DIY Delight: The Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament

Published on 13 November 2025 at 21:48

Welcome back to Knotty Creations and the second ornament in our beginner series!

If you aced the Mini Wreath, you’re ready for this Macrame Christmas Tree Ornament. It’s still quick, incredibly simple, and uses the essential Square Knot to create its beautiful texture and shape.

 

ITEMS NEEDED

Item Specification Notes
Macrame Cord 3mm or 4mm single-strand or 3-ply cotton cord (Green or Natural) You will need one color for the body and a small piece for the hanger.
Hanging Cord Small piece of twine or thin string For creating the top loop.
Wooden Bead One small bead with a large hole Optional, to top the tree.
Tools Sharp scissors, measuring tape, clipboard or T-pins/Macrame Board You need a way to secure your work at the top.

This ornament is entirely made from a chain of Square Knots. The knot is made with four cords: two central filler cords (which stay straight) and two outer working cords (which do the knotting). For further reference to the square knot, check out my earlier blog post : https://www.knotty-creations.com/blog/2109581_master-the-basics-10-essential-macrame-knots-for-beginners-step-by-step-guide-square-knot

 

A full Square Knot is made in two parts:

  1. The Left Half: Form a '4' shape with the left working cord over the two filler cords and under the right working cord. Bring the right working cord under the two fillers and up through the '4' loop on the left. Pull tight.

  2. The Right Half: Form a reverse '4' shape with the right working cord over the two filler cords and under the left working cord. Bring the left working cord under the two fillers and up through the loop on the right. Pull tight.

Remember: Always alternate sides to form a straight, flat Square Knot.

 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

 

 

1. Cut and Set Up Your Cords

 

  • Working Cords (the "Knotters"): Cut two pieces of cord, about 100 inches (250 cm) each.

  • Filler Cords (the "Core"): Cut two pieces of cord, about 15 inches (38 cm) each.

  1. Gather your four cords.

  2. Align the two short filler cords in the very center.

  3. Secure the top of all four cords to your clipboard or macrame board using tape or T-pins.

 

2. Knot the Chain

 

The goal here is to create a long, flat chain of Square Knots. You will use the two long cords as your working cords and the two short cords as your filler cords.

  1. First Knot: Tie one complete Square Knot (Left Half + Right Half). Push it tight up to the top.

  2. Continue: Repeat the Square Knot process until your chain is about 12 to 14 inches long. This chain will form the body of your tree.

 

3. Shape the Tree

 

  1. Carefully unpin the top of your macrame chain.

  2. Lay the chain down. Starting from the bottom, fold the chain back and forth, beginning with a wide base and gradually decreasing the width with each fold. You are essentially creating a stacked triangle shape.

  3. Use a piece of thin craft wire or a needle and thread to stitch the folds together neatly on the back side. You can also use a dot of fabric glue at each turning point to hold the shape firmly.

 

4. Add the Finishing Touches

 

  1. The Trunk: At the very bottom, leave a small section of the chain hanging straight down to act as the trunk. You can trim the hanging ends below this section short and fray them out.

  2. The Topper: Thread a small wooden bead onto the two core (filler) cords at the very top of your chain.

  3. The Hanger: Tie your 6-inch hanging cord to the top loop, just above the wooden bead, with an overhand knot.

  4. Trim: Snip off the two short filler cords right under the bead and hide the ends. Give the bottom of your tree a final trim to ensure a clean, pointed base.

Your adorable, textured macrame Christmas tree is ready to hang! It looks great in any color and is the perfect way to practice your Square Knots.

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