This macrame Christmas tree uses one knot, the square knot, so it is a good first macrame project. The Soulful Notions tutorial ties a long chain of square knots, folds it back and forth into a tree, stitches the rows together and adds two wooden beads and a tassel trunk. The finished ornament is about 7.5 inches tall and 4 inches wide. Hang it on the tree, a door knob or a gift.
How to make a macrame Christmas tree: the short version
- Cut two 15 foot cords and fold each so the inner part is 3 feet.
- Tie square knots down the 3 foot filler cords until they are covered.
- Fold the knotted strip back and forth in rows that widen toward the bottom.
- Stitch through the rows with a needle and thin string to hold the shape.
- Add a bead at the top and bottom, tie on a tassel, glue and trim.
What you need
The video uses 4 mm single strand cotton cord: two pieces at 15 feet for the tree and ten pieces at 6 inches for the tassel. You also need about 30 inches of thin string (yarn or embroidery floss works), a large eye needle, two wooden beads around 3/4 inch and 1 inch, and fabric glue. Single strand cord makes the softest, fluffiest tassel. Three-ply rope works for the knots but the tassel will look stringy.
Why the cords are folded off-center
A square knot uses up the two outer working cords much faster than the two center filler cords. So you do not fold the cords in half. Fold each 15 foot cord so the inner part is 3 feet and the outer part is 12 feet. The working cords end up four times longer than the fillers, and you run out of both at about the same time.
Square knot refresher
Hold the two center cords straight. Cross the left working cord over the fillers and under the right cord. Take the right cord under the fillers and up through the loop on the left. Pull snug. Repeat starting from the right side. That pair of half knots is one square knot. Always start from the same side and the sinnet stays flat instead of twisting.
Color and size ideas
- Sage or forest green cord for a classic tree.
- Natural cream with a red bead for farmhouse decor.
- Shorter cords make a mini ornament for gift toppers.
- Turn it into a gnome by adding a beard and a nose bead.
Common problems
- The sinnet twists. You switched which side you started from. Undo to the twist and keep starting on one side.
- Cord will not go through the bead. Wrap the ends in tape to make a point, the trick shown in the video.
- The tassel looks thin. Add a few more 6 inch cords, or untwist each strand with your fingers to fluff it out.
- The tree looks lopsided. Pull the stitching string to snug the rows, then shape it by hand before you tie off.
More macrame and ornament projects
Learn the basic knots in how to macrame, then try a macrame feather or a macrame keychain. The tassel trunk is the same method as making a tassel.
