Make DIY Christmas Decorations: Easy Xmas Trees with Yarn and Sticks
Make small yarn-wrapped Christmas tree ornaments using sticks, glue, and simple decorations; practice measuring, wrapping, and creativity while crafting festive holiday decorations.
About this activity
Make small yarn-wrapped Christmas tree ornaments using sticks, glue, and simple decorations; practice measuring, wrapping, and creativity while crafting festive holiday decorations.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose one small straight stick about 6–10 cm long and place it on your workspace.
- 2
Step 2
Use the ruler and scissors to measure and cut a piece of yarn about 60 cm long.
- 3
Step 3
Tie one end of the yarn to the top of the stick with a tight knot.
- 4
Step 4
Put small dots of glue down the front of the stick where the wrapped yarn will sit.
- 5
Step 5
Wrap the yarn around the stick in tight loops making each loop slightly wider as you move down so the wrapped yarn forms a triangle tree shape.
- 6
Step 6
Continue wrapping until the triangle reaches the size you want.
- 7
Step 7
Cut the yarn leaving a 2 cm tail when you finish wrapping.
- 8
Step 8
Press the 2 cm tail onto a small dab of glue on the back of the stick to secure it.
- 9
Step 9
Measure and cut a short piece of ribbon or twine about 5–6 cm long for the hanger.
- 10
Step 10
Fold the short ribbon or twine into a loop shape.
- 11
Step 11
Glue the two ends of the loop to the back top of the stick to make a hanger.
- 12
Step 12
Put tiny dots of glue on the yarn where you want to place decorations.
- 13
Step 13
Press beads sequins or pom-poms onto the glue dots to decorate your tree.
- 14
Step 14
Let the glue dry completely for at least 30 minutes.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make easy yarn-wrapped Christmas tree ornaments with sticks?
To make yarn-wrapped stick Christmas trees, break small sticks into triangle shapes or bind three sticks into a triangle frame with glue or twine. Tie the yarn at one corner and wrap tightly along the frame to cover the sticks, knotting or gluing the ends. Add tiny beads, sequins, or pom-poms as ornaments. Attach a loop of yarn at the top for hanging and let fully dry before handling.
What materials do I need to make yarn-wrapped Christmas tree ornaments?
You’ll need small straight sticks or twigs, yarn in various colors, craft glue (PVA) and optionally hot glue for older kids, scissors, small decorations like beads, sequins, or pom-poms, and string or ribbon for hanging. A needle or toothpick helps tuck yarn ends. Optional extras: paint for the sticks, glitter, or pipe cleaners as an alternative frame if sticks aren’t available.
What ages is this yarn-and-stick ornament activity suitable for?
This craft suits ages 4–12. Preschoolers (4–6) can wrap yarn and glue with close adult help for cutting and tying. Ages 7–9 can work more independently, though supervise hot glue or sharp scissors. Tweens (10–12) can design color patterns and add fine decorations. Adapt complexity by providing pre-cut frames or thicker yarn for younger children and encourage measuring and planning for older kids.
What safety tips should I follow when making yarn-wrapped stick Christmas trees?
Use child-safe PVA glue for young children and reserve hot glue for supervised older kids. Sand or trim sharp twig ends and clean sticks before use. Supervise scissors and small decorations to avoid choking hazards. Work on a protected surface and wear smocks for glue or paint. For safer variations, use pipe cleaners, felt, or cardboard frames instead of real sticks, and choose larger embellishments for little ones.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of the 6–10 cm straight stick or yarn if I can't find them?
If you can't find a small straight stick use a trimmed wooden skewer, coffee stirrer, or a craft stick cut to 6–10 cm, and if you don't have yarn use embroidery floss, thin ribbon, or twine for the 60 cm wrap.
My yarn keeps slipping and the triangle won't hold its shape — what should I do?
Make sure the knot at the top of the stick is tight (step 3), add more frequent small dots of glue down the front as you wrap (step 4), and press each loop onto a glue dot or use a clothespin to hold loops in place until the glue sets.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages or skill levels?
For younger children have an adult pre-measure and tie the 60 cm yarn and use large pom-poms or stickers for decoration, while older kids can use finer embroidery floss, tiny beads, paint the stick first, or create more precise triangular shapes by spacing loops carefully.
How can we extend or personalize the finished yarn tree ornament?
Personalize by painting or staining the stick before wrapping, wrapping multiple yarn colors in stripes as you form the triangle, adding a bead or button star at the top, sprinkling glitter on wet glue for sparkle, or making a garland by stringing several finished trees on a long ribbon to share on DIY.org.