Buzz
Creating a dreamcatcher (dream charm) on your own or with friends can be an enjoyable activity. All you need is a hoop, suede lace, thread, and a few decorative items to craft a simple dreamcatcher. Start by wrapping the suede lace around the hoop, then weave the thread into a web inside. Finally, you can add your favorite accessories to complete the piece.
Steps
Gather Materials
Prepare a metal or wooden hoop. The easiest option is to choose a pre-made metal or wooden hoop. Select the size of the hoop based on how large you want your dreamcatcher to be. If you're new to making dreamcatchers, start with a hoop that has a diameter of about 13 to 20 cm.
- You can purchase hoops at craft stores or shops selling yarn and knitting supplies.
Wrap suede lace around the hoop. You can use either natural or synthetic suede lace. The width of the lace should be no wider than a shoelace, and the length should be about eight times the diameter of the hoop.
- For example, if you're using a hoop with a 13 cm diameter, a 1.8m lace will suffice.
- If you prefer not to use suede lace, you can substitute it with ribbon.
Choose the webbing thread. Opt for durable and soft threads like synthetic fibers, hemp, nylon, or silk. The length of the thread should be ten times the diameter of the hoop. While natural-colored threads are commonly used, you can select any color you like.
- For instance, for a 13 cm hoop, you'll need a thread approximately 1.8m long.
Select decorations. Decorate your dreamcatcher however you like. You can use feathers, fabric strips, beads, stones, shells, or any meaningful items you prefer.
Wrap the lace around the hoop
Apply glue to a 1.3 cm section of the hoop. Place one end of the suede lace on the hoop and wrap it around the glued section, ensuring the lace covers the hoop completely without gaps. Once the glued section is wrapped, use a small paperclip to hold the lace in place until the glue dries, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- The hoop should be fully covered by the suede lace, with no gaps between wraps.
- Regular glue will work fine for this step.
- If using ribbon, you can tie a double or triple knot to secure it to the hoop instead of using glue.
Continue wrapping. At key points, apply additional glue to the hoop before wrapping to ensure the lace stays in place. You should apply glue at least four evenly spaced points around the hoop.
- Use small paperclips to hold the lace in place at glued sections.
- Wrap the lace tightly around the hoop, ensuring each loop fits snugly without overlapping.
- If using ribbon, secure it in the same manner.
Finish the wrapping. Continue wrapping until the lace returns to its starting point. Before finishing, apply glue to the hoop, wrap the lace, and secure it with a paperclip.
Let the glue dry. Leave the wrapped hoop untouched for about 15 to 20 minutes to allow the glue to fully dry. After 15 minutes, remove all paperclips and trim any excess lace.
Weave the web
Secure the webbing thread to the hoop. Use a thread approximately 1.8m long, tying a double or triple knot to attach it firmly to a point on the hoop.
Wrap the thread around the hoop clockwise. About 5 cm from the first knot, wrap the thread around the hoop and loop it through itself to create a knot. Pull tightly to secure the thread before continuing to the next loop.
- Pulling the thread too tightly may distort the dreamcatcher.
Continue wrapping the thread around the hoop. Wrap until the thread returns to the starting knot. Work slowly to ensure the knots are evenly spaced. Once completed, loop the thread through the hoop near the first knot.
- Ensure the total number of knots is odd.
Weave the second web loop. Wrap the thread around the midpoint of the first segment to form a knot. Repeat this process until you return to the initial knot.
Continue weaving until a small circle forms at the center of the hoop. The more loops you weave, the smaller the central circle becomes. Keep weaving until only a small circle remains in the center, ensuring the web is taut and secure.
Secure the web. When only a small, coin-sized circle remains, stop weaving and tie a knot in the next thread segment. Use a double or triple knot to ensure the web stays intact, then trim any excess thread with scissors.
Create a hanging loop. Cut a piece of string approximately 13cm long, tie both ends into a knot on the ring, and pull tightly to form a hanging loop.
Decorate the dreamcatcher
Thread beads onto the net. This should be done while weaving the net by threading a bead onto the string before wrapping and tying it to the next section. You can randomly add beads or alternate them on each string to create a pattern.
Hang fabric strips. Cut a piece of fabric with different colors and patterns into small strips, fold them in half, place them at the bottom of the dreamcatcher, thread one end through the outer ring, and tie it securely.
- You can also do the same with suede, leather, or other types of strings to create a dreamy and eye-catching hanging effect.
Add beads to fabric strings. You can thread a bead onto a fabric string, move it to the desired position, and then tie a knot below the bead to secure it in place.
Attach feathers. Gather a bundle of about four to five feathers. You can temporarily hold the feathers together with a small paperclip, then use a string to tie them together and attach them to the bottom of the dreamcatcher.
- You can also thread a few beads onto the string before tying the feathers to the dreamcatcher.
What you need
- Metal or wooden hoop
- Suede lace (or ribbon)
- Artificial sinew (or silk thread, nylon string, hemp cord)
- Scissors
- Small paperclips (4)
- Liquid glue
- Beads
- Gemstones
- Feathers
- Fabric string
