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For this Christmas in July project, we have a bright and happy (and non-sticky) treat from Maker Team member Cat of @yukikofibercreations. You'll never guess which craft supply Cat uses to make her macrame candy canes. (Okay, it's macrame rope.) But her clever technique will have you reimagining these simple supplies that you might already have on hand. See for yourself!
Here is a quick and fun macrame candy cane for the Christmas holiday. They make great gifts - or keep them for yourself to decorate doors, walls and the tree!
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1 ½ hours
Additional Supplies:
Holly and Bow Pattern (click to download)
Masking Tape
Directions:
1. To make an 8” candy cane, measure and cut macrame rope to 11”. Wrap each end with masking tape.
2. Use wire cutters to cut 11” of floral wire. Tuck the ends into the masking tape.
3. Tuck one end of yarn into the masking tape and wrap macrame rope in a spiral about ½” apart to secure wire. At the end, cut yarn and tuck into masking tape. Add additional tape to each end of rope. Bend rope to make candy cane shape.
4. For the base of the candy cane, begin by covering each taped end in White roving. Rip a strip of roving 6” x ¾”. Wrap around rope then over the end. Wrap excess roving onto rope.
5. Take another strip of White roving about ¾” wide and as long as possible from the roving ball. Start wrapping where excess roving ended and continue along body of candy cane to other end. Use your fingers to gently twist roving in direction it was wrapped to smooth out bumps and loose fibers.
6. Rip a strip of Red roving ½” wide and as long as possible from the roving ball. Using a yarn needle, tuck end of the strip into back end of the candy cane. Wrap in a spiral. Tuck the other end in same manner as the start.
7. To make the holly, cut two leaves from Kelly felt using the pattern above. Draw and cut three mini round circles (different sizes) for the berries on Red felt. Glue together with glue gun then glue onto candy cane.
8. Trace the three-piece bow pattern onto Gold glitter felt and cut out. Fold and glue ends to the center. Wrap second strip around and glue at back of the bow. For loose ends, cut two of the third pattern and glue on back of the bow. Glue finished bow beneath holly.
9. Cut a 12” piece of bakers twine or jute and tie it to top of candy cane for hanging.
You can make candy canes in all different sizes. Practice with a short piece of rope to start. Try different color combinations to match your holiday style: Traditional, Neutral, Pink, Boho, etc.
You can also make your own decorations for the candy cane, like roving flowers per my floral hoop tutorial. Try using wool roving to make a bow! It's all about bringing your own flavor to this festive candy.
Thanks to Cat for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @yukikofibercreations and on her website. Come back tomorrow for our last day of Christmas in July!
