From elaborate costumes to couture gowns and accessories, feathers have been an important part of the commercial fashion industry. It’s no surprise that we are continuing to see a re-emergence of ostrich feathers on fashion runways that pay homage to the late Jazz and disco eras. If you are looking for a way to elevate any look or perhaps try your hand at a statement piece, feathers may just be the answer! Here are a few helpful tips in our free download below to get you started!
Tips For Applying Individual Feathers
The most common and effective way to apply individual feathers would be to use fabric glue. If you are using feathers for costuming and crafts, hot glue and tacky glue adhesives will do the trick. For a more permanent solution, try using E6000 Craft Adhesive. It’s also recommended to use fabric glue that dries clear and comes available in a squeeze bottle with a narrow tip. This will help to control the amount of glue as you apply it. Begin at the base of the feather and squeeze small beads of glue onto the shaft ending at the tip. Gently press the feather onto your fabric and apply pressure allowing it to set. Continue the process until you have the desired amount of layers. Another great way to sew on individual feathers is to hand stitch them on.
Tips For Applying Feather Appliques
Feather appliques consist of feathers that have been bonded onto a pad with a fabric backing. You can apply the applique to fabric with fabric glue, by hand stitching, or a combination of both. Simply apply the fabric glue to the center of the applique and spread it towards the edges with a dry crafting brush. To secure the applique, allow it to set on your fabric and hand-stitch it along the edges.
Tips For Attaching Feather Trim
Feather trim consists of individually glued or bonded feathers that are sewn between a strip of woven tape. Because the feathers are bonded to the trim with glue, it can potentially leave residue on your needle. This sticky build-up may cause the feathers to break. It is suggested that you use a nonstick needle when sewing. The feathers can then be sewn on row after row to create fullness for various types of garments. Easily create decorative hemlines, full skirts, and accessories!
Creating layers: lay your trim onto the right side of your fabric to determine where you would like to begin the layering process. Start from the bottom edge and work your way up. Mark the location of the first row with dressmaker’s chalk. Pin the trim in place and sew using a straight stitch. Move up about 2” or so depending on the length of your trim. Repeat by marking, pining, and stitching your layers to create fullness and volume.
Needles and Care Instructions
Sewing Needles: Schmetz 5 Super Nonstick Needles are special sewing machine needles that are coated with non-stick properties which gives them the ability to stitch through adhesives without accumulating a sticky residue.
Pins: Instead of using the standard dressmaker pins, I would suggest using pins that have bright-colored crafting pins or quilting pins. They will be easier to see when pining and won’t get lost between the feathers. It’s also a good idea to sew with the feathers facing away from your guiding hand.
Caring for Feather trim: To clean, submerge feathers in warm to hot water and gently swish them around to remove any dirt and debris. Hang feathers to dry. Use cool air from a blow dryer to fluff feathers if needed. It’s best to dry clean finished garments that have feather trim.
