Macrame Wreath With Beads: Small Knots, Holiday Sparkle
Hi, I’m Nicole. I help you turn a few simple knots into something you’re proud to make. Today, we’re making a macrame Christmas wreath ornament with beads. I’ll guide you through the curves, bead placement and neat back closure, with photos and video along the way.
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These are the measurements supplied with the video. Knot tension and hanger length can change the finished size.
Your Beaded Wreath At A Glance
| Skill Level | Advanced beginner: be comfortable with Double Half Hitch knots in both directions. |
|---|---|
| Making Time | Allow 1–2 hours, depending on experience. |
| Finished Size | Approximately 3.25 inches wide × 5.75 inches long (8.3 × 14.6 cm). |
| Main Materials | 3mm single-strand cord and ten large-hole beads with 5mm holes. |
| Cord Total | 5.1 metres in four pieces. |
| Pattern Repeat | Ten U-shaped sections, joined at the back. |
| Special Tool | Crochet hook or weaving needle for the woven closure; glue is an alternative. |
Materials And Tools You Will Need
Use 3mm single-strand cord and beads with a 5mm hole. This is a small tree ornament formed from knotwork; no wreath ring is needed.
3mm Metallic
Cotton Cord
Choose the 3mm option for a subtle metallic accent in the knots.
Shop Metallic Cord →
Large-Hole
Metallic Beads
Gather ten beads with 5mm holes, including one for the hanger.
Shop Metallic Beads →
Optional Macrame
Board
Hold the anchor steady while you work the rows in both directions.
Shop The Board →Complete Materials And Tools Checklist
The Amazon tool links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
- 3mm single-strand metallic cord: 5.1 metres total: one 90 cm anchor cord and three 140 cm working cords. Select 3mm for this cutting list.
- 10 large-hole beads (5mm hole): for the beaded wreath and hanger. Reserve one bead for the two top cords in Step 7; check the fit before starting.
- Crochet hook or weaving needle: required for the woven finish shown in the video. Choose a tool that can pass through the back loops without stretching them.
- Macrame scissors: for cutting the lengths and trimming the back ends.
- Measuring tape: measure all four cords before knotting.
- Macrame board with T-pins (optional): helps hold the horizontal anchor cord steady. Alternatively, tape the anchor onto your work surface.
- Glue (alternative finish): the video allows gluing the ends at the back if you prefer not to use a crochet hook. This replaces the woven finish; it is not required when weaving the ends in.
Cord Cutting List For One Beaded Wreath
Cut all four pieces from 3mm single-strand cord. Keep the shorter anchor cord separate.
| Quantity | Length Per Piece | Purpose | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 90 cm / approx. 35.4 in | Starting anchor cord | 0.9 m |
| 3 | 140 cm / approx. 55.1 in | Working cords | 4.2 m |
| Total | Four pieces | One wreath and its hanger | 5.1 m |
Knots To Practice Before Making The Wreath
The pattern uses two knots. Practice the DHH rows in both directions so you can concentrate on the bead placement when you start the wreath.
- Double Half Hitch (DHH) knot: mounts the cords and builds the U-shaped sections.
- Overhand knot: finishes the hanging loop above the top bead.
Anchor cord: the cord you hold in the direction of the row. Working cord: the cord you wrap around it. Keep the anchor steady and complete both half hitches before moving to the next cord.
Need help with tension? Watch Nicole’s tips for clean Double Half Hitch knots.
A REFERENCE BESIDE YOUR CORD
Keep Your Next Knot Within Reach.
Use the free 50 Macrame Knots & Sennits guide when a pattern introduces a technique you want to practice.
Watch The Beaded Macrame Wreath Tutorial
Follow the full video or select the timestamp under a step. The close-up at 09:38 is particularly useful for weaving the ends through the back.
How To Make A Macrame Wreath Ornament With Beads
Work the beaded strip first, then bring the ends together into a circle. Keep the loose ends until you have finished joining the back and making the hanger.
Step 1: Mount The Three Working Cords
Pin or tape the 90 cm cord horizontally to hold it steady. Attach each of the three 140 cm cords to this anchor with Double Half Hitch (DHH) knots. Follow the cord placement shown in the photos, leaving the ends available for joining later.
Step 2: Start The U-Shaped Pattern
Bring the right end of the anchor cord across to the left and tie three DHH knots along it. Turn the anchor back towards the right and tie two DHH knots. Leave the last knot of that row until after adding the bead.
Step 3: Add The First Bead
Thread one bead onto the far-right vertical cord. Slide it into position, then complete the last DHH knot towards the right. Keep the bead close to the knotwork without pulling the row out of shape.
Step 4: Return To The Left
Bring the anchor cord back towards the left and tie three DHH knots. Keep the anchor steady as you work so the new row follows the curve of the pattern.
Step 5: Complete Ten U-Shaped Sections
Continue the demonstrated pattern for eight more U-shaped sections, giving ten sections in total. Add beads in the positions shown as you repeat the rows. Keep one of your ten beads aside for the hanger in Step 7.
Step 6: Join The Ends At The Back
Curve the strip into a wreath without twisting it. Using a crochet hook or weaving needle, thread the three lower cord ends from each side into the loops at the back of the opposite side, behind the DHH knots. Follow the close-up video to check the crossing direction. Pull through gently and adjust the circle before trimming.
Step 7: Add The Hanger Bead
Thread the reserved bead over the two top cords. Tie an Overhand knot above it to finish the hanging loop, as shown. Check that the bead and knot stay in place before cutting the tails.
Step 8: Trim And Check The Finish
Check the woven join at the back and the hanging loop, then trim the excess cord ends. Lift the ornament by its hanger and gently adjust its shape. If using the glue alternative for the back ends, let the adhesive set according to its instructions before hanging.
Tips For An Even Wreath And A Neat Join
- Uneven curves: Keep the anchor cord firm while tightening each Double Half Hitch. Compare each U-shaped section with the previous one before continuing.
- A bead will not slide: Check the hole before starting. Do not force a tool through a tight bead; choose a bead that comfortably takes the required cord or cords.
- A twisted wreath: Lay the completed strip flat, then curve it into a circle with all the beads facing the same way before weaving the back ends.
- A bulky join: Follow the back-loop close-ups in Step 6. Draw the ends through gradually and check the front before trimming anything.
Macrame Wreath Ornament FAQs
How Much Cord Do I Need?
Cut one 90 cm anchor cord and three 140 cm working cords from 3mm single-strand cotton cord. That is four pieces totaling 5.1 metres, before allowing extra for practice.
How Many Beads Does This Wreath Use?
You need ten large-hole beads with 5mm holes. Keep one aside for the two hanger cords. Test that your chosen cord passes through the beads before knotting.
What Size Is The Finished Ornament?
The completed project measures approximately 3.25 inches wide by 5.75 inches long (8.3 × 14.6 cm). Your knot tension and finishing can change the dimensions slightly.
Is This Macrame Wreath Suitable For Beginners?
This is an advanced-beginner pattern. Practice Double Half Hitch knots in both directions first. Keeping the anchor cord firm and making even rows are the main skills you will use.
Do I Need A Ring To Make This Wreath?
No. You knot a strip of ten U-shaped sections, curve it into a wreath and join the ends at the back. The cord forms the wreath itself.
Do I Need A Crochet Hook?
Use a crochet hook or weaving needle to draw the ends through the loops behind the knots. The video also offers gluing the back ends as an alternative if you do not want to use a hook.
Can I Use Plain Cotton Cord?
Yes, you can choose plain 3mm single-strand cotton cord for a different finish. Test the bead holes with your cord first, especially the bead that holds both hanger cords.
Is The Wreath Pattern Free?
Yes. The eight written steps, project photos and linked YouTube tutorial are free to follow. Supplies and optional membership plans are separate.
KEEP LEARNING
More Macrame Christmas Ornaments To Make
Macrame TreeOrnament
Build a small 3D tree with DHH rows and finish it with a cinnamon-stick trunk.
Make The Tree →
Holly WreathOrnament
Shape two holly leaves with DHH knots, then add raised berries to a wrapped ring.
Make The Wreath →
Mini WreathWith A Bow
Try another wreath without a ring, finished with a ribbon bow instead of beads.
Make The Mini Wreath →Find more ideas in our macrame Christmas tutorials, or work through the complete beginner’s guide.
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A NOTE FROM YOUR MACRAME TEACHER
Made By You. Shared With Love.
You have added beads to a repeated knot pattern and brought the ends together into a wreath. Notice how a small detail changes the whole piece. Will you hang yours on the tree or tie it onto a gift? Tell me in the comments.
Much love,
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