Master macramé:

Hang multiple feathers on a wall or single ones from bags or keys. These are definitely trending right now and we can see why – they are simply gorgeous.

Well, maybe not master, but these cute feathers are a fun place to start

You’ll need

A range of macramé cord

(your choice of colour) and/or coloured yarn (thick cotton blends are best – choose something that can be untwisted easily)

Ruler

Sharp fabric scissors

Comb

Spray-on fabric stiffener Driftwood, keyring loops (optional)

1 You can make these as big or small as you like. For a mediumsized feather, approximately 25cm long, cut a 50cm length of cord for the middle spine. Cut 20cm lengths to tie onto this.

2 Start by folding the 50cm length of cord in half and laying it down so the loop is at the top. Take one of your 20cm strands, fold it in half and place it horizontally under the spine (see pic A), with the loop to the left of the spine. Leave enough room at the top to create a loop to hang the feather with or to attach a piece of driftwood or a keyring.

3 Take another 20cm strand, fold it in half and place it over the previous horizontal strand, this time on top of the spine and with the loop to the right. Feed the ends of each horizontal strand into the loop of the other (see pics B and C) and pull ends through to make a knot, tying the strands to the spine (see pic D). Pull both sides tightly to form a secure knot.

Repeat this process all the way down the spine (pic E). As you work your way down, slide the strands up towards each other so they sit tightly together – hold the bottom of the spine with one hand and with the other slide your strands upwards (see pics F and H). Add in strands of a different colour as you go (pic G).

4 Continue adding strands until you are near the bottom and your fringe hangs down to meet the base of the spine. Give your feather a rough trim now, if you like – to outline the final shape you want. Lay your feather on a durable surface (a cutting mat works well), take your comb and comb out the cord to separate the strands (see pic I). Keep going until you have a lovely soft fringe; ensuring you comb out the strands right up to the spine of your feather.

5 Next, you’ll want to stiffen the feather a bit – the cording is so soft that it will flop when you pick it up. Spray with a fabric stiffener and allow to dry for a few hours.

6 Once your feather is a bit stiffer it’s easier to cut it into its final shape (see pic J). It’s best to trim less and then more if needed, as once cut, there’s no going back! If you want to hang the feather on the wall, give it another spray of fabric stiffener. Attach a piece of driftwood or a keyring to the loop, if desired. Gorgeous! AWW