Tutorial: Dream-Catchers

In this week's workshop we made dream-catchers! It was so packed that we had to split the group between two rooms, but it seemed like everyone who came enjoyed themselves despite the slightly hectic start, so thank you everyone for being so patient! 

If you missed this week's meeting or simply want a reminder, here's a tutorial on how to make your very own dream-catcher. 

Materials 

-Metal, wire or wooden hoop (ours were 5 inches in diameter but you can use any size you like) 

-Wool in 2-3 colours, a metre of each 

-1 bead 

-Needle (a darning needle will be easier to thread the wool through because of the larger eye) 

-Feathers (optional) 

Instructions 

Using your first string of wool, tie a knot around your ring. 

Stick your finger through your hoop from front to back. 

Put your string of wool over the hoop, as shown in the picture above. 

In the gap between your wool and finger, pull the end of the wool back through that hole from back to front. 

Pull tight. 

Continue making these knots around the ring, leaving a few centimetres between each one. If you make your final knot over the first one, you will make them more secure. Aim to make 7-11 knots. The more there are, the more intricate your dream-catcher will be. 

Now you've made your knots around the hoop, you need to continue these knots round the yarn rather than the hoop. To start, put the end of the string of wool through the first gap between knots from front to back. 

Now pull your wool back through the loop as shown in the picture. 

Pull it taut to create a triangular shape. 

Continue working your way around the hoop, knotting into each triangle. 

When you get back round to the beginning, you need to continue to create knots. 

Use this little triangle, pointed out in the photo, in order to join the second and third rounds. 

It should be looking a little like this. 

Continue knotting from triangle to triangle. 

If you want, you can continue working in a single colour until the centre, but you could also add a second colour. 

If you choose to add a second colour, simply tie a double knot between the two yarns and trim the ends. 

The triangles will be getting smaller and smaller the closer you get to the centre, so just be patient and take your time as you continue to knot and pull tightly. 

When you feel your pattern is nice enough, thread a needle onto your yarn and then pull through a bead, which will sit in the centre. 

Slide the bead up the yarn and position it how you like. 

Tie off the end of your wool by creating a stitch in the web of your dream-catcher and passing your needle back through this looped stitch before pulling tightly. 

Using another coloured yarn, wrap it around the hoop of your dream-catcher, beginning by tying a knot so it doesn't come undone. 

Once you've tied off the yarn covering the hoop, add a loop by which to hang it. 

If you want, add some feathers to the bottom of your dream-catcher for decoration. You can also add beads, buttons, sequins...use your creativity! 

And voila! Your very own dream-catcher. 

If you need some more inspiration, take a look at some of the dream-catchers made by our members at this week's workshop: 

Happy crafting!