How to Make a Macrame Feather
A macrame feather is the perfect addition to any bohemian home decor. These DIY feathers are the perfect first project for macrame beginners. They’re really pretty and they’re SO EASY to make that you’ll want one in every colour!
Macrame Feather DIY
I love how chic and beautiful these macrame feathers are. They look super complicated, but I promise that they’re actually SO EASY to make!
These DIY feathers are a great way to use up leftover cord from a larger macrame project, but they’re also the perfect craft for beginners. They use only one knot and basic macrame supplies (scissors, tape measure, comb), and they come together quickly.
Macrame feathers are the perfect addition to a dreamcatcher, but they also look great as part of a wall hanging or mobile. And why not mount them on the wall in a shadow box? Or create smaller feathers to use for a keychain or earrings. The possibilities are endless!
Check out our Macrame Feather video tutorial:
*Note: Scroll down for the step-by-step photo tutorial.
Looking for more easy macrame projects? Here’s some of our favourites:
Here’s what you’ll need:
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The full printable instructions are at the end of this post, but here’s a list of products on Amazon and Target that are similar to the supplies we used:
What is macrame?
Macrame is a crafting technique that is formed by knotting cord, rather than by knitting or weaving. It was a popular form of art in the 1970s. Macrame wall hangings and plant hangers were found everywhere!
This textile art has come back into popularity recently, especially amongst those who enjoy a bohemian aesthetic or minimalistic, natural decor.
What kind of cord should I use?
The pink and orange feathers seen in our photos are made with a 2mm, 3 ply “rope”. The natural coloured cord in our photos is 3mm.
When making a macrame feather the cord weight will determine how big the center “spine” of the feather is. In other words, the 2 mm cord creates thinner center knots, while a 5 mm cord would be much thicker. You can even see the difference between the 2 mm and 3 mm cord in the picture below.
Do I need fabric scissors?
Technically no, however I definitely recommend using fabric scissors for all macrame projects. Fabric scissors, or sewing shears, are sharper than regular scissors, and are meant to cut through thick material, like macrame cord.
Your macrame project will go a lot smoother if you have sharp scissors to make the precise cuts you need.
How can I stiffen the feathers?
You might notice that your macrame feathers are very soft. If you want to hang the feathers, the cord tends to go limp and lose its shape unless you add something to keep the cord stiff.
Aleene’s Stiffen Quik fabric stiffening spray is one of the most recommended products to help with this issue. Following the instructions on the bottle, simply spray one side, let it dry, and then spray the other side.
You can also use a spray starch or even hairspray to give the feather some stiffness.
Another option is to glue the feather to a felt backing. This works better if the feather will be flat against a wall, like on a wall hanging, where you only see one side of it.
How to Make a Macrame Feather
Materials:
- 18feetMacrame cord(2 mm size, colour of choice)
Equipment:
- Fine tooth comb(or wire pet brush)
Instructions:
Step 1: Measure out the cord
- Cut a piece of macrame cord to 20 inches.
- Measure a new piece of cord to 8 inches, but do not cut it yet.
- Fold the cord over at the 8 inch mark so you have two 8 inch lengths.
- Repeat this process 10 more times and cut off the cord from the roll, making sure to keep the loops together.
- Cut through the loops. This will give you 12 cords of 8 inch length.
- Repeat this process so that you end up with another 12 cords, 24 total.
Step 2: Knot the feather
- Fold the 20 inch cord in half and tape it down to a table (or other working surface) at the top of the loop.
- Fold one of the 8 inch cords in half. With the loop on the left side, place this cord under your center cord, about 1 inch from the top.
- Fold a second 8 inch cord. With the loop at the right, place the loose ends through the loop of the first cord. Then take the loose ends from the first cord and pull them over top and through the second loop.
- You’ve created a square knot, which is the only knot required for this macrame feather.
- Take the loose ends on both sides and pull them tight.
- Repeat to make another square knot.Place an 8 inch cord under the center cord, with the loop on the left. Fold a second 8 inch cord and put the loose ends through the left loop. Bring the first cord’s loose ends up and through the second loop.
- Pull the ends tight and push it up against the first knot.
- Continue making square knots, pushing them up as you go to keep the knots close together.
- Add the rest of the 8 inch cords and then trim the center cord to match the length of the last knotted cord.
Step 3: Shape the feather
- Using a fine tooth comb or a wire pet brush, start combing the short cords to unravel them.Hold the center “spine” of the feather as you comb to protect the center knots so you can comb as close to them as possible.
- Continue combing until all the outside cord has been unraveled.
- Remove the tape from the loop of the feather and, holding it flat in your palm, begin trimming the ends of the cord into a feather shape.
- Keep combing the cord as you’re shaping it, to make sure all the cord is straight.
- Gently transfer the feather to your palm again and make any final trims to shape the feather.
- Your macrame feather is complete!
Helpful Tip:
These macrame feathers are so relaxing to make! The knots are simple, and combing out the cords is super satisfying. Cut out a template for your feather, or trim each one into a unique shape!
Here’s even more easy macrame ideas:
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books- A- Million | Indiebound | Indigo | Amazon Canada