Easy Modern Macrame Holiday Garland With Bells DIY

By Trisha Sprouse Oct 25, 2020 10:02 am EST

DIY sleigh bell garland hung under mantel decorated with wooden Christmas trees

Trisha Sprouse

Sleigh bells are most certainly ringing around here with this festive DIY holiday garland. We love how it mixes modern macrame and vintage brass elements with its fishtail braid and classic jingle bells. But don't be deterred by the word macrame — if you remember making friendship bracelets back in the day, it's kind of like that. Draped across a mantel, wrapped around a holiday tree, or strung up in a window, it's guaranteed to bring some holiday cheer to your home.

DIY jingle bell garland next to two wooden holiday trees

Trisha Sprouse

Things Needed

Cotton macrame cord, 3mm (we used olive green and off-white)
Scissors
Tape
Thread
Sleigh bells, 1 inch
Jump rings, 8mm
Needle-nose pliers

DIY jingle bell garland strung in a Christmas tree

Trisha Sprouse

Step 1

Cut four strands of cord (two of each color) to the desired length of your garland. Keep in mind that whatever length you cut will end up about two feet shorter after you braid it. For reference, we cut eight-foot strands to make a six-foot garland.

Trisha Sprouse

Step 2

Tie the four strands together into a knot, and then tape the knot to your work surface. The two strands in the middle should be the same color, and the two strands on the outside should be the same color.

Four strands of cord tied into a knot and taped down to table

Trisha Sprouse

Step 3

Cross the strand on the left over the first middle strand.

Trisha Sprouse

Step 4

Cross the strand on the right over both middle strands.

Fishtail braiding four strands of macrame cord

Trisha Sprouse

Step 5

You've just completed your first row of the braid. Pull the row taut, and continue braiding in the same manner — crossing the left strand over one middle strand, and crossing the right strand over two middle strands. Pull each row taut as you braid.

Trisha Sprouse

Step 6

You'll likely need to keep moving the tape down the length of the braid as you work, since you're working with such a long length. When you get to the end, tie the strands together into a knot.

Four strands of macrame cord braided into fishtail braid

Trisha Sprouse

Step 7

Cut the excess cord off the end of both knots, and form each end into a loop for hanging. Tie some thread around each loop to secure them. Cut off the excess thread.

Trisha Sprouse

Step 8

Open up a jump ring and thread it through the center of the braided garland. Hook a sleigh bell onto the jump ring and use needle-nose pliers to close to the ring.