Dream catchers are decorative objects originated by Native American tribes that are believed to catch bad dreams in their webbed design. To make a basic dream catcher, one needs a circular hoop or branch, string or thread to weave a web pattern on the hoop, leather strips to wrap around the hoop, and beads, feathers, and other decorations to complete it. The instructions provide details on weaving the web pattern and attaching the leather strips, beads, and feathers to finish the dream catcher.

1. DREAMCATCHER
RECOMMENDED AGE GROUP: 5 years (with supervision) and up
Dream catchers were made popular and brought to attention by the native people of North
America. The story behind Dream Catchers is that you place them over your bed. The Dream
Catchers catch the bad dreams in their web where they become trapped, so that they can not
bother you through the night. You are guaranteed to have pleasant dreams with a Dream Catcher
around. As well as having a purpose, they are very decorative and beautiful to look at.
To make your own Dream Catcher, you will need a metal hoop. These are sold in craft stores in
various sizes. You can make them as small as the 2" diameter hoops or as large as a 3 foot
diameter. But if you are just new to the craft, start with one that's easy to handle in your hand,
such as a basic 4" or 6" hoop.
MATERIALS
You will then need:
- strands of leather (sold in a beautiful assortment of colors)
- spool of cat gut
- beads and feathers (also, the more colorful the materials, the prettier
your Dream Catcher)
- other little trinkets can be added as desired
- glue gun (or white LePages glue for the younger craftsperson)
- scissors

2. If you don't have these materials, you can use alternatives, rather than going out and purchasing
them as this can be a costly project. You can make Dream Catchers as individual as you are. No
two need look the same.
*HINT* Look up Dream Catchers online to maybe get an idea of how you'd like yours to look.
ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS:
HOOP: tree branches that are bendable. Tie the ends together with string or wire (I've made quite
a few Dream Catchers with tree branches. It gives them a natural, earthy look)
CAT GUT: colored string, thread, plastic thread, gimp, embroidery thread.
LEATHER STRIPS: ribbon, strips of leatherette, strands of material cut in uniform strips.
DIRECTIONS:
The hardest part of making a Dream Catcher is in weaving the actual web. It takes some skill and
a lot of practice, but once you've got the idea, it gets easier each time.
*HINT* - if you've ever embroidered, using the blanket stitch, weaving the web of the Dream
Catcher is much the same stitch. You may want to practice the blanket stitch on a piece of
material to get an idea of the motion.
LET'S GET STARTED
WEB
Fasten a long strand (about 3 feet) of cat gut (or string) onto the hoop with a secure knot (this
will later be hidden by the leather). Then working your way around the hoop, make a slip stitch
about every inch or so. It doesn't really matter how far apart your spaces are, but they should be
uniform.
Once you get back to your starting point, slip stitch into the first loop that you made. Continue
slip stitching through all the loops. Eventually you will make your way to the center of the hoop.
If you like, you can slip a bead through the string anywhere along the web as you are slip
stitching, for decorative purposes. Tie your string off and cut off the excess. You have just
completed the web.
LEATHER
Once you have your web made, the rest is easy. Take your leather strands (or ribbon) and wrap it
neatly and uniformly around the hoop. Leave a 4 to 6 inch piece of leather overhanging. You will
need this as your hanger for the end.

3. Now that you have the leather wrapped all around, again, leave a 4 to 6 inch overhang. Place a
bead over these 2 strands of leather, pushing the bead tight against the hoop to secure the
wrapped leather tightly. This will prevent the wrapped leather from unraveling. You can also add
a bead to the top. This forms the hanger for the Dream Catcher.
BEADS AND FEATHERS
Now you're ready to decorate your Dream Catcher. Cut long strips of leather to hang between the
webs on the bottom of the hoop. They can be as long or short as you choose, or alternate the
lengths of leather. Secure them with a bead, one to the top, tightening it up against the hoop, and
another at the bottom.
You can add as many strips of dangling leather as you like to give it your own personal touch.
Add a bit of glue to the bottom bead and tuck your feather stem into the glue.
You can also hang a small leather strip to the web itself, place a bead on it and glue in a feather.
This adds a very pretty touch to your Dream Catcher.
You have now made your very first Dream Catcher. Well done. SWEET DREAMS!