Feathers can add a fun and decorative element to many different craft projects. Attaching feathers securely can sometimes be tricky, but there are several effective techniques you can use. The best method will depend on the type of feathers, the material you are attaching them to, and the overall effect you want to achieve.
What supplies do you need?
Here are some of the basic supplies you’ll need:
- Feathers – Goose, turkey, peacock, and ostrich feathers work well. Choose feathers in colors and sizes that complement your project.
- Scissors or wire cutters – Used to trim feathers to the desired length.
- Adhesives – Options include hot glue, craft glue, E6000, and super glue. Some work better on certain materials.
- Nylon thread or fishing line – Helpful for sewing feathers onto fabric.
- Needle – For sewing feathers by hand.
You may also need materials specific to your craft like felt, floral wire, hemp, etc. Gather all your supplies before starting your project.
How to attach feathers to felt
Felt is a popular material for feather crafts like hair clips, earrings, and ornaments. Here are some techniques for affixing feathers to felt:
Hot glue
Hot glue guns provide a quick and easy way to attach feathers to felt. Simply dot or line the hot glue on the base of the feather, then press onto the felt and hold for 30-60 seconds while the glue cools and sets. Be careful of hot dripping glue and use a low temp gun if possible.
Craft glue
You can also use white craft glue or tacky glue. Apply a thin layer of glue to the base of the feather. Press the feather onto the felt for about 30 seconds, then let it fully dry which may take a few hours. Craft glue dries transparent and adds a less noticeable bond than hot glue.
Stitches
Hand sewing feathers onto felt using nylon thread or fishing line creates a very secure, inconspicuous attachment. Use small tight stitches to tack the feather base onto the felt. Knot well and bury the thread ends under your stitches.
Attaching feathers to wood
Driftwood, wooden jewelry, and household decor items are another good base material for feather embellishing. Here’s how to adhere feathers to wood:
Super glue
A tiny drop of super glue is perfect for adhering lighter feathers and down to wood surfaces. Carefully squeeze out a small drop, press the feather to the wood, hold for 30 seconds, and let cure fully. Wear gloves since super glue bonds skin instantly.
E6000
E6000 is a versatile craft glue that works very well on non-porous surfaces like metal, plastic, and painted wood. Use a toothpick to apply a thin line of E6000 onto the feather base, press onto the wood, and hold for 60 seconds. Let cure at least 24 hours before wearing or handling.
Decoupage or mod podge
These liquid glues can act as a sealant and surface finisher for your project. Brush a layer over the feather side you want attached. Press the feather onto the wood and brush on 1-3 more thin layers to seal. Let dry fully between coats.
Attaching feathers to jewelry
Accent your jewelry designs with feathers for boho, natural style. Here are approaches for different jewelry materials:
Wire wrapped jewelry
Use wire to create a wrapped loop or coil to hold feathers onto a wire framework. Use pliers to grip the wire so it doesn’t unwind. You can also thread feathers onto headpins or eye pins before making wire wrapped loops.
Beaded jewelry
Slide your choice of beads onto beading wire or cord first, with a beading needle. Then slide feathers onto the jewelry base in the desired places. Crimp the ends with clamshells or crimp beads and trim any excess wire.
Chain and charm jewelry
Use jewelry pliers to open chain links or jump rings, slip feathers through, then close again. You can also glue feather charms onto bracelets, necklaces, or keychains with a dab of E6000 or jewelry glue.
How to attach feathers to fabric and clothing
Add some feathered flair to clothing, hats, accessories, and fabric crafts. Here are some tips:
Hand sewing
Thread a handsewing needle with coordinating nylon thread or fishing line and knot it. Sew tiny stitches along the bottom edge of feathers to affix them to fabric. This creates a very secure bond and the thread is less visible.
Textile glue
Fabric glues like Stitch Witchery or Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue are good choices for attaching feathers to fabric. Follow package directions to apply a small amount and press feathers onto the fabric bond for 30-60 seconds.
Iron-on adhesive
You can buy sheets of heat-activated bonding web to sandwich between your fabric and feathers. Iron according to product instructions to melt the adhesive and seal the feathers in place. Test your fabric type first since ironing directly can damage some materials.
Attaching feathers to paper crafts
Feathers can add whimsy to cards, scrapbooks, bookmarks, and more. Some attachment methods to try include:
Glue dots
Small circular glue dots provide nice precise adhesion for paper projects. Simply peel and stick a dot onto the feather quill, then press onto your paper in the desired spot.
Double-sided tape
Keep feather stems intact by applying narrow double-sided tape onto the backside. Remove the top tape backing and adhere feathers where you want them. Foam tape also helps provide dimension.
Decoupage medium
Use soft bristle brushes to coat feathers and your paper surface with decoupage glue. Affix the feathers and brush on 1-3 more layers to add glossy dimension and seal the pieces together once dry.
How to make feathers stick to plastic and glass
Smooth slippery surfaces like plastic and glass can make feather sticking a challenge. Here are some solutions:
Sand surfaces first
Use extra fine grit sandpaper to lightly scuff up plastic and glass where you plan to attach feathers. This helps adhesives grip better. Wipe away any dust with a dry cloth.
Super glue
A tiny drop of super glue helps feathers adhere well to sanded plastics and glass. Allow to fully cure for at least 24 hours before handling the project.
Spray adhesive
Applying a light misting of temporary adhesive spray onto feathers and plastic/glass helps create a stickier surface for bonding. Position feathers and press down firmly for 30-60 seconds.
Decoupage medium
Decoupage acts as a sealant and adds grip to smooth surfaces. Brush on a layer, add feathers, brush on a few more thin coats and let fully dry between each one before handling the finished piece.
How to make feather arrangements in a vase or jar
Fill vases and jars with whimsical feather bouquets using liquid adhesives and décor items:
Floral foam bricks
Soak foam in water, then insert into vases to act as a base for holding stemmed feathers. Push quills firmly into the foam to secure.
Decoupage medium
Submerge jar bases, marbles or stones in diluted decoupage glue. Let dry completely, then brush glue onto jar rims. Press in feathers pointing upward in your desired pattern as they stick instantly.
Hot glue
Run hot glue along jar rims or the tops of décor items and allow to cool slightly. Then press in feathers to create the look of them sprouting upward from the adhesive.
What are some common feather craft mistakes?
When working with feathers, here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Not trimming feather stems – Leaving long quills may make placement tricky and create a messy finished look.
- Skimping on adhesive – Use a sufficient amount so feathers stay put securely on your projects.
- Rushing drying time – Let all adhesives fully cure before wearing or handling feathered pieces to prevent losing feathers.
- Ironing frivolous feathers – Use low heat and test fragile feathers first to avoid burning or scorching them.
- Applying too much decoupage – Thick layers will take longer to dry and can leave a bumpy finish.
What are some best practices for working with feathers?
Follow these tips for making feather crafting easier and achieving better results:
- Choose feathers suitable for your project’s scale and density goals.
- Store extra feathers in a dry place so they don’t get crushed or warped.
- Trim feathers to uniform lengths or stagger them for a natural look.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using spray or liquid adhesives.
- Let glue fully dry between coats to prevent globs and running.
- Brush decoupage medium on in thin, even layers.
- Consider wiring thicker feather stems for better shaping and control.
- Spot test glues and methods first on inconspicuous areas.
Conclusion
The key to successfully attaching feathers is choosing the right adhesive method for your particular project and materials. Consider the feather sizes, arrangement, flexibility, visibility, and how much handling the finished piece will get. With a bit of thoughtful planning, you can create showstopping feather crafts with secure, long-lasting bonds that will delight!