How to Make a Quill Pen out of a Feather

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

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!

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  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.
    Advertisement
  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
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 19 Helpful 71
  • Question
    Can I use a feather I found on the roadside?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but wash it in case it contains parasites.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 15 Helpful 85
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 56
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Show More Tips

      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.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • You will be using sharp and hot objects, adult supervision/help recommended.
        Thanks
        Helpful 62 Not Helpful 21
      • 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!
        Thanks
        Helpful 9 Not Helpful 6
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

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

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Clean and Polish Seashells
      How to
      Prune a Rubber Plant
      How to
      Drill a Hole in a Seashell (Without a Drill)
      How to
      Dye Fabric with Beets
      How to
      Clean and Preserve an Animal Skull
      How to
      Braid String
      How to
      Make Moss Graffiti
      How to
      Bend Bamboo
      How to
      Glue Rocks Together for Landscaping: The Best Glue to Use & More
      How to
      Preserve Pinecones: 3 Easy Steps
      How to
      Dye Feathers
      Crack, Clean, & Remove the Meat from a Coconut
      How to
      Make String Art: A Fun & Easy DIY
      How to
      Make Feather Fans
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/u8LTei_AIs0?t=221
      2. ↑ https://regia.org/research/church/quill2.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF_dRWZNsQM
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/m48E-BGI1Lo?t=77

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 214,578 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement