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Have you ever found a feather and felt you just had to make it in to a quill pen? If so, this article is for you!

  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
    You can use just any feather that fits comfortably in your hand (i.e. like a pencil), but a long tail feather is best. You'll want a feather with a not too thin shaft, and one that is long.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
    You may leave them if you prefer, but this makes it easier to work with and easier to hold.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
    This is optional, but makes it soft and more easily bent, you will see why later.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
    This, too, is optional; it hardens the feather so you don't have to resharpen it as often.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
    Cut your feather at forty-five degrees then make a cut that is opposite the first one at about five degrees (Steepen if necessary). [1] This cut should make two horns. Note: The following prioritizes step three if it isn't done yet!
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
    This should create a cracking sound and a pretty central slit at the horns.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
    [2] [3]
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
    If you want to, you can dye the feather by mixing a hair dye in a clear plastic tub, repeatedly dipping the end of the feather into the dye and gently working through before washing. [4]
  9. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather
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  • Question
    Do I really have to soak it and sand it?
    Community Answer
    As stated in the tutorial, no, the soaking and sanding is not mandatory. However, the soaking will make the feather supple, and the sand will strengthen the writing tip. This is certainly recommended if you want to have the quill for prolonged use.
  • Question
    Can I use a feather I found on the roadside?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but wash it in case it contains parasites.
  • Question
    Can a peacock feather be used?
    Community Answer
    That depends on what type of feather it is. If it's a tail or wing plume, absolutely. However, other feathers are often too soft.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Drill a hole at the end of the slit, so it doesn’t go further back. This also slightly increases the ink the quill takes in.
      • You can make your own ink with shelled walnuts and similar plants. Black walnuts usually yield the darkest ink.
      • If it's legal and available to you, use goose, turkey, owl, or eagle feathers.
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      Warnings

      • You will be using sharp and hot objects, adult supervision/help recommended.
      • If you live in the United States, most bird feathers you find on the ground are illegal to keep according to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Make sure you use feathers from legal birds (chickens, domestic geese, invasive birds, etc.) before you attempt this project. You could get hit with a hefty fine or even jail time!
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      Things You'll Need

      • Good feather
      • Sharp pen-knife and/or hobby knife
      • Cup
      • Sand
      • Water
      • Oven
      • Microwave (optional)

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 215,309 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Vikki Pyle

        Dec 3, 2021

        "I found the perfect writing utensil with a perfect ink flow."
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