How to make a dreamcatcher
Use you craft skills to make a dreamcatcher with your leftover materials – we show you how
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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.
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
Step 2
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
Step 4
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
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
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
Step 8
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
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.
This blue dreamcatcher is created by Cherokee Artist Jasmine Battle with certificate of authenticity. Personalisation can be provided at no extra cost.
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.
Authors
Sarah is a freelance craft designer specialising in paper craft, quilling and sewing. She regularly creates a variety of projects for several uk craft companies and magazines. She also designs and makes her own resin jewellery: https://kraftikeepsakes.co.uk/
