Make a Unique Tree of Life Dreamcatcher Using T-Shirt Yarn
Have you ever worked with T-shirt yarn? It’s like ordinary yarn or wool just thicker and there are so many things you can do with it. You can buy it at any self-respecting haberdashery or wool shop or you can make your own. I bought three balls a while back on sale and with all the rain we’ve been having it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to make something. If you follow our blog you may know that I have a deep fascination with the Tree of Life. So with that in mind, I decided to make this Tree of Life dreamcatcher using the T-shirt yarn and other bits and pieces.
We’ve shared a few dream catcher tutorials on the blog before, like this half-moon beauty and this silky bohemian creation. You can even use a paper napkin to make one.
Since I already had 3 balls of t-shirt yarn in my craft stash, all I needed to find to complete the project, was a large ring or embroidery hoop and some fabric scraps. The ring we used is from an old lampshade and measures 38.5 cm across.
Making the Tree of Life
Start by cutting the yarn into strips that are 2 and a bit times the diameter of the ring. You don’t have to measure the bits exactly as long as they are twice the length of the diameter.
Take three of the strips and knot them together, then slip them over the ring.
Plait, or braid the strips together to form a twig and then add another group of strips to form a new twig. Join the twigs together to form a branch.
The only thing to remember is to try and make each twig and branch a little different. Trees in nature are not uniform, some branches are thinner than others and branches often cross over each other. To create thinner branches I used a single strand of T-shirt yarn tied to the ring.
Carry on adding twigs and braiding them together to form branches until you’re happy with the look. I usually divide my circle into thirds so I know when to stop making branches.
Once you have enough branches, braid them all together to form the trunk of the tree. When I make the trunk I braid it a little further than the 2/3 mark. I prefer a longer trunk, but it’s entirely up to you.
There are many branches of learning, but only the one solid tree trunk of wisdom
As long as you leave enough space for the roots. To make the roots simply split the “trunk” T-shirt strips into 3 to 5 groups and then braid and split, braid and split until you can tie them to the “bottom” of the ring. Leave the loose strands.
The tree of life should look something like this, but with your own unique touch 😉
Finishing the Dreamcatcher Off
To finish off the Tree of Life dreamcatcher, wrap a strip of the T-shirt yarn around the ring. It helps to separate the roots and branches. Finally add bits of fabric, beads, or anything else that makes your dreamcatcher special. I used lace, ribbon, bits from an old pillowcase, and some feathers and just tied them to the “bottom” of the ring.
Try creating lots of layers and textures by braiding bits together or tying knots at different intervals. The possibilities are endless and should be as unique as what you are!
Use a small piece of the yarn to hang the dreamcatcher on the wall.
Traditionally, dreamcatchers are hung above the bed and help capture bad dreams while passing good dreams onto the dreamer.
Ours hangs in our bedroom so it can take both the hubby and me to the land where dreams come true.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you believe in dreamcatchers and have you tried making your own?
Please share in the comments below and if you have any ideas what I can make with the T-shirt yarn I have leftover, I love to hear them too.
If you like the idea of using t-shirt yarn to make a dream catcher, on’t forget to pin it for later.
Sharing is caring 😉
And if you’d like to make one and don’t want to go to all that trouble of finding the materials, I’ve got you covered 😉 Disclosure: If you click on the links below, we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us come up with more unique DIY and craft tutorials to share with you 😉
Wishing you lots of love for the week ahead. May your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions louder than words.
I made one using blanket yarn that was tri-colored cream, beige and light grey. I added cream and beige colored ribbon and lace for the fringe.
Here is a picture of it:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2150952561606998&set=p.2150952561606998&type=3&theater
Hey Wanda, I would have loved to see your dreamcatcher. It sounds gorgeous. Those colors must work so well together. I tried clicking on the FB link but got an error. Maybe it’s a permission thing? Either way, I really appreciate your lovely comment and that you took the time to share your version. I would love to see it if you get a chance to repost another link or the picture
I am always looking for new craft ideas and am so inspired by your tutorial. Am 77 yrs old & determined to keep my brain working. Thank you for sharing.
❤ Thank you so much Jan, it makes my heart so happy to hear that. My Mom is 71 and she has the same outlook on life. She always doing something with her hands and finding new ways to make something. I admire you both so.
So just a ripped up t shirt? Could not afford to go out and buy any special materials… Would love to make this tho with things on hand
A ripped up T-shirt is perfect for this Samantha. You can just cut it into strips using this tutorial https://www.instructables.com/id/t-shirt-yarn/
Love your tree of life Michelle! I haven’t seen one made with yarn, I’ve only seen them made with wire, and a lot smaller version. It makes a really nice dream catcher. I love how you added the lace and fabric strips to the bottom.
Thanks so much Linda. I love making them, each one always comes out differently
This is so wonderfully creative, you’ve inspired me! I’m going to make one with crochet chains instead of t-shirt yarn. I hope it turns out half as beautiful as yours. 🙂
Thank you so very much Rachel. I wish I knew how to crochet, I think it’s a brilliant idea to use the chains and I’m sure your dream catcher will look stunning.
Lovely dream catcher. I love how you used tshirt yarn to make this and the white looks so good
Thank you Anvita for the lovely comment
We have one hanging in the yoga studio I go to. I didn’t know that was what it’s called. Pretty cool craft idea
Thanks so much Elizabeth
This is gonna be a great idea for school projects, too! even bonding with my grandkids! thanks for the tip!
Thank you Kevin, kids really do enjoy doing something like this and if someone as wise as what you are, help them understand what the tree of life is all about even better 😉
I absolutely love this!! Like you I am in love with the tree of Life and what it represents, I also have always loved dream catchers and have a small collection of them. Just recently my boyfriend bought me a beautiful dream catcher that is the tree of life! It’s my favorite so far and it isn’t gonna stop me to try and make one of these too!
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This is cool and looks simple to make. I guess you could add color to it as needed too.
You can Obi, t-shirt yarn comes in all colors now. Thanks for stopping by 😀
This is such a cool diy craft! Kids would enjoy doing this too. I always enjoy re-purposing old scraps into beautiful new things.
Thank you so much Katie, it’s always such fun taking something and turning it into something else.
This looks like a really interesting art project! And pro-earth too! I love it! Will try this with my cousins!
Glad you like it Shayne. Let me know how it goes
I love this and one day will make my own using tie dyed t shirts and lots of pretty beads!
Thank you so very much Tonja. I love the idea of using tie dyed t-shirts and beads that will look amazing
I believe in dream catchers, my son used to have one in his room when he was a kid. Yours is not only an ordinary dreamcatcher, it is a piece of art. I’d love to try doing one too
Knowing how talented you are Pili, I’m sure yours will look amazing <3
What a great project, Michelle.
I’ve seen where you can turn an old t-shirt into yarn, but I’ve never checked for it at the stores!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you so much Jodie, T-shirt yarn really is so much fun to work with and it seems like more stores are stocking it now too.
Oh my God! This is so special, so romantic!!! All these laces… I adore it! Bravo Michelle!
Thank you so much Christina. I really enjoyed making this one
This dream catcher is awesome, I cannot believe that you have used the T shirt and yarn to make it. Well done dear.
Dhanyavaad Sadhna 😉
Michelle, I believe in dreamcatchers but have never tried to make one!! I have seen that nice T-shirt yarn around, and now you’ve inspired me to make one for my girls bedrooms! I think they’d love it! And your tree of life dream catcher is gorgeous, I love the boho vibe and all the laces and feathers hanging from it and of course that it’s white and neutral colored!!! Beautiful!!
I’m so glad Katrin and I’d love to see how yours turns out. Everything you touch always turns out so amazingly elegant and classy
Plumbing pipe from hardware stores at R20 pm works very well for the hoop. It keeps it shape and can be taped to close the ring.
That’s a stunning idea Dianne, thank you so much
My girl has one in her room. But yours is stunning. It looks like a piece of art much more than just a dream catcher! Really like all those different strips of lace and fabric that you have added Michelle. Keep those nightmares away and enjoy your sleep.
😀 Thank you Mary
Michelle, your dream catcher is beautiful!! Love all the different lace at the bottom. I’ve never used t-shirt yarn but I would love to try it out, looks fun to work with, and what a great way to spend a rainy day. 🙂
It really is so versatile Keri. I love the chunkiness of the yarn and the way the edges curl in. And it was a really lovely (or as we say here in S Africa) lekker way to spend a rainy weekend 😉
I love it, especially because it’s white. I think I could use a wired hanger for the ring, what do you think?
That would definitely work Gabi 😉 and a tin of spray paint will work like a charm to make the wire whiter