Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament: A Step-by-Step 20-Minute Tutorial

Craft a dazzling Macramé Christmas Tree Ornament that looks like a $25 boutique find but is surprisingly simple to knot together in an afternoon. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you from gathering your materials to tying the final gathering knot, making the process easy, enjoyable, and beginner-friendly.

With just a few cords and some festive beads, you’ll create an ornament that shimmers beautifully on the tree, elevates your holiday décor, or makes a heartfelt handmade gift for someone special.

Whether you’re new to macramé or returning to a craft you love, this project offers the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation — and the final result is a piece you’ll be proud to display year after year. Let’s begin!

Getting Started: Materials and Tools

What you need:

• 3mm braided metallic macrame cord in two colors (primary for the tree, secondary for handle and stump)
• 12mm star bead (about a 5mm hole — snug but workable)

Essential Macrame Tools 

You will also need some essential macrame tools:

• Scissors

• Measuring Tape

Macrame Gold Christmas Tree Ornament  DIY Details

Skill level

• Beginner

Completed size

• 2" wide and 3.5" tall 

Completion time

• 1 hour, depending on skill level

Materials needed

• 3mm braided metallic cord (2 colors)

• 12mm star bead (about a 5mm hole — snug but workable)

Cord Lengths Needed

• 1 x 600cm (315")

Interested in 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, we should review a few important terms used in macrame.

This will help you understand the techniques more easily, follow patterns confidently, 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 solid foundation. Check the "Macrame Knots You Need to Know" section for the knots used in this pattern.

• Cords: The primary material in macrame is cords made from cotton, jute, nylon, or synthetic fibers. They come in different thicknesses and colors. You can learn more about macrame cords with our "Macrame ESSENTIALS: Everything You Need—Cord, Tools, & Materials" post.

• 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. Want to learn more about fringe? Here's "My Top 5 Secrets for Creating PERFECTLY Styled Fringe" post you might find helpful.

• 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.

Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament: A Step-by-Step 20-Minute Tutorial | Video Guide

*Note: We recommend following the tutorial video for more detailed instructions and to achieve the best results.

This will provide additional guidance and clarity as you work through each step.

Step 1: Make the handle

• Cut a 30 cm strand of your secondary color, fold in half and tie a large overhand (overhead) knot near the ends so you have a looped handle about 4 inches long. 

• Tape or pin the handle down on your work surface so it won’t slip while you knot.

Step 2: Attach the tree base cord and the star

• Fold a 100 cm strand of the primary color in half and attach it to the bottom of the handle with a reverse lark's head knot.
• Thread the star bead onto the two vertical cords. If the cord tips fray, wrap them with tape or use a crochet hook to feed them through the bead.
• Pull the knot snug so the bead sits neatly under the handle.

Step 4: Start the first row of double half hitch knots

• This pattern relies mostly on diagonal double half hitch (DHH) knots. Begin by using the middle cords as anchor and make a diagonal DHH to the left.
• Attach two more 100 cm cords (folded) onto the left and right anchor cords using reverse lark's head plus a half hitch on each side.
• Slide knots up tight and repeat the DHHs to form the first “branch” row.

Step 5: Build out rows and add side cords

• Continue building rows from the center outward. After the first row, make a second row of DHHs starting with the middle cords and working left and right.
• Attach two 80 cm cords to the far left and far right with reverse lark’s head + half hitch knots, then add a full row of DHHs to both sides.
• Repeat the process, attaching 70 cm then 60 cm cords as you expand the tree shape.

Step 6: Fill the middle and taper the sides

• Once the outer rows are set, fill the middle section with several rows of DHH knots while intentionally skipping the outermost two cords each time. This creates the tapered layered look of a tree.
• Continue skipping the last two cords on each side when instructed until the triangular shape is clear.

Step 7: Closing row — gather the sides inwards

• To close the rows, start at the far left cord as an anchor and make horizontal DHH knots toward the right.
• For each subsequent knot, include the working cord into the anchor cord group so the anchor group grows and you progressively pull the outer cords into the center.
• Mirror this pattern from the far right back to the center until most cords are centralized.

Step 8: Make the gathering knot (tree trunk)

• With the majority of cords in the middle, take a 60 cm strand in your secondary color and fold it to create a small loop beneath the tree.
• Wrap the long end tightly upwards around the bundle several times to form the trunk/gathering knot, then tuck the end through the loop and pull the top end to lock the knot tight.
• Smooth and straighten the cords before trimming.

Step 9: Trim and finish

• Trim the excess from the gathering knot and shape the fringe at the bottom to about 1–1.5 inches or to your preferred length.
• Adjust any uneven knots by gently pulling anchor cords so the branches lie flat.
• Your Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament is complete and ready to hang.

The Final Touch

Your Macramé Christmas Tree Ornament is now beautifully complete, showcasing the charm that only handmade decorations can bring. Whether you hang it on your tree, incorporate it into a wreath, or use it as a gift topper, it adds a soft, festive touch to your holiday décor.

Beyond the finished piece, the real magic lies in the making. Crafting offers a peaceful pause in the midst of the season—a reminder to slow down, enjoy the process, and find meaning in the small traditions that make Christmas feel special.

Display your ornament proudly or gift it to someone who would appreciate a heartfelt, handmade touch.

Share Your Creations

I’d love to see your finished pieces inspired by this tutorial! Share your creations on Instagram and tag us @bochiknot. 

Be sure to check out our Macrame Journey page! It’s your ultimate guide to holiday-inspired macrame projects, featuring everything from intricate ornaments to eye-catching decor ideas.

Happy crafting and happy holidays! 🎄 Let’s make this season unforgettable, one knot at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What lengths of cord do I need for this Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament?

You’ll use a 30 cm strand for the handle, several 100 cm strands for the main rows, then shorter 80 cm, 70 cm, and 60 cm strands as you add outer cords. Finish with a 60 cm strand for the gathering knot.

Can I use cotton cord instead of metallic?

Yes. Cotton gives a softer look and is easier to work with, but metallic braided cord gives the shiny, store-bought appearance. Braided (three-ply) metallic is recommended over single-strand metallic to avoid fraying and stiffness.

Will the 5mm star bead fit two 3mm cords?

A 5mm hole is snug but should work. Tape the cord tips or use a crochet hook/weaving needle to help thread the bead through both strands.

How long does it take to make one ornament?

Plan for about 20–30 minutes once you’re comfortable with the knots. If you’re new to double half hitch knots, allow a bit more time to practice and tighten each knot neatly.

Enjoy the process — this Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament is an easy way to add handmade charm to your holiday decor and makes a thoughtful, personal gift.

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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