Feathered Collar How-To

Sharing costume knowledge is an awesome part of being a crafter and cosplayer!

Check out my video blog or follow the step-by-step photo directions below to create your own amazing feathered collar.

Evil Queen, Dark Fae, Vampire, Bird or Owl Costumes look great with a feathered collar.

YouTube Video Blog Costume Tutorial of How To Make a Feathered Collar

Let's begin the step-by-step picture tutorial:

Step One - Create a base.

I like to cut out a yoke of black polar fleece (soft!) on which you glue the whole feathered mess. None of the yoke will show when you are done, but if you are doing white feathers I would use a white fleece just to avoid a dirty shadowed look. Make sure as you place feathers and trim on the yoke that you leave a little fleece hanging out at the FRONT of the collar to later sew on the necklace clips.

Step Two - Cut and place your base feathers.

I like to use a yard of Rooster saddle feathers pre-strung, which you can find online from most feather distributors in various price ranges according to thickness and quality. I cut the strip into 6 equal pieces (3 for each shoulder). Use the hot glue gun set to high heat to glue the feather strips onto the base in layers. Focus the glue on the base of the feathers, where they are pre-strung. Turn the feathers on the bottom strip DOWN, turn the other two strips on that side UP when you glue for the winged look shown here.

Step Three - Add any embellishment feathers.

Sometimes I want a few natural colored feathers on top to add texture. Glue these in next individually, putting a little glue on the base of the accent feather and tucking it in as desired. In this model I placed a few additional brown feathers in between the layers as well.

Step Four - Add the trims.

I like to start with a feathery, torn-thread trim that blends the feathers to the neckline. Glue it carefully along the edge of the feathers and exposed yoke at the back of the neck, go slowly and just glue a few inches at a time for accuracy. I layer on a more decorative trim over the frayed layer to add a little sparkle.

Step Five - Add the necklace chain and pendant.

I like to sew on two necklace clips so you can attach the chain and pendant however you like or even replace it when reusing the item with a different costume.

Finished Product: A beautiful, unique accessory!

Thank you for joining me and for experiencing this art together...