Simple Macrame Tree

by Julie Ann

1 Material

$15

1 Hour

Easy

All you need to make a simple macrame Christmas tree is a large wooden bead and 2 yards of macrame cord. There is only one macrame knot that you need to know. It is a square knot. You can find directions on how to make it here. I used seven macrame square knots to make my tree. You can use more or less, depending on how big you want your tree. These macrame trees can be used to decorate a tiered tray or added in a vignette on shelf or table. You can even make several and string them together to form a garland.

Depending on the color of cording you use, these trees are great for both fall and Christmas decor. Macrame cord comes in every color from orange, yellow and brown to green, red, and white.

There are simple versions of this macrame tree that use a slip knot instead of a square knot. I just happen to prefer the square knot. It is very easy to learn. In my opinion, it adds a little more dimension to the tree.

I cut 2 cord 24-inches long. One is for the center of the macrame tree and the other is for the knots going down the middle. Fold one of the cords in half. Feed the center point of the cord through the middle of a wooden bead. Tie a simple knot to keep the bead at the top of the folded cord.

Wrap the second cord around the base of the bead from front to back, like you were putting it on like a shawl or blanket. Make your first square knot and tighten it so that it is snug up against the bead. Continue making the other six square knots to form the trunk of your macrame tree.

Once you have all seven square knots done, measure down about two inches and cut off the remaining cord. You should have four pieces of cord. Cut these four pieces into sections that are about 3- to 4-inches in length.

When you spread the macrame tree knots apart, you will notice small gaps between the cords that make up the macrame knots. The extra cord pieces need to go from one side of the macrame tree to the other through these knots.

Pull the cord pieces through using a crochet hook. There should be one piece of the macrame cord going through the gaps in the knots with about two to three inches hanging off both sides.

If you want to make your macrame tree thicker, you can add more than one cord through each hole. I prefer not to do that because I think it makes the tree look too fluffy. I prefer a tree that is more flat.

Once you have added the cross-cords, you can brush them out with a stiff brush. This gives the macrame tree more dimension. After you have the cords brushed out to the desired look. trim off the excess strands starting at the tip of the tree and going outward to the base. You want the tree to be pointed at the top and have a wide base at the bottom. Once your tree is trimmed, you can actually decorate it with small beads or pieces of jewelry if you want.