How to Make Macrame Candy Cane Ornaments
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In the second in my series of handmade, macrame ornaments, we have the Christmas classic - Candy Canes! Christmas DIY’s really get me in the spirit. I pop on Elf or play some carols and at the end I get to hang my ornament on the tree. It truly is the perfect afternoon craft project. This DIY is definitely kid friendly and the end result is cat safe (i.e. they can’t break it). I also did a Macrame Monstera Leaf Ornament DIY if you want to make a whole batch.
I already had all the supplies so this DIY cost a whopping $0 and probably took 30 minutes to make the two. I think it would be so cute to make a whole set of these for the tree or some garland as they are so simple and classy. I think if I made more I would mix up my strip thicknesses and maybe do a white cane with green and red stripes. The candy canes are about 6.5 inches from bottom of tassel to top of cane and the loop is around 2 inches but you could make them any size you wanted. Just use less wire as you don’t want that sticking out the bottom and poking you!
If you want to make this super fun, put a couple drops of peppermint essential oil on these to really bring in the Christmas. You could even hang it in your car for a Holiday-themed air freshener.
Tips & Tricks
When choosing your yarn try to go with one that isn’t super fuzzy. Mine was worsted weight and worked perfectly. When it is too fuzzy it starts to shed and makes the overall look more messy,
You can use any size macrame underneath the yarn since it is being covered. 1mm is too small as it can’t be brushed out but otherwise just cut as any many pieces as you need to make it the thickness you want.
To brush out the macrame I use a pet metal brush. The metal really grabs the fibers and separates them. You can use your fingers, a hair brush or a comb though.
If you are worried about your loop pulling out, then spread a little glue on it as you wrap it up. This will help hold it in place.
Supplies
Cut Macrame
Cut an 8 inch piece of wire and five 12 inch pieces of macrame. I originally tried four and decided I needed the cane to be thicker. Bend the wire into a rough candy cane shape.
Attach Macrame
Place your macrame around the wire. I used basic Scotch Tape to hold it in place for the time being.
Loop Yarn
Create a giant loop in your yarn that is longer than the length of the candy cane by at least 1–2 inches. Leave your yarn connected to the roll.
Wrap Macrame
Pinch the top of the loop and place it at the end of the cane. Leave at least an inch of macrame showing. Begin wrapping your yarn tightly, leaving the end of the yarn sticking out. Make sure that the loop is being wrapped under your yarn.
Attach String
Wrap your yarn 2/3 of the way up the cane. Cut a 6 inch piece of string/yarn, this will be the loop for your ornament. Place it against the macrame and continue wrapping your yarn over it for about 1–1.5 inch.
Wrap Yarn
Now leave the string out and wrap the yarn two more times.
Finish String
Bring the string back down, leaving a loop of a couple inches, and continue wrapping the yarn over it tightly.
Finish Yarn
Continue wrapping your yarn till you get to the end of the cane, leaving at least 1inch of macrame at the end. Cut your yarn from the roll and stick the end through the loop we made at the beginning. It should be sticking out..
Tighten
Pull the end of the yarn that you left sticking out at the beginning. This will scoop your other end and the loop under your wrapped yarn. Leaving nice, clean lines and no visible knots.
Trim
Trim the end you just pulled.
Attach Stripes
Thread your needle with your secondary color and loop it under your yarn.
Knot
Use your needle to tie a knot under the yarn so it can be hidden.
Wrap Stripes
Wrap your stripe to the end of the candy cane. Try to make them evenly spaced.
Knot Stripe
Use your needle to again create a knot under the surface of your yarn. Trim any excess yarn from your stripe that may be sticking out.
Trim
Brush out your macrame using a comb, your fingers or a brush. Then trim the ends to your desired length.
Anyone craving actual candy canes? I always feel like they get sold in a massive bulk but sometimes you just want one of something and then you are good until next Christmas. Either way, I think I am gonna get some of that essential oil and give my candy canes a little extra flair and throw one on my car rear view mirror. I have more macrame ornament DIYs coming out over the next couple weeks so keep an eye out or subscribe to my newsletter! Hope you like this one and let me know how yours turns out in the comments.