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How to make a dreamcatcher

Use you craft skills to make a dreamcatcher with your leftover materials – we show you how

Sarah Jackman Read

Published: March 12, 2022 at 1:04 pm

Dreamcatchers were made and used as protection from nightmares and bad dreams. As protective talismans they hang above the beds of children with the web in the centre catching any bad dreams, allowing the good dreams to filter down through the feathers to reach the sleeper below.

Dreamcatchers belong to Native American culture. You can purchase authentic dreamcatchers from Indigenous crafters. Our DIY dreamcatcher is designed to make use of your leftover trimmings and materials in an upcycling project that the whole family can enjoy.

For more upcycling ideas, take a look at our recycled craft ideas for adults article. You'll also find great ways to use up your leftover craft materials in our visible mending article and our sock bear tutorial.

feather and ribbons hanging below a dreamcatcher

DIY Dreamcatcher materials

15cm embroidery hoop
Baker’s twine
Beads with large holes
Ribbon
Sequin trim
Faux suede cord
Feathers
Glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors

You will need:

Embroidery hoop (15cm)
Feathers
Baker's cord
Beads
Ribbon

Step 1

Hand tying cord to hoop to make a dreamcatcher

Remove the outside of the embroidery hoop. Trim a length of baker’s twine approximately 2.5 metres then tie to the top of the hoop. Gather up the rest of the baker’s twine then wrap around the hoop about 3cm from the top. Thread through the loop and pull tight.

Step 2

Hand looping twine around hoop to make a dreamcatcher

Make loops all the way around the embroidery hoop. Secure the top knot with a dab of glue from a glue gun.

When you get to the top, wrap the baker’s twine through the first loop then pull tight to create a triangle shape. Repeat around the rest of the hoop.

Step 3

How to make a dreamcatcher 3

Repeat the process working around the embroidery hoop two more times making sure the baker’s twine is always pulled taut.

Step 4

Hand threading bead on to woven loop on dreamcatcher

Thread a bead on to the baker’s twine before wrapping around a loop and pulling tight. Repeat around the rest of the loops.

Step 5

handy applying glue gun to wedding in the centre of dreamcatcher

Once you reach the end of the loops tie a double knot in the baker’s twine then add a dab of glue from a glue gun to secure.

Trim off the excess baker’s twine.

Step 6

hands tying long twine onto hoop frame of dreamcatcher

Lay the hoop with the top knot facing the bottom. Trim one length of baker’s twine 34cm, fold in half then loop around the bottom so it hangs down. Trim another two lengths 28cm long then thread either side.

Step 7

hands using glue gun to attach feather to length of cord under dreamcatcher

Glue the tops of three feathers together then glue inside a bead. Glue on the end of the central bakers twine threads. Repeat on the other two lengths of baker’s twine.

Step 8

hand looping piny ribbon around outside loop of dreamcatcher

Cut lengths of ribbon and suede cord approximately 35cm long, fold in half then loop around the bottom of the embroidery hoop in between the baker’s twine.

Step 9

hand trimming to end of ribbon at bottom of dreamcatcher

Glue two 20cm lengths of sequin trim amongst the ribbon. Trim the ends of the ribbon diagonally.

Buy an authentic dreamcatcher

We hope you will enjoy learning how to make a dreamcatcher. This DIY dreamcatcher is a great project to upcycle your leftover craft trimmings and to make with your children. But dreamcatchers are part of Native American culture, and we encourage you to buy an authentic version as well as upcycling your materials in a DIY dreamcatcher. You will be supporting an indigenous crafter with your purchase while celebrating these items and the significance they play in their culture.

blue hop with woven middle and blue beed and trimmings in an authentic dreamcatcher

This blue dreamcatcher is created by Cherokee Artist Jasmine Battle with certificate of authenticity. Personalisation can be provided at no extra cost.

Buy the Dreamcatcher on Etsy

natural feathers and beads hanging from pale dreamcatcher frae with oval blue stone in the centre

You can buy this stunning dreamcatcher with chalcedony crystal from the MyCherokeeDreams Etsy store. This dreamcatcher is made by a Cherokee Native American, born and raised in Oklahoma and currently residing in the UK.

Buy the dreamcatcher from Etsy