Tree Decoration

Description:  This unique Tree Decoration features the use of the Wrapped Knot, which is an important basic knot used in many Macrame Patterns.  This interesting wall hanging can be designed to have as many branches as you wish.  They can be placed anywhere within large ring.  A smaller ring at the top is used to hang this Macrame design on your wall.  By adding dried or artificial flowers, butterflies, or birds, you can produce your own work of art. 

The finished size of the Tree Decoration is approximately 30 inches tall, which includes the fringe at the bottom.

If you want it larger, simply use a larger ring, and cut additional cords. For rings over 20 inches, use 6mm cord for the core of the branches, and 3mm cord for the Wrapped Knots.

Below, you can click on the small images and larger ones will come up, in a new window.

Supplies Needed:

• 3mm Hemp or Jute Cord (155 yards)
• One 2-inch metal ring
• One 16-inch metal ring
• Craft Wire
• Measuring Tape

Knots Used: 

• Reverse Larks Head Knot
• Wrapped Knot
• Double Half Hitch

Preparation

Attach the 2-inch ring to the large ring with the wire.  It should be upright, and placed at the top,so it's balanced. Put it up on your wall to make sure it hangs correctly, before moving on.

Cut one piece of material, 5 yards long.  Place it around the area where the two rings are joined, and center it.  Using each end heading in opposite directions, wrap the entire LARGE ring firmly.  When you get to the bottom, tie a knot with the two ends, to hold the cord in place.  If you have material left over, use it to make some of the branches.

Cut 45 strands of material, each 2 yards long.  These cords will be used for the “core” in each of the branches for your Tree Decoration.

Cut 24 cords, each 2 yards long. Cut 4 cords, each 3 yards long. These will be used for the Wrapped Knots.

Mounting Process

Step 1:  Mount 45 of the 2-yard cords to the top of the large ring, using reverse Larks Head Knots.  They will be folded in half in the process, resulting in 90 separate strands.

Step 2:  Divide the cords into three groups, each containing 30 strands.  Make sure the cords in each group don't all come from the same area. Label the groups A, B, and C.  Bundle up groups B and C, and move them out of the way.  You will use only one group at a time as you construct your Tree Decoration.

Use another 2-yard cord to make another Wrapped knot around the bundle closest to the one you just worked on.  Stop when the knot is approximately 8 inches long. 

Repeat this process one more time, making a third branch.

Design Tip: Don't make the branches completely straight. Bend them somewhat as you make the Wrapped Knots, so they look more natural.

Step 4: Bring all three branches together and make another Wrapped Knot around all the strands, for approximately 3 inches.  Be sure to include the ends of the cords used to make the previous two Wrapped Knots.

Step 7:  Attach 2 of the cords in the bundle to the bottom of the large ring, using Double Half Hitches. Divide the remaining cords into two groups. One group should go in front of the ring, and the others behind it.

Finishing Touches

Step 11:  To make the fringe for your Tree Decoration, you can unravel each of the cords, to form a wavy design. Or you can finish them off simply by trimming the tips, so they are even.  Another option is to apply beads, followed by Barrel knots. 

Step 12:  Attach artificial or dried flowers, butterflies or other items among the branches of your Tree Decoration.  Hang it on your wall from the small ring at the top.