I want to bring back the magic of handmade Christmas ornaments… the kind that carry a story, a pair of tiny hands, and a moment I never want to forget.
Looking for a simple, cute Christmas ornament you can make with your kids? This simple DIY yarn Christmas tree ornament is a perfect project to start with.
This year, I am bringing back the magic of homemade Christmas ornaments. I actually started regretting all the plastic, store-bought ornaments I’ve collected over the years. They look pretty, sure—but they don’t hold any memories. No stories. No fingerprints. No tradition.
So I’m slowly replacing them, one handmade ornament at a time.
This season alone, my kid and I have already made air-dry clay Christmas tree ornaments, stitched a cute Christmas tree throw pillow, and today, we added another treasure to our growing handmade collection: a simple, adorable yarn Christmas tree ornament.
And honestly, this one might be my favorite because it's easy that even my boy can do it by himself.
Years from now, I might not remember the gifts I bought or the sales I hunted down… but I will remember this. Sitting at the table together, crafting a little bit of Christmas magic by hand.
If you're also craving simplicity, connection, and meaningful traditions, try this little yarn Christmas tree ornament.
Why I Love This Handmade Ornament
- It’s incredibly simple — perfect for crafting with kids
- Budget-friendly — uses scraps you probably already have
- Looks beautifully rustic — ideal for a homesteading or handmade Christmas aesthetic
- Creates a memory — every ornament is a little story you hang on the tree
And hey, if you’re also feeling the pull to swap out store-bought for homemade… this is a wonderful place to begin.
What You’ll Need
You only need a handful of materials—most of them you probably already have in your craft bin.
- Yarn (any color or texture; green is classic but anything works)
- Cardboard (for the tree-shaped base)
- Scissors
- White glue
- Cling wrap
- Optional to adorn the tree: battery-operated fairy lights, star stickers, tiny buttons, faux pearls
How to Make a Yarn Christmas Tree Ornament
1. Create Your Cone Base
Roll a piece of cardboard into a cone shape. Adjust it until you get the size you want, then trim the bottom so the cone can stand flat on the table. This will serve as the form for your yarn tree.
2. Cover the Cone With Cling Wrap
Wrap the entire cone in cling wrap (plastic wrap). This makes it so much easier to slide your finished yarn tree off the form later without tearing or bending it.
3. Paint the Cone With Glue
Using a brush, coat the cling-wrapped cone lightly with white glue. This tacky layer helps the yarn stick to the form and hold the shape of your Christmas tree as it dries.
4. Wrap With Yarn
Now for the fun part! Let your child help as you wrap yarn around the cone from top to bottom. Overlap the yarn as much or as little as you like—thin wrapping gives a delicate look, while thicker wrapping creates a cozy, rustic texture.
5. Brush the Yarn With More Glue
Once the shape looks how you want it, gently brush another layer of white glue over the outside of the wrapped yarn. This helps everything set firmly in place and gives your finished tree a nice, sturdy structure.
6. Let It Dry and Remove the Cone
Allow the yarn to dry completely, then slide the yarn tree off the cone. Add a small loop of twine if you’d like to hang it as an ornament—or leave it as a little tabletop decoration.
Tips for a Cozy, Handmade Look
- Use chunky yarn for a farmhouse vibe
- Add a felt star at the top for a classic finish
- Try natural-colored yarns for a homesteading aesthetic
- Use cinnamon sticks instead of twigs for an extra warm, spiced scent
Final Thoughts: The Best Traditions Are Handmade
This little yarn Christmas tree ornament isn’t just a cute project—it’s a reminder of what truly makes the holidays special. Not the sales. Not the perfectly curated decor. But the time spent with the people we love.
I am hoping that each year, our handmade collection grows, each one carries a memory. And honestly, that’s the kind of tree I want my kid to remember: one filled with stories, creativity, and heart.
If you’re also bringing back handmade Christmas magic this year, I hope this little project becomes part of your own family’s traditions, too.
Did you enjoy this post? Don't forget to pin this image to Pinterest or bookmark this page so you can easily find your way back to this post when you need inspiration!
