Macrame Snowflake Ornament
Christmas decorating feels much more personal when handmade pieces are mixed in with the decorations you already have. A macrame snowflake ornament is one of those simple crafts that can make a Christmas tree, mantel, gift package, or holiday display feel warm and homemade without requiring a huge list of supplies.
I enjoy projects like this because the finished snowflake looks detailed and delicate, while the actual process is manageable once the basic knots are familiar. Working with macrame cord also gives you plenty of room to experiment with the size, thickness, and shape of each snowflake.
For this project, I like using a soft cotton cord because it is easy to knot, holds its shape nicely, and can be brushed slightly at the ends for a softer finish. You can make several ornaments in an afternoon and change the design slightly for each one.
These handmade snowflakes also make thoughtful Christmas gifts, stocking fillers, package decorations, and inexpensive holiday decorations that can be kept and reused year after year.
Why Make a Macrame Snowflake Ornament?
Macrame snowflake ornaments are a great Christmas craft when you want something inexpensive, decorative, and handmade. The design looks intricate once it is finished, but it is built from simple knots and repeated sections rather than complicated techniques.
I especially like this type of project because it does not require a large workspace. A small table, a comfortable chair, your cord, scissors, and a few basic supplies are enough to get started.
Another advantage is how easy it is to personalize the ornaments. White cotton cord gives you that classic snowy look, while natural cotton creates a warmer farmhouse style. You can also experiment with cream, silver, pale blue, or another color that works with your Christmas decorations.
The finished snowflake can be used in several ways. Hang it directly on the Christmas tree, attach it to a wreath, use it as part of a holiday centerpiece, or tie one onto a wrapped gift instead of using a traditional bow.
What You Will Need
You only need a few supplies for this macrame Christmas ornament.
Cotton Macrame Cord
Cotton macrame cord is my preferred choice because it is easy to work with and gives the finished snowflake a soft handmade appearance. A cord around 3 mm to 4 mm works well for a medium sized ornament.
Thicker cord creates a chunkier snowflake, while thinner cord gives you a more delicate design. If you are making your first one, I recommend starting with medium thickness cord because the knots are easier to see and handle.
Sharp Scissors
A good pair of sharp scissors makes a noticeable difference when cutting the cord. Clean cuts are especially helpful when you are trimming the ends of the snowflake.
Measuring Tape or Ruler
Keep a measuring tool nearby so you can cut similar lengths of cord. Consistent pieces make the finished ornament more symmetrical.
Comb or Macrame Brush
A small comb can be useful if you want to separate and fluff the cotton fibers at the ends. This gives the snowflake a softer, slightly fringed appearance.
Hanging Cord
A small piece of the same macrame cord can be used to create the loop for hanging the finished ornament.
Choosing the Right Macrame Cord
The cord you choose can completely change the appearance of the finished snowflake. Before cutting all of your pieces, I recommend making a small test section with the cord you plan to use.
Soft twisted cotton cord is particularly easy to work with because the strands can be separated when you want a brushed finish. Braided cord gives a cleaner and more structured appearance, which can be useful when you want very defined snowflake points.
The size of your cord matters too. A very thin cord can make the project look delicate, but the knots may be harder to work with. A very thick cord can create a beautiful statement ornament, but the snowflake will become larger and use more material.
For a traditional Christmas tree ornament, medium weight white cotton cord is a reliable place to start.
Preparing Your Cord
Before beginning the knots, take a few minutes to prepare your cord. This small step makes the rest of the project much easier.
Measure and cut your pieces carefully rather than cutting everything quickly. The exact amount will depend on the size and pattern you choose, but keeping your pieces consistent helps the snowflake develop evenly.
I also recommend keeping the cord organized as you work. Macrame can become frustrating when several strands twist together or get mixed up, especially when you are working on a smaller decorative design.
If your cord has a strong twist, gently straighten each piece before starting. You want the strands to lie naturally instead of fighting against the direction of the knots.
The Basic Knots Used
You do not need to know every macrame technique to make a snowflake ornament. Most simple snowflake designs can be created by repeating a small number of basic knots.
Square Knot
The square knot is one of the most useful macrame knots to learn. It creates a neat, symmetrical section and is commonly used in decorative macrame projects.
Practice a few square knots on scrap cord before beginning the ornament. The goal is to keep the tension reasonably consistent rather than pulling every knot as tightly as possible.
Gathering Knot
A gathering knot can be used to bring several strands together and create a clean central or connecting section.
When making a small ornament, keeping this area neat is important because the center of the snowflake is where several strands meet.
Lark’s Head Knot
The lark’s head knot is another useful knot for attaching cord to a central piece. It is simple to make and gives you a secure starting point for building the snowflake shape.
How to Make the Macrame Snowflake
Once your cord is measured and your basic knots are familiar, you can begin creating the ornament.
Start by creating the center of the snowflake. Keep this section compact and check that the strands are evenly distributed around it. This center point determines how balanced the rest of the ornament will look.
Work outward from the center, creating repeated knotted sections that form the arms of the snowflake. As you build each section, pay attention to the spacing between the strands.
I find it helpful to complete one section and use it as a visual guide for the next. Rather than trying to remember every measurement, compare the new section with the one already finished.
Continue building the arms until the snowflake has the number of points you want. Six points usually gives the ornament a recognizable traditional snowflake shape, but you can experiment with different patterns and proportions.
Keep checking the ornament from a short distance as you work. A knot can look perfectly positioned when you are focused closely on it but appear uneven once you step back.
Keeping the Snowflake Symmetrical
Symmetry makes a huge difference with this particular craft. You do not need every knot to be mathematically perfect, but the main arms should look reasonably balanced.
One of the easiest ways to maintain symmetry is to work around the snowflake rather than finishing one entire side before moving to the next. Complete one section, move to the opposite side, and continue alternating around the ornament.
Keep your knot tension consistent too. Pulling one section much tighter than another can cause the snowflake to bend or create uneven points.
If one arm looks slightly different, do not immediately undo the entire project. Small adjustments to the cord and knot placement can often straighten the design before you need to start over.
Adding the Hanging Loop
Once the main snowflake is complete, add a small loop at the top for hanging.
I prefer keeping the loop relatively simple so it does not distract from the snowflake itself. A small loop made from matching cotton cord blends naturally into the design.
Before trimming anything, hold the ornament by the loop and let it hang. This gives you a good opportunity to see whether the snowflake sits straight.
If it tilts noticeably, adjust the position of the loop before securing it permanently.
Shaping the Snowflake
Once the knots are finished, take a moment to shape the snowflake before trimming the ends. This is one of the easiest ways to improve the finished ornament.
Lay the snowflake flat on your work surface and gently separate the arms. Look at the spaces between each section and make small adjustments where needed.
I like doing this before cutting any excess cord because the longer strands give me more room to move the knots into position. If one point looks shorter or one section is sitting at an angle, gently loosen and reposition it rather than immediately cutting the cord.
Do not pull aggressively on the finished snowflake. Cotton cord can stretch slightly, and too much pressure can change the shape you worked to create.
The goal is a balanced snowflake with evenly spaced points and a center that sits naturally in the middle.
Trimming the Ends
After you are happy with the shape, you can trim the extra cord.
Sharp scissors are especially helpful here because you want clean, controlled cuts. Trim a little at a time rather than removing a large amount of cord immediately.
For a neat modern snowflake, trim the ends fairly short and keep them even. For a softer farmhouse or rustic look, leave a little extra length and brush the cotton strands apart.
I usually prefer trimming gradually because it is much easier to remove more cord than it is to put it back. Hold the ornament up occasionally while trimming so you can see how the finished shape looks from different angles.
Creating a Soft Fringed Finish
Brushing the ends is an easy way to give a macrame snowflake more texture.
Use a small comb or macrame brush and gently separate the cotton fibers. Start at the very ends and work slowly toward the knot.
There is no need to brush the cord aggressively. A few gentle passes are usually enough to loosen the fibers and create a soft fringe.
Once the fibers are separated, trim them into the shape you want. You can create pointed ends to emphasize the snowflake design or leave them slightly rounded for a softer appearance.
If you want a cleaner and more traditional Christmas ornament, you can skip the brushing completely. The knotted cord looks beautiful on its own.
How to Make a Larger Snowflake
The easiest way to make a larger ornament is to increase the amount of cord used rather than dramatically changing the knot pattern.
Use longer strands and allow the arms to extend farther from the center. You can also use thicker cord, which creates a larger visual presence without requiring a complicated pattern.
A larger macrame snowflake works particularly well as a wall decoration, wreath accent, mantel decoration, or centerpiece detail.
Before making several large snowflakes, make one test ornament. This gives you an idea of how much cord you need and lets you adjust the proportions before using more material.
How to Make a Smaller Snowflake
For a smaller Christmas tree ornament, use thinner cord and shorter strands.
Small snowflakes are particularly useful when you want to decorate several areas of your home without making every ornament identical.
They also work beautifully as gift decorations. Instead of throwing away a traditional ribbon bow, you can attach a small handmade snowflake to a wrapped present and let the recipient keep it as part of their Christmas decorations.
When working at a smaller scale, take your time with the knots. Tiny sections can become difficult to adjust once several knots have been added.
Choosing Different Colors
White is the classic choice for a snowflake, but you do not have to stay with traditional white cord.
Cream or ivory creates a warm neutral appearance that works nicely with natural Christmas decorations. Beige and tan cord can give the ornament a rustic look, while pale blue can make the snowflake feel more winter inspired.
You can also combine two colors. For example, a white center with a soft silver or pale blue detail can create a subtle contrast without making the ornament look overly busy.
When choosing colors, think about the decorations already in your home. A handmade ornament usually looks best when the color complements the rest of the display.
Adding Beads to Your Snowflake
Small wooden or wooden style beads can add another layer of texture to a macrame snowflake.
If you decide to use beads, keep the design simple. One or two strategically placed beads can be enough to make the ornament feel different without hiding the knotwork.
Wooden beads work particularly well with natural cotton cord and create a farmhouse or Scandinavian inspired appearance.
If you are making ornaments for a Christmas tree, make sure any beads are attached securely and that the finished ornament remains balanced when hanging.
Making Every Snowflake Slightly Different
One thing I like about handmade Christmas decorations is that they do not need to look factory perfect.
When making several snowflakes, use the same basic construction but change small details. One can have a longer fringe, another can have shorter points, and another can use a different color or bead.
This gives your Christmas tree a collected handmade look rather than making every ornament appear exactly the same.
You can also experiment with the number of knots in each section. Small changes in spacing can create noticeably different patterns while still keeping the recognizable snowflake shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cutting the Cord Too Short
This is one of the easiest mistakes to make when starting a macrame project.
It is tempting to measure the exact finished length you want, but knots use more cord than you might expect. Give yourself enough extra length for the knots, shaping, and trimming.
It is better to have a little extra cord to cut away than to discover that a strand is too short halfway through the project.
Pulling the Knots Too Tightly
Tight knots can make the snowflake stiff and difficult to shape.
Use consistent tension instead. The knots should be secure, but you should still be able to position the sections as you build the design.
If the snowflake begins curling or pulling toward the center, check your tension before continuing.
Uneven Cord Lengths
Uneven strands can make one side of the ornament look different from the other.
Take your time when measuring and cutting the cord. If you plan to make several ornaments, create a simple cardboard measuring guide so you can quickly cut pieces to a consistent length.
Trimming Too Early
Do not trim the loose ends until you are satisfied with the overall shape.
Leaving the extra cord attached gives you room to make adjustments. Once it has been cut short, correcting an uneven section becomes much more difficult.
Overcomplicating the Design
A snowflake already has a naturally beautiful shape, so it does not need a huge number of decorative elements.
Too many beads, colors, or complicated knots can make the pattern difficult to see. If you are unsure, start with a simple design and add details gradually.
How to Fix an Uneven Snowflake
If your finished snowflake does not look perfectly even, do not assume you need to start over.
Place it flat and identify which section is creating the imbalance. Sometimes a strand has simply shifted position or one knot has been pulled tighter than the others.
Gently loosen the affected section and reposition the cord. You can also adjust the length of the fringe during the trimming stage to visually balance small differences.
For larger differences, carefully undoing the last few knots is usually easier than taking apart the entire ornament.
Macrame is quite forgiving once you become comfortable working with the knots.
Making a Matching Set
A set of handmade snowflakes can make a Christmas tree feel much more cohesive.
Rather than trying to make every ornament completely identical, choose a consistent cord color and general size. Then allow small differences in the knotting and fringe.
For example, you could make three small snowflakes for the tree, two medium ones for a mantel, and one larger snowflake for a wreath.
This approach lets you create a complete Christmas decoration collection from the same basic craft.
Using Macrame Snowflakes Beyond the Christmas Tree
These ornaments are not limited to tree decorating.
Hang several snowflakes from a branch placed in a vase for a simple winter display. Attach them to a Christmas wreath, use them as napkin decorations for a holiday table, or place one beside a candle arrangement as part of a seasonal centerpiece.
They can also be attached to gift packages. I particularly like this idea because the decoration becomes part of the gift instead of something that gets thrown away after Christmas morning.
Another option is to hang several snowflakes at different heights near a window. The natural movement of the cord creates a simple winter display without requiring much additional decoration.
Turning It Into a Handmade Gift
A handmade macrame snowflake makes a thoughtful small Christmas gift because it is useful, decorative, and easy to personalize.
Make a few in the recipient’s preferred colors or create a neutral set that works with different decorating styles.
You can package several together in a small gift box or tie one to another present. If you are giving the ornament as part of a larger handmade gift, adding a simple handwritten note about how you made it gives the present an even more personal touch.
The small amount of material required also makes this a practical craft when you want to make multiple gifts without spending a lot on supplies.
Macrame Snowflake Decorating Ideas
Once you have made a few snowflakes, it is fun to look beyond the Christmas tree. The simple white cotton design works with many different decorating styles, so you can use the ornaments throughout your home.
Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree is the most obvious place to use your finished snowflakes. Hang them between larger ornaments to fill small spaces and add texture.
I like mixing handmade macrame decorations with traditional Christmas ornaments because the different textures keep the tree from looking too uniform.
Christmas Wreath
Attach one or several snowflakes to a greenery wreath for an easy handmade detail. White cotton looks especially pretty against green foliage.
You can position a larger snowflake in the center or use several smaller ones around the wreath.
Mantel Display
Place several snowflakes along a Christmas mantel with greenery, candles, pinecones, or other seasonal decorations.
Different sizes can create a more natural arrangement. Keep the larger pieces toward the center and use smaller snowflakes around them.
Gift Wrapping
A macrame snowflake can replace a traditional decorative bow on a Christmas package.
Tie the snowflake directly onto the ribbon or secure it with a small piece of matching cord. The recipient can then remove it and use it as a Christmas ornament.
Table Setting
Small snowflakes can also become part of a Christmas table setting. Place one beside each napkin or use them as small decorative accents around a centerpiece.
For a more coordinated look, make all of the table snowflakes the same size and use the same cord throughout.
How to Keep Macrame Snowflakes Looking Their Best
Cotton macrame cord can collect dust over time, especially when ornaments are stored for several months.
When the Christmas season is over, gently shake the snowflakes outdoors or use a soft brush to remove loose dust. Avoid soaking the finished ornaments unless the specific cord you used is suitable for washing.
If the fringe becomes flattened while the decorations are stored, gently separate the fibers with your fingers or a small comb before hanging them again.
Keeping the ornaments protected between seasons will also help prevent the cord from becoming tangled or misshapen.
How to Store Handmade Snowflake Ornaments
Proper storage is simple but worth doing.
I recommend keeping handmade macrame ornaments in a clean storage container rather than placing them loose in a box with heavier Christmas decorations.
Lay the snowflakes flat and avoid placing heavy objects directly on top of them. If you have several ornaments with long fringes, separate the layers with tissue paper so the cords do not become tangled.
Before packing everything away, make sure the ornaments are completely dry and free from moisture.
A little care during storage means the snowflakes should be ready to hang again when the next Christmas season arrives.
Tips for Making Macrame Snowflakes With Kids
This can be a fun Christmas craft for older children who are comfortable working with cord and simple knots.
For younger children, an adult can prepare and cut the cord while the child helps with the easier knotting and decorating steps.
Keep the project simple and focus on creating rather than achieving perfect symmetry. Handmade decorations often look more special when they show the person who made them.
Adult supervision is important when children are using sharp scissors or small decorative pieces such as beads.
How Long Does It Take to Make a Macrame Snowflake?
The time depends on the size and complexity of your design.
A simple small snowflake can usually be completed fairly quickly once you are comfortable with the knots. A larger design with more sections, fringe, or decorative details naturally takes longer.
The first ornament may take more time because you are learning the pattern. After making one, the next few tend to move much faster because the knot sequence becomes familiar.
If you are planning to make several for Christmas, I recommend completing one ornament from beginning to end before cutting cord for the rest. That first project gives you a useful reference for sizing and material requirements.
Can I Use Different Types of Cord?
Yes. Cotton is a popular choice, but different macrame cords can create different finishes.
Twisted cotton gives you the option of brushing the ends into fringe. Braided cord provides a smoother appearance and tends to keep a more structured shape.
You can also experiment with different thicknesses. Just remember that changing the cord size may change the amount of material you need and the overall size of the finished ornament.
Can I Make a Macrame Snowflake Without a Macrame Board?
Yes. A macrame board can make some projects easier, but you do not necessarily need one for a simple snowflake ornament.
A flat, stable work surface can be enough. You can use clips or another simple method to keep sections in place while you work.
The important thing is having a comfortable workspace where the cord can remain organized.
Why Does My Snowflake Keep Curling?
Curling usually happens when the tension is uneven or the knots are being pulled too tightly.
Lay the snowflake flat and gently loosen the affected sections. Check whether one arm has tighter knots than the others.
You can also try working with a little less tension as you continue. The finished design should be secure but still have enough flexibility to be shaped.
Why Does My Snowflake Look Uneven?
Small differences are normal with handmade macrame, but significant unevenness can usually be traced to cord length, knot placement, or tension.
Compare each section as you work rather than waiting until the entire ornament is finished.
If the structure is already complete, trimming the fringe evenly can sometimes correct the appearance of minor differences.
Can I Make These Snowflakes Ahead of Christmas?
Absolutely. These ornaments are well suited to making ahead because they do not require a long curing or drying process.
You can make several weeks before Christmas and store them in a dry container until you are ready to decorate.
Making them ahead also gives you time to create matching sets for different areas of your home or make a few extra ornaments to use as gifts.
Final Thoughts
A macrame snowflake ornament is a simple way to bring handmade texture into Christmas decorating. The basic design gives you plenty of room to experiment with cord thickness, colors, fringe, beads, and different sizes without needing an advanced macrame skill set.
What I enjoy most about this project is how easily one simple pattern can turn into an entire collection of decorations. You can make small snowflakes for the Christmas tree, larger versions for a wreath or mantel, and personalized pieces to attach to gifts.
Do not worry about making every knot absolutely perfect. Once the snowflake is finished and hanging with the rest of your Christmas decorations, those small handmade details are part of what gives it character.
With a little practice, you can create a collection of macrame snowflakes that you bring out every Christmas and continue adding to whenever you want a new handmade decoration.
