Learning how to make a dreamcatcher is easy, but did you know that dreamcatchers are Native American in origin, and have many colorful myths and legends attached to them. The common belief however, is that dreamcatchers are meant to “catch” bad dreams before they reach a sleeping person, while allowing good dreams to filter through. A dreamcatcher is typically hung over a person’s bed, but it is also being widely used around the world as a decorative item or a wall hanging of sorts.

Dreamcatchers are fairly easy to make, requiring some very basic materials. What is needed in abundance for a dreamcatcher is a supply of creativity and a flair for designing, not to mention skill in deftly manipulating pieces of cord, leather, twine or string. With enough patience, perseverance and a knack for design, anyone can successfully learn how to make a dreamcatcher and be well on their way to having a bit of ancient Native American tradition with them.

Materials you will need when learning how to make a dreamcatcher:

• A large hoop (e.g. wooden embroidery hoop) or
• A twig bent into a circle with the ends fastened properly
• Leather/Suede laces
• Scissors
• Feathers and beads

How To Make A Dreamcatcher Step-by-Step

Start by securing one end of the lace onto the hoop using glue. Wind the lace around the hoop, covering the entire circumference evenly until reaching the starting point. Cut the lace and secure the end again.

Measure out around two inches from the end of a lace then make a loop using this length on top of the hoop. Tie the end of the lace under the hoop to the rest of the longer lace so it makes a nice little loop for hanging the dreamcatcher when it is finished. Take the rest of the lace and make 9-13 even loops, around 1-2 inches apart, weaving in and out of the hoop. Make sure these loops are not too tight, but not too loose either. Loops that are too taut will leave little room for maneuvering during the rest of the weaving, while loops that are too loose will sag and look sloppy.

Continue by making similar loops in a second row, this time threading the lace between the loops of the first row. Beads can be added in the third to fourth rows by stringing them along the lace before making the loops. Keep weaving in and out, until it gets difficult to make any more loops and only a small hole is left in the center of the woven lace. As a side note – when learning how to make a dreamcatcher, be patient with each step of the process.

To finish, tie a knot in the last bottom loop to keep it from unraveling. It is possible to decorate the completed dreamcatcher by tying lengths of leather laces or suede strings to the bottom of the hoop then threading feathers and beads through it. Knot each lace end tightly to keep the beads and feathers from falling off. Color combination and choice of decorating materials is up to the person making the dreamcatcher.

If glue has been used to secure any of the weaving or decorative materials, it’s best to let the dreamcatcher dry before hanging it up or putting it on display. Afterwards, the dreamcatcher can be proudly displayed in the bedroom, or anywhere else for pleasurable viewing.

As you can see, learning how to make a dreamcatcher is easy and fun. And with a bit of practice you can make beautiful dreamcatchers of your own.

How To Make A Dreamcatcher is copyrighted.