Macrame Christmas Decor: 15 Boho Knotted Ideas That Look Like Pricey Boutique Finds

Macrame Christmas decor is the coziest surprise of the season, and it is made from nothing more than soft cotton cord and a few simple knots. Remember the macrame plant hangers from your grandma’s living room? They are back, and this year crafters are tying them into little trees, angels, stars and snowflakes. The look is calm, natural and a little bit boho, the kind of thing you see in pricey boutiques for 30 dollars an ornament. The truth is that one spool of cord can make a whole tree full. Most projects use only two or three basic knots, and you can learn them on the sofa in one evening with a cup of cocoa. Here are 15 ideas for your tree, your door, your table and even a craft fair booth..

Macrame Christmas Decor Starts With a Wall Hanging Tree

Macrame Christmas decor does not need a big tree at all. A knotted tree wall hanging gives a small apartment or a narrow hallway that holiday feeling in one afternoon. You hang a few long cords from a wooden dowel, tie rows of square knots that get narrower as you go, and comb out the ends into a soft fringe. Add a mini wreath and a branch of knotted ornaments beside it and the whole corner looks styled. Where in your home would a tree like this fit best..

You will need: a wooden dowel about 12 inches long, 3 mm or 4 mm cotton macrame cord, scissors, a comb, a tape measure.

How to make it: 1. Cut 12 cords about 40 inches long and attach them to the dowel with lark’s head knots. 2. Tie rows of square knots, dropping one knot on each side every row to shape a triangle. 3. Trim the bottom into a point and comb the ends into a soft fringe.

Mini Macrame Tree Ornaments

These little trees are the first thing most people learn, and they are addictive. Each one is only a handful of short cords tied onto a loop, a few rows of knots and a brushed out fringe. A wood bead on top works like a tiny star. Make them all cream for a calm Scandinavian look, or mix in sage green and soft red. Once you make one, you will want a dozen, and they take about 15 minutes each. How many could you tie during one holiday movie?

You will need: 3 mm cotton cord, small natural wood beads, scissors, a pet brush or fine comb.

How to make it: 1. Fold a 10 inch cord into a loop and thread a wood bead on top. 2. Attach 8 short cords below the bead with lark’s head knots and tie 4 rows of square knots. 3. Trim into a triangle and brush the ends into fringe.

Knotted Angel Ornaments With Wood Bead Heads

Angels are one of the most loved cord projects this year, and a beginner angel tutorial alone passed 100,000 views. A round wood bead makes the head, a few knots form the robe, and a short bundle of brushed cord becomes the wings. Leave the bead plain for a simple Nordic look or tie a thin gold thread around it like a halo. They make lovely gifts for grandma or a teacher, tucked into a small box with tissue. Who in your family would love an angel like this?

You will need: 3 mm cotton cord, 20 mm wood beads, a short piece of thin gold thread (optional), scissors, a comb.

How to make it: 1. Thread 6 folded cords through a wood bead so the loops form a hanger on top. 2. Tie a gathering knot under the bead, then a row of square knots for the robe. 3. Add a brushed cord bundle across the back as wings and trim the bottom.

Macrame Christmas Decor for the Door: A Boho Wreath on a Wood Ring

Macrame Christmas decor on the front door is a warm hello for every guest. Start with a plain wooden embroidery hoop or a craft store wood ring. Tie cords around the lower half, knot a short V shaped pattern and let the fringe hang long. Tuck a few stems of faux eucalyptus and pine into one side and you are done. It looks expensive, and it stays pretty from late November until the end of winter. Would you hang it on the door or over the sofa?

You will need: a 10 or 12 inch wood ring, 4 mm cotton cord, faux eucalyptus and pine stems, floral wire, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Attach 16 cords along the bottom half of the ring with lark’s head knots. 2. Tie two rows of alternating square knots in a V shape. 3. Wire the greenery to one side and trim the fringe long and even.

Rustic Garland With Wood Beads

This is the project that started the whole trend. One maker shared a rustic mini garland video on YouTube, and it gathered close to half a million views in its first month. Small knotted triangles with fringe hang from one long cord, with wood beads in between. Drape it on a mantel, across a bookshelf or along a staircase rail with some fresh pine. Because each triangle is so small, it is a great project for using up leftover cord. Where would you hang a garland like this?

You will need: a long piece of 4 mm cotton cord for the main line, 3 mm cord for the triangles, 20 mm wood beads, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut the main line about 6 feet long and slide on a wood bead every 6 inches. 2. Between beads, attach 6 short cords and tie 3 rows of square knots to make a triangle. 3. Trim each triangle into a point and comb out the fringe.

Knotted Star Tree Topper

Every tree needs a crown, and a cord star feels soft and handmade next to all the shiny glass. Wrap a wire star frame or a cut cardboard star with cord, then tie short fringed cords around the edge. The result is light, fluffy and unbreakable, which is a big plus if you have pets or little ones. Slide a small cardboard tube on the back so it sits safely on the top branch. It also looks sweet hanging alone in a window. Would you keep it on the tree or in the window?

You will need: a wire or sturdy cardboard star about 8 inches wide, 3 mm cotton cord, glue (hot glue with adult help), a cardboard tube, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Wrap every arm of the star tightly with cord and glue the ends. 2. Tie short cords around the edges with lark’s head knots and brush them into fringe. 3. Glue a short cardboard tube to the back so it fits on the treetop.

Macrame Christmas Decor That Looks Like Snow: Feather Snowflakes

Macrame Christmas decor gets even softer with feather style snowflakes. Short cords are knotted onto a center piece, then brushed out until they look like downy feathers and trimmed into sharp points. A light spray of fabric stiffener keeps the shape. They look beautiful on a white tree, in a window, or hung at different heights from a branch above the dining table. Every one comes out a little different, just like real snow. Which window in your home could use a flurry of these?

You will need: 3 mm single twist cotton cord, a pet brush, sharp fabric scissors, fabric stiffener spray, a paper template.

How to make it: 1. Knot 6 bundles of short cords onto a small center ring to make the arms. 2. Brush each arm out until it turns fluffy like a feather. 3. Spray lightly with stiffener and trim the arms to a snowflake template.

Plant Hanger With a Living Mini Tree

Grandma’s classic plant hanger gets a holiday makeover here. Instead of a fern, set a small potted rosemary tree or a live dwarf pine inside, then wrap it with a tiny wood bead garland. It brings real greenery to a corner where there is no floor space for a full tree. Hang it near a bright window so the little tree stays happy. After the holidays, swap in a regular houseplant and the hanger works all year. Do you have a sunny corner waiting for this?

You will need: 4 mm cotton cord, a metal or wood ring, a small terracotta pot, a live mini pine or rosemary tree, a mini wood bead garland, a ceiling hook.

How to make it: 1. Cut 8 cords about 10 feet long and fold them through the ring. 2. Tie a few square knots, then split and rejoin the cords to make a net for the pot. 3. Gather the cords with a wrap knot below the pot and add the mini tree.

Knotted Diamond Stocking

A cord stocking feels like a family heirloom from the very first year. The body is a simple diamond pattern made from alternating square knots, and a short fringed cuff sits at the top. Sew a plain cotton lining inside so small gifts do not slip through the gaps. Make one for each person and hang them from a peg rail or a row of wall hooks if you do not have a mantel. Which family member would you make one for first?

You will need: 4 mm cotton cord, a wooden dowel to work on, a stocking paper template, plain cotton fabric for the lining, needle and thread, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Tie the cords onto a dowel and knot a diamond pattern a little wider than your template. 2. Fold it in half, lay the template on top, and stitch around the shape. 3. Sew in a cotton lining and add a short fringed cuff at the top.

Macrame Christmas Decor for Gifts: Cord Bow Toppers

Macrame Christmas decor can sit right on top of your presents. Plain brown kraft paper looks like a pricey shop wrap the moment you add a knotted cord bow, a mini tassel and a sprig of fresh pine. The cord topper is part of the gift too, because it can be hung on the tree afterward. Make a batch of tassels while you watch a movie and you will have toppers for every gift under the tree. Will you match every gift or mix the colors?

You will need: plain kraft wrapping paper, 3 mm cotton cord, small pine sprigs, scissors, a comb.

How to make it: 1. Wrap the gift in kraft paper and tie it with a double strand of cord. 2. Make a mini tassel by wrapping cord around three fingers and tying the top. 3. Tie a simple bow, add the tassel, and slide a pine sprig under the knot.

Tiny Pouch Advent Calendar Hanging

Here is a countdown that you will want to keep for years. A wide wall hanging becomes the background, and small linen pouches hang from it with mini wooden clothespins. Fill each pouch with a little treat, a note or a tiny toy. Because the pouches are clipped on, you can refill and rearrange them every December. If you want numbers, stamp them onto small round wood tags. It makes the wait for Christmas feel special for the whole family. What would you tuck into the first pouch?

You will need: a wooden dowel about 24 inches long, 4 mm cotton cord, 24 small linen pouches, 24 mini wooden clothespins, small treats or notes.

How to make it: 1. Knot a wide wall hanging with a few rows of square knots and a long fringe. 2. Clip the pouches in rows onto the cords with mini clothespins. 3. Fill each pouch and open one a day starting on December 1.

Knotted Napkin Rings for the Holiday Table

Napkin rings are the quickest win on this list, and they make a simple table look dressed up for guests. A short strip of square knots wraps around a rolled linen napkin and ties at the back. Tuck in a tiny pine sprig or a dried orange slice for color. You can tie a set of eight in an hour, and they cost only a few cents each. Lay them on white plates for a calm, cozy look that works on Thanksgiving too. Who is coming to your table this year?

You will need: 3 mm cotton cord, a small wooden ring (optional), linen napkins, pine sprigs or dried orange slices, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Fold 2 cords in half and tie them onto a small ring or a pencil. 2. Tie about 8 square knots to make a short strip. 3. Wrap it around a rolled napkin, knot the ends and tuck in a pine sprig.

Macrame Christmas Decor With a Smile: The Cord Snowman

Macrame Christmas decor is not only for neutral trees. This chubby snowman brings a smile to every branch. Two round sections of tight knots make the body and head, a tiny strip of red yarn becomes the scarf, and wood beads work as buttons. Add simple dot eyes with a fine marker and a small orange bead nose. It is a sweet ornament to make with older kids, while an adult handles any glue. Which tree in your family will get one?

You will need: 3 mm white cotton cord, red yarn, small wood beads, a tiny orange bead, a fine black marker, glue (hot glue with adult help).

How to make it: 1. Tie spiral knots around a small round core for the body, then a smaller one for the head. 2. Glue the two parts together and add bead buttons and a bead nose. 3. Tie a short red yarn scarf and dot on the eyes.

Mini Tree Keychains for Stocking Stuffers

Need a small gift for coworkers, neighbors or the kids’ teachers? These tiny cord trees on key rings are cheap, quick and loved by everyone. Use green, cream and red cord so a whole pile looks bright and cheerful. Each one takes about 10 minutes, and a pack of plain key rings costs a few dollars. Tie a small kraft tag on each and drop them into stockings. They also sell well at school fairs and markets. How many people are on your small gift list?

You will need: 3 mm cotton cord in green, cream and red, plain metal key rings, small wood beads, scissors, a comb.

How to make it: 1. Fold a cord through a key ring and add a wood bead as the treetop. 2. Attach 6 short cords below and tie 3 rows of square knots. 3. Trim into a triangle and brush the ends into fringe.

Macrame Christmas Decor to Sell: Craft Fair Display Tips

Macrame Christmas decor is a smart pick for a craft fair table, because the cord is cheap and finished pieces sell for 8 to 30 dollars. Show your work at eye level on a small wooden ladder or a branch, so shoppers can see the fringe move. Group ornaments in baskets by price, add a wreath as your eye catcher, and keep plain kraft tags with clear prices. For more ideas, see our list of handmade crafts that sell fast at holiday fairs. Which piece would you make first for your booth?

You will need: a small wooden ladder rack or a branch on a stand, woven baskets, plain kraft price tags, your finished ornaments, a tablecloth.

How to make it: 1. Hang your best piece, like a wreath, at the top as an eye catcher. 2. Fill baskets with ornaments grouped by price. 3. Add clear price tags and keep extra stock under the table.