Are you tired of the same old store-bought holiday decorations? Why not add a personal touch to your Christmas tree this year by making your macrame ornaments?
Macrame ornaments offer a unique, rustic style to any handmade project. Whether you’re looking for wall hangings, plant holders, knick-knacks, or even Christmas decorations – macrame can be used to craft it all! Since macramé originated in 13th century Arabia, this technique is strongly associated with bohemian and retro decor styles, making it perfect for adding a modern yet vintage touch to your home.
If you’re interested in getting creative with macramé but don’t know where to start – check out our tutorial on how to make macrame ornaments! We’ll show you everything from choosing the best supplies and cords up through creating custom designs that will take your crafts to the next level.
What Will You Need?
Here are the basic supplies you’ll need to get started:
- Macrame cord
- Scissors
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Wooden beads (optional)
- Glue (optional)
Once you have these items, you can start creating your own macrame ornaments!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Macrame Ornaments
Step 1: Choose Your Cord
The first thing you need to do is decide on your macrame cord. The thickness of the cord you choose will determine how intricate or chunky your ornament will be. Remember that thicker cords are easier to work with and create a more rustic look, while thinner cords allow for finer detailing.
Step 2: Measure and Cut Your Cord
Measure out the desired length of cord for your ornament. A good rule of thumb is to cut four times as much cord as you want the finished ornament to be. This allows for enough extra cord to work with while creating your design.
Step 3: Start Weaving
Start weaving your cord in a pattern of your choice. The basic square knot or spiral knot a great starting point for beginners. To make a square knot, take four cords and make a ‘4’ shape over the two middle cords and under the right one. Then, pull the right cord over the middle cords and through the loop on the left. Pull tight, and you’ve got your first square knot! Repeat these steps, alternating sides each time until you’ve reached your desired length.
Step 4: Add Decorative Elements
This step is optional, but adding wooden beads or other decorative elements can elevate your macrame ornament. To add a bead, thread it onto the cords and incorporate it into your design.
You can place the beads anywhere, but they usually look best when part of a knot or at the end of a fringe. This is your opportunity to get creative and make your ornament unique. Once you’re happy with the placement of your beads, secure them in place with a knot or a dab of glue, if necessary.
Step 5: Finish Your Design
Once you’re happy with the length and design of your ornament, it’s time to finish it. To do this, you must secure your knots so they don’t unravel. One of the most common ways to do this is by using a gathering knot. Here’s how to make one: Take an extra cord, create a loop at one end leaving a tail, then wrap the rest of the cord tightly around your ornament’s cords just below your last knot.
When you’ve wrapped it to your liking, thread the end through the loop you made at the beginning, then pull the tail until the loop is hidden under the wraps. Cut off any excess cord from the gathering knot, and your macrame ornament is almost ready!
Step 6: Trim the Excess Cord
After securing your knots, you’ll likely have some excess cord remaining. This can be trimmed to your desired length. If you aim for a tassel or fringe effect, leave a bit more cord and unravel the individual strands to create a fluffy end. Trick the cords close to your gathering knot if you want a cleaner look. Remember always to cut your cord at an angle to prevent it from fraying.
Step 7: Add a Hanger
To hang your macrame ornament, you’ll need a hanger. You can use an extra cord, a ribbon, or a metal ring – whatever suits your style best. If you’re using a cord or ribbon, simply fold it into a loop, then tie a knot at the end. Thread it through the top of your ornament, ensuring the knot is on the underside and cannot slip through the hole.
If you’re using a metal ring, you can thread it through the top knot of your ornament. Once your hanger is securely attached, your macrame ornament is ready to be displayed.
Step 8: Display Your Ornaments
Now that you have completed your macrame ornament, all that’s left to do is to find the perfect spot to display it. They can be hung on your Christmas tree, draped over a mantelpiece, or used as a stylish wall hanging to add a bohemian touch to any room. You can even attach them to gift packages as a special touch. Remember that macrame ornaments are not just for the holiday season – these versatile decorations can be used year-round to add a unique touch to your home decor.
Step 9: Care for Your Macrame Ornaments
Proper care ensures your macrame ornaments remain in good condition and last long. Dust them regularly to maintain their appearance. When they need a deeper clean, gently hand wash using a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry. Make sure to straighten the cords and the knots while the ornament is still damp to keep its shape intact. With these simple maintenance steps, your macrame ornaments will stay beautiful and vibrant.
Step 10: Experiment with Different Designs
Once you’ve mastered the basics, don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment with different designs for your macrame ornaments. Try varying the types of knots you use, incorporating different materials like multi-colored cords or metallic beads, or even using different shaped bases like hoops or squares. The possibilities are endless, and each unique design adds a personal touch to your home decor.
Making macrame ornaments is not just about following steps but also an avenue for expressing your creativity and style. Enjoy the process and see where your imagination takes you!By following these steps, you can easily create beautiful macrame ornaments to decorate your home or give as thoughtful and handmade gifts.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Practice Knots: Before starting on your macrame ornaments, practice your knotting techniques. The more comfortable you become with the basic knots, the easier it will be to create complex designs.
- Use Quality Materials: Investing in high-quality materials can significantly affect the final outcome. The type of cord or thread you use will affect your macrame ornaments’ appearance and durability.
- Patience is Key: Macrame requires patience, especially when starting. Don’t be discouraged if your initial attempts don’t turn out as you’ve envisioned. With practice, you’ll get better.
- Use a Macrame Board: A macrame board can be a great tool to help keep your cords organized and your work in place. It can also help you maintain the right tension as you work.
- Experiment with Colors: Don’t be afraid to play with colors. While traditional macrame is usually done in natural or earthy tones, experimenting with vibrant hues can add a pop of color to your ornaments and make them truly unique.
With these additional tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to creating beautiful macrame ornaments in no time!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Ignoring the Rope Quality: When making macrame ornaments, the rope quality matters a lot. You could end up with a poor result if you use substandard materials. Always ensure you use high-quality rope.
- Rushing the Process: Macrame is a craft that requires patience. If you rush the knotting process, you risk creating uneven knots or potentially damaging the rope.
- Neglecting the Importance of Measurements: Measuring your rope lengths accurately before you start is essential. It is too short, and you might not be able to complete your design. Too long, and you waste materials.
- Not Practicing Enough: Every macrame knot has its unique technique. Don’t dive into creating an ornament without adequate practice of the knots you plan to use.
- Overcomplicating Designs: When starting out, it’s better to stick to simple designs. Trying to execute complex patterns too early may lead to frustration and imperfect results.
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you create beautiful macrame ornaments with ease and confidence. Remember to have fun and experiment as you explore this unique craft!
5 Different Design Ideas
- Macrame Snowflakes: Create delicate and intricate snowflake designs using simple macrame knots. These ornaments will add a touch of winter wonderland to your holiday decor.
- Boho Tassels: For a bohemian-inspired look, try making tassel ornaments using different colored cords and adding wooden beads for an extra touch.
- Macrame Stars: Use thicker cords to create chunky and rustic macrame stars that can be displayed on your Christmas tree or hung on a wall as a stylish decoration.
- Hanging Terrariums: Combine the art of macrame with greenery by creating mini hanging terrariums using glass jars, twine, and small succulents. These make for unique and eye-catching ornaments for any room in your home.
- Macrame Hoop Ornaments: Use embroidery hoops as a base to create macrame hoop ornaments in various sizes and designs. These make great decorations for any occasion, not just during the holidays.
With these design ideas, you can add a personal touch to your home decor by creating unique and handmade macrame ornaments.
Which Macrame is Best?
The best type of macrame for making ornaments is micro or mini macrame. These types of macrame use thinner cords, allowing for more delicate and intricate designs. They are also perfect for small projects like ornaments and can be easier to work with compared to larger pieces.
Another thing to consider is the type of material used for macrame. Traditional macrame uses natural fibers like cotton, linen, or jute. However, synthetic materials like nylon or polyester can also be used for a more durable and long-lasting ornament. Experiment with different types of macrame and find what works best for you and your designs!
Ultimately, the best type of macrame will depend on your personal preference and skill level.
Is Macrame a Good Business?
Yes, macrame can be profitable if you have the skills and creativity to create unique and high-quality products. The demand for handmade and eco-friendly home decor has been increasing in recent years, making macrame a trendy choice for many customers.
To start your own macrame business, consider creating an online presence through social media platforms or starting an Etsy shop. You can also participate in local craft fairs and markets to showcase and sell your creations. With dedication and hard work, you can turn your love for macrame into a successful business venture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to make macrame ornaments can be an enjoyable and rewarding activity. With the right supplies, guidance, and creativity, you too can make beautiful pieces to hang in this year’s holiday season. You can use as many colors as you like, as well as advanced knotting techniques to make something special for your home or a gift for someone else.
Spend some time creating these adorable pieces of art and share your work with the world – either at craft fairs or on social media sites such as Instagram. You may even find that this handcrafted ornament is more meaningful than anything you could have bought from the store. So don’t be afraid to get started today! Gather up some yarn and create a unique piece of art that will bring everyone’s attention to it.
Whether you choose one decorative shape or all of them, make sure it’s something that reflects your personality, interests, or style. Have fun creating festive macrame-inspired decorations and show off your individual flair this holiday season!
