How to Build My Own Dreamcatcher
Hang a traditional dreamcatcher to trap bad dreams. Choose a weaving material with a diameter that corresponds to the size of your hoop. The base hoop can be formed from natural materials or use a ring of metal or wood. Dream catchers use a repeated netting stitch that grows progressively smaller as it diminishes into the center of the hoop. Just like a spider, you can catch bad dreams in this simulated web weaving.
Instructions
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Make a hoop out of soaked willow or grapevine. Traditional designs have a hoop diameter that is similar to the width of the human hand. Twist the plant matter around itself to form this circle.
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Cut 9 feet of twine and tie one end onto the rim of your hoop to form a hanging loop.
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Place the twine over the top of the hoop and bring it back through the hole that is formed. This is called a half hitch stitch.
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Pull your stitches snug but not too tight as this may warp the hoop.
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Make identical half hitches every 2 inches around the perimeter of the hoop. Make the last one 1/2 inch from the initial hanging loop.
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Form another row of half hitches. Pass the twine around the center of the previous row's stitches instead of around the hoop. As you pull these new stitches, you will see a diamond shape start to appear in the netting.
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Fashion new rows of stitches into the center of the dream catcher. They will get smaller and harder to pass the twine through them as they move into the middle.
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Leave a hole in the center of the dream-catcher. Double the last stitch to form a knot. Do not cut the twine yet.
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Measure the remaining twine so it hangs just over the lower edge of the hoop. Cut the strand and tie a feather on the end.
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Tips & Warnings
The hoop can also be fashioned into a teardrop shape. Some people use a metal ring and cover it with suede lacing.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
