How to Make a "Rudolph the RED-NOSED Reindeer" Macrame Wall Hanging
Beginner’s Guide: Macrame Reindeer Wall Hanging for the Holidays
The holiday season is the perfect time to get crafty and add a little handmade magic to your home.
If you're into macrame (or even if you're just starting out), why not try your hand at making an adorable reindeer wall hanging?
It’s a fun, beginner-friendly project that’ll bring a cozy, festive vibe to any room.
In this post, I’ll walk you through each step, from picking out your materials to tying the knots.
So, grab your supplies, and let’s get started on creating your own festive holiday decor!
Macrame Knots Used in the Christmas Reindeer Wall Hanging
Before you dive into creating your macrame reindeer wall hanging, it’s important to get familiar with the key knots we’ll be using. Here are the knots you’ll need to know:
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Lark’s Head Knot: This simple knot is often used to attach cords to a dowel or frame. The Lark's Head Knot is foundation for most macrame projects.
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Square Knot: The Square Knot is a fundamental macrame knot that creates a flat, structured design. We’ll be using this knot a lot for the reindeer’s body and other sections.
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Reverse Lark’s Head Plus Half Hitch (RLHPHH) Knot: This variation of the Lark’s Head Knot helps add more complexity and detail to certain parts of the project, such as the ears and antlers.
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Overhand Knot: A basic knot used to secure the ends of cords. It’s simple but effective for finishing off sections of your design.
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Berry Knot: This decorative knot adds a lovely 3D texture to your project. We’ll use the Berry Knot to create the reindeer’s nose, giving it an adorable, playful look.
Once you have these knots down, you’ll be all set to bring your festive reindeer to life!
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, it's probably best to go over a few important terms used in macrame.
This will help you understand the techniques more easily, follow patterns with confidence, 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 strong foundation.Check the "Macrame Knots You Need to Know" section for the knots used in this pattern.
- Cords: The primary material used in macrame, cords can be made from cotton, jute, nylon, or synthetic fibers. They come in different thicknesses and colors.
- 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.
- 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, often used intentionally as decorative elements like frays or tassels in your design.
Cord, Supplies, & Tools to Make a Heart Macrame Wall Hanging
Before we get started on crafting your macrame reindeer, let’s gather everything you’ll need.
From the right cords to a few essential tools, having everything ready will make the project smooth and enjoyable.
Here’s a quick list of the supplies and tools you’ll need to bring this festive reindeer to life
Macrame Cord
For this project, we’ll use a single-strand cotton cord, perfect for creating smooth, clean knots and giving your reindeer wall hanging a soft, finished look.
To add dimension and contrast, we’ll work with four colors: Sand, Natural, Buttermilk, and Terracotta, all from our Rainbow cord collection.
These warm, earthy tones create a cozy, festive feel that is ideal for the holiday season.
Macrame Supplies
For the base of your Christmas Reindeer Wall Hanging, we’ll be using a reindeer-shaped metal frame.
This frame serves as the perfect foundation for shaping your project and ensuring the reindeer structure stays intact.
It’s sturdy, easy to work with, and helps guide your knots as you build out the antlers, face, and other details.
Using a metal frame makes the process simpler, giving you a clear outline to follow as you bring your festive reindeer to life.
Macrame Tools
You will also need some essential tools:
- Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Fringe comb
- Crochet hook (optional)
Christmas Reindeer Wall Hanging Pattern Details
Skill level:
- Beginner - Intermediate
Completed size:
- 10” length and 12” height
Completion time:
- 1 - 2 hours depending on skill level
Materials needed (for 1 unit):
- 3mm Macrame cord (4 colors)
- 1 x 12” Reindeer metal frame
Cord lengths:
- Antlers: 8 cords of 110cm (43”), 2 cords of 60cm (24”)
- Ears: 2 cords of 50cm (20”), 4 cords of 130cm (51”)
- Face: 10 cords of 170cm (67”), 2 cords of 160cm (63”)
- Nose: 2 cords of 60cm (24”)
- Bow: 1 cord of 60cm (24”)
How to Macrame a Christmas Reindeer Wall Hanging | Video Tutorial
How to Macrame a Christmas Reindeer Wall Hanging | Step-by-Step Guide
Step #1
- Attach 2 x 110 cm cords onto the top antlers with Reverse Lark's Head knots.
Step #2
- Make a Square knot.
- Use the outer two cords as working cords, looping them over the middle anchor cords and over each other.
- Repeat this in the opposite direction.
Step #3
- Weave the outer left and right cords through the back and to the front on the sides.
- Make a Square knot.
- Repeat 6 more times below.
Step #4
- Take the working cord ends to the back and secure with a Double Overhand knot.
- Trim the excess cord.
Step #5
- Repeat the same pattern onto the adjacent antler for a total of 7 Square knots.
Step #6
- Take a 60 cm cord and make a Reverse Lark's Head knot in the middle of the antlers.
Step #7
- Take the outer left and right cords as working cords for a Square knot.
- Make 5 weave + Square knots underneath.
Step #8
- Secure the working cords at the back.
- Repeat the pattern on the other set of antlers.
Step #9
- Push the cords through to the back of the frame and weave the cord ends through 2 loops at the back.
Step #10
- Attach a 50 cm cord onto the ear with a Reverse Lark's Head Plus Half Hitch ("RLHPHH") knot.
- Repeat with another on the right and left with 130 cm cords.
Step #11
- Use the outer 2 cords on both sides as working cords for a Square knot.
- Make 5 Weave + Square knots underneath.
Step #12
- Repeat on the other ear.
Step #13
- Secure the working cords at the back with Double Overhand knots.
- Trim the excess cord.
- Weave the middle cords through 2 knot loops.
Step #14
- Attach 10 x 170 cm cords to the top of the face with Reverse Lark's Head knots.
Step #16
- Make 2 rows of Alternating Square knots.
Step #17
- Attach a 160 cm cord onto the left side with a Reverse Lark's Head knot.
- Make a Square knot with the 2 cord ends adjacent to them.
- Repeat on the other side.
Step #18
- Add another row of alternating Square knots.
Step #19
- Take the left-2 and right-2cords and weave them through the sides of the frame.
- Secure with Square knots.
- Fill in the remainder of the row with Square knots.
Step #20
- Make an alternating row of Square knots.
- Continue with 4 Weave + Square knot row sections underneath.
Step #21
- Add alternating Square knot row, then add 5 Weave + Square knot row sections underneath.
Step #22
- Push the cords to the back and make 2 Double Half Hitch (DHH) knots on the left and right sides.
Step #23
- At the bottom take every second cord and attach it to the bottom of the frame with DHH knots.
Step #24
- Take a 30 cm scrap cord and weave one eye.
- Repeat on the other side.
Step #25
- Take 2 x 60 cm cords folded in half and make a Square knot, leaving 2 small loops at the top.
- Make 2 more Square knots.
Step #26
- Thread the middle 2 cords through the top loops.
- Weave the Berry knot onto of the face.
Step #27
- Secure the back with Double Overhand knots.
- Cut off excess cord.
Step #28
- Take a 60 cm cord and make a bow gathering the bottom cords together.
And there you have it—your very own macrame Christmas reindeer wall hanging!
This festive piece is the perfect way to bring some handmade holiday charm into your home.
Enjoy the process, and feel free to customize it with your own colors and details to make it truly unique. Happy knotting and happy holidays!
Happy knotting! 🦌
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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