How to Make a Macrame Feather - Easy Macrame Leaf for Beginners

You need 3mm single strand twisted cotton string, a sheet of felt, fabric glue, a pet slicker brush with a fine comb, and sharp scissors. Chantel uses E6000 glue and a pet brush from the store. The brush is the secret. Its fine wire teeth untwist the cotton into soft fibres, which is what gives the feather its fluffy look.

The felt backing holds the feather's shape on the wall, so start there. Chantel cuts a reusable template first, then traces it onto the felt. Hers is 13 inches long and 7 1/4 inches wide at the widest point, which makes a finished feather about 15 by 8 inches. A paper leaf shape folded in half gives you a template that is even on both sides.

Cut along your traced line with sharp scissors. Go slowly around the curves and the pointed tip so the edge stays smooth. This shape decides the final outline of your feather, because you will trim the brushed cord along it later. Set the felt leaf aside for now while you knot the feather itself.

Cut a piece of cord 36 inches long. This becomes the spine running down the middle of the feather. Fold it in half and tie a double knot near the fold to make a small hanging loop at the top. Lay it on the table with the loop at the top and the two long tails running straight down toward you.

Cut 32 pieces of cord at 17 inches each. Fold one in half, slide the loop under the centre cords, and pull the ends through the loop. That is a cow hitch knot. It is the reverse of a lark's head knot. Flip a lark's head over and you see a cow hitch. Push it up snug under the top knot.

Add the next cord from the other side, then keep alternating. One on the left, one on the right, all the way down until all 32 pieces are on. Push each knot up tight against the one above so the spine looks neat. When you are done, tie the two middle strands in a double knot at the bottom to lock everything in place.

Move the feather to a board you do not mind scratching. Hold the spine down with one hand and brush the strands outward with the pet brush, working from the spine to the tips. Clear the cotton out of the brush as it builds up. Then go over it again with a fine comb so no curls are left. Flip it over and brush the other side.

Decide which side looks best and use it as the front. Turn the feather over. Run glue down the centre spine and spread a little over the felt as well. Press the felt leaf onto the back so it is centred under the spine. Flip the feather back over and add a dab of extra glue at the top for a strong hold.

With the felt on the back, cut along its edge to shape the feather. Chantel's regular scissors were a bit dull, so she used her sewing scissors. Sharp shears give a crisp edge, while dull ones chew the fibres. Cut one side, then the other, and flip the feather over to tidy any stray bits you missed.

Give the front a final comb so the strands lie straight, and snip any that stick out past the outline, especially around the tip. Then fluff the fringe lightly with your fingers to give the feather a little more depth. Hang it by the top loop on its own, or group a few on a branch.