Make a Traditional Dreamcatcher With This Simple DIY Tutorial
Seeing so many dreamcatchers in folks’ decorations these days might leave you wondering, but in case you were curious, yes, they are an authentic American Indian tradition from the Ojibway (Chippewa) tribe. These native people would tie sinew strands in a web around a small round or tear-shaped frame and hang this as a charm to protect sleeping children from nightmares. Famously, the legend is that the bad dreams will get caught in the dreamcatcher’s web.
During the pan-Indian movement in the 60’s and 70’s, Ojibway dreamcatchers grew in popularity in other Native American tribes, even among the Cherokee, Lakota, and Navajo. Today, they’re highly popularized among the younger set for their trendy aesthetic value. This increased fame doesn’t lessen the tradition and history the dreamcatcher possesses, however.
In long-held custom, the dreamcatcher was intended to protect the sleeping individual from negative dreams, while letting positive dreams through. The positive dreams would slip through the hole in the center of the dream catcher, and glide down the feathers to the sleeping person below. The negative dreams would get caught up in the web, and die when the first rays of the sun struck them.
Whether you believe that the dreamcatcher has these powers or not, when used properly, it can be a wonderful charm of positive energy and a way to honor the metaphysical traditions of Native Americans. Rather than cheapening the tradition, you can use this powerful symbol for yourself, rather than selling it as kitschy souvenirs. It can also have a subconscious effect on your mind, which can lead to more restful nights.
Either way, they are a beautiful symbol worthy of respect.
Here’s your guide to making your own, customizable dreamcatcher. Traditional dreamcatchers use feathers, bone, and beads, but you can see what works for you. Try stringing beads of power crystals that you resonate with the most, or leaves of herbs that have a strong, positive effect on you. Be careful when experimenting, however, as this traditional dreamcatcher can be rather delicate!
The Frame
- Start with a 2-6 foot length of fresh red willow (red osier dogwood) or soaked grapevine (you can find this in most arts and crafts stores).
- Carefully bend the vine around to form a circle with a 3-8 inch diameter. You can adjust the diameter to whatever length you want, but note that traditional dreamcatchers are usually no bigger than an adult’s hand.
- Once you have made the circle, twist the remaining length around the circle to reinforce the hoop.
- Use 4-16 feet (depending on the diameter of your hoop) of strong, thin string to knot a loop in one end from which you will hang the dreamcatcher. Tie the hanging loop around the top of your dreamcatcher, or at the weakest point of your hoop.
The First Stitch
- The dream catcher repeats the same stitch from start to finish. To start, hold the string and place it loosely over the top of the hoop. Move the string around to the back of the hoop (forming a hole) and pull the string back through the hole you just made.
- Pull each stitch taught, but not too tight or it will warp the hoop of the dream catcher, and it will not lie flat when it is done. You can also add decorations that either tie or loop into the stitches, such as beads.
- Continue the same stitch for the first round around the hoop of the dream catcher. Space the stitches evenly, about 1 ½ to 2 in. apart (making 7 to 13 stitches around the hoop).
- The last stitch of the first round should be placed about a half inch away from the hanging loop.
The Second Stitch
- On the second and subsequent stitching rounds, place the string around the center of each stitch from the previous round (rather than around the hoop).
- As you pull each stitch tight, the string from the previous round should bend towards the center of the hoop slightly, forming a diamond shape. You should see the spider web beginning to form.
- On the third or fourth round add a bead to represent the spider in the web. Simply place the bead on your string and continue stitching as usual.
- Continue stitching towards the center of the hoop. Eventually, the stitches become so small that it is difficult to pass the string through. Make sure you leave a hole in the center of the dreamcatcher.
- Stop stitching at the bottom of the hole in the center of the dream catcher. End by stitching twice in the same place, forming a knot, and pull tight.
Decorating
- You should have 6 – 8 in. of string to tie 2 or 3 feathers which dangle from the center of the dreamcatcher. Tie on 2 or 3 feathers and knot.
- Wrap a 1 in. square of felt or fabric around the knot of string and over the base of the feathers. Tie two 4 In. pieces string around the wrapped felt.
- Hang over sleeping place. Sweet dreams!
About the Author
Water Rituals to Spiritually Connect with the Sacred Element
Water is a life-giving element with profound importance, recognized and celebrated across cultures. It’s not only essential for survival but also revered for its spiritual significance, offering renewal, purification, and connection to the divine. When we connect deeply with the element of water, we honor its role as a giver of life and develop a greater sense of well-being and appreciation. This connection can help us foster respect for this sacred element while enhancing our personal sense of balance and vitality.
Spiritual Meaning of Water Across Traditions
Water’s symbolism—representing renewal, fertility, purification, and transformation—holds significant spiritual meaning across religions. In Christianity, for instance, baptism with water signifies purification and acceptance into the faith, echoing stories of Jesus and the cleansing power of holy water. Similarly, in Greek traditions, water is seen as a bridge to the divine, used in offerings to gods of the sea and rivers.
Religious practices worldwide incorporate water as a tool for blessing, connection, and spiritual awakening. In Islam, daily ablutions (wudu) cleanse the body in preparation for prayer, aligning one’s spirit with sacred intentions. Hinduism reveres sacred rivers like the Ganges, believed to have powerful spiritual properties that cleanse impurities and aid in liberation from the cycle of rebirth, or Moksha. These rituals underscore water’s spiritual role in supporting life and guiding transformation.
Purification through Water
Ritual cleansing practices, or ablutions, are foundational in many faiths. In Judaism, the mikveh—a bath used for full-body immersion—restores ritual purity, while netilat yadayim involves washing hands upon rising and before meals. In Christianity, baptism serves as a purification act, welcoming individuals into the church through holy water. Similarly, Hindu rituals encourage bathing in sacred waters, which cleanse spiritual impurities and connect devotees to the divine.
Across cultures, holy sites near rivers, springs, and other water sources invite pilgrims to partake in this purifying element. In Bali’s Agama Tirtha, or “religion of the holy water,” devotees seek purification and blessings at temples with flowing holy water, such as Tirta Empul. Here, worshippers immerse themselves to wash away impurities and connect with the sacred.
Infusion of Blessings
The idea that water holds “memory” has resonated in spiritual traditions. The Japanese researcher Masaru Emoto suggested that positive thoughts and blessings could alter the molecular structure of water, enhancing its vitality. This notion aligns with practices in Bali, where priests bless water through mudra (sacred gestures) and mantra (sacred sound) to imbue it with divine energy. Similarly, Christian ministers may sanctify water for sacramental and protective purposes, showing how different faiths infuse water with blessings.
