time. Each one after the first takes 10 minutes.
- Different cord = different tree. Braided cord gives a chunkier, plusher tree; single-strand gives a cleaner geometric look. Try both and pick your favorite.
- Add a bead or a bell. Thread a tiny bell or wooden bead onto one of the anchor cords before finishing. Adds subtle character.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Tree shape looks lopsided | The center point of your folded tree cord wasn’t exact. Untie down to Step 3 and re-fold the tree cord, matching the two working ends before starting again. |
| Loops are uneven left vs right | After each square knot, gently pull the shorter loop out from the working cord until they match. Re-tighten after they’re balanced. |
| Tree tiers get smaller instead of larger | You’re tightening each knot before sliding it up. Slide it up FIRST, adjust the loops, then tighten. That order matters. |
| Anchor cord slides on the gift | The double overhand knot in Step 2 wasn’t tight enough. Firm it up before adding the tree cord. |
| Cord ends fray after a few uses | Snip cleanly with sharp scissors, then twist the very tip between your fingers to compress the fibers. A tiny dot of clear glue works too. |
What to know before you start
Step 5 (forming the first square knot with side loops) is the make-or-break step. Don’t rush it. The rest of the tree is just repetition — if you nail the first knot, every knot after is easier. If your first topper feels awkward, the second one will feel like second nature. This is the kind of project where doing it once teaches you everything.
Ready for the next project?
If this topper clicked and you want more holiday and gifting projects — ornaments, wreaths, garlands, keychains — the Bochiknot Patreon library has every project I’ve made in the last five years with downloadable PDF patterns and bonus video walkthroughs.
- Full library of PDF patterns (50+ projects, updated monthly)
- Bonus video walkthroughs for every project
- Monthly community Q&A with Nicole
- Early access to new tutorials before they go public
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💛 Made a batch?
Tag @bochiknot and use #BochiknotProjects on Instagram — I feature reader gift toppers every week during the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes. This is one of the friendliest first macramé projects because it uses only two knots (half knot and square knot), takes under 15 minutes, and hides small tension inconsistencies inside the tree shape. Perfect if you’ve never touched macramé before.
What sizes of cord work for this gift topper?
3mm cords are ideal and give the cleanest tree shape. Single-strand, three-ply, and braided cords of similar thickness all work. Thicker cord (4–5mm) creates chunkier trees; thinner cord (2mm) makes more delicate toppers.
Can I use different cord lengths for bigger gifts?
Yes. The demo used 50 cm for the anchor cord and 100 cm for the tree cord for a small gift. Scale both up proportionally — add 20 cm to the anchor cord for every extra 6" of box width, and add 30 cm to the tree cord for a taller topper.
How do I make the loops even?
After each square knot, slide it up and gently pull the shorter loop out from the working cord until both sides match. Re-tighten the knot only after the loops look balanced.
Can this be used as a Christmas ornament?
Absolutely — the design was specifically made to double as a mini tree ornament. Trim the excess cord neatly and leave the anchor cords intact so the recipient can hang it on their tree. Two gifts in one.
What if I don’t know how to tie square knots?
The project starts with a half knot (mounting knot) and then uses simple square knots. Practice one or two square knots on scrap cord first — there are dozens of macramé projects that use them, so it’s a great foundational skill.
How long does it take to make one topper?
Under 15 minutes once you’ve made one or two. The first one takes 20–25 minutes while you get the rhythm down.
How much does one topper cost to make?
About $1 per topper once you have basic supplies on hand. A first-time buyer needs $25–$35 for cord and scissors — then every topper after that is essentially free.
Can I sell these at craft markets?
Absolutely. Sell finished toppers freely at markets, on Etsy, or as add-ons to your gift-wrap service. The pattern itself is copyrighted so please don’t redistribute the tutorial as your own.
Are these eco-friendly compared to plastic ribbon?
Yes — significantly. 100% cotton cord is biodegradable and the topper is reusable indefinitely as an ornament or napkin ring. Plastic ribbon and synthetic bows end up in landfills within days of Christmas morning.
Can I make matching toppers for all my Christmas gifts?
Yes — batches are the most efficient way. Cut all your cord lengths at once, then knot in a rhythm. A batch of 12 takes about 90 minutes.
What colors work best for the holidays?
Natural cream cotton is the most classic and versatile. Rust, sage green, and deep burgundy give a cozy modern-boho look. Rainbow or metallic-mixed cord adds playfulness for kids' gifts.
Can I add embellishments like bells or beads?
Yes — thread a small wooden bead, tiny bell, or dried orange slice onto the anchor cord before the final knot. Adds character without changing the pattern.
Where can I buy the exact cord I use?
The 3mm cotton cord is available in the Bochiknot shop — any single-strand cotton in that thickness works beautifully.
Are these safe around kids and pets?
Yes — 100% cotton is child- and pet-safe. The cord is soft, has no small choking parts (unless you add beads), and there are no toxic finishes or dyes.
How do I hang the topper as an ornament?
Loop the anchor cord around a branch, or tie a small loop at one end and slip it onto an ornament hook. The topper is light enough for even the thinnest tree branches.
Can I make this in a class or workshop setting?
Absolutely — this is a perfect group project. 15-minute completion time, minimal materials, huge payoff. I’ve taught 50+ people this exact tutorial in one afternoon at a craft fair.
Want to master more knots?
Download the free beginner ebook — the complete visual knot library plus 3 mini beginner projects to build your confidence.
Get the free guide →Keep Learning with Bochiknot
5 Christmas Ornaments
Five more macramé ornament tutorials for filling out your holiday tree.
View tutorial
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Final Thoughts
Gift toppers are one of those projects where the effort-to-payoff ratio is unbeatable. Fifteen minutes of knotting, less than a dollar in materials, and every gift you wrap gets a personal, handmade touch that a store-bought bow can never match. And because the topper doubles as an ornament, you’re giving two gifts in one — something the recipient will unbox this Christmas and hang on their tree next year.
Make one, then batch a dozen. Tag @bochiknot when yours is done — I feature reader toppers on Instagram every week through the holidays.
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