How to dye feathers
I personally prefer the look of natural feathers. I really do like the colors and variations in natural feathers. Some feathers have a sheen and iridescence to them that you don’t appreciate once they have been dyed. I think they are absolutely beautiful. Adornments made for us by the Creator of all. However, some people like the fun of dyed feathers. Let’s face it, a nice hot pink fluffy feather makes a bold statement that you are a fun person!
So I offer some dyed feathers. I have 2 kinds. The type that are sold by most craft stores such as AC Moore or Michaels, and ones I dye myself. The ones from the store, pre-dyed as it were, are NOT colorfast. They can bleed color if they get very wet. HOWEVER, the ones I dye myself ARE colorfast! I use “Rit” brand dye, and they not only claim that feathers dyed according to their directions are indeed colorfast, I have also tested them. I dyed a batch of feathers, then soaked them and rubbed them with a white towel, and no color came off.
Dying feathers is a relatively easy process. Make sure the feathers are clean. You can wash them in warm soapy water. Use a mild soap, and rinse them well. Try not to handle the feathers too much or they may become damaged or lose their shape. You also need to use hot water, but not boiling. Do not dry them with heat as this may make them brittle. I have found the best way is to hang them in front of a fan. As the moving air helps them dry fluffier. I would tape the quill end of the feather to the front of a fan turned on low. They would be dry within an hour and quite fluffy.
When dying feathers make sure you use plastic to cover your work area, and wear an apron or old shirt! I used the powder form of the “Rit” dye. Once you have mixed the dye, test it on a small feather. You may add more powder to make it darker, or more water to make it lighter. Basic recipe: make sure you shake the package of dye powder well before opening. Mix 1 quart of very hot water with 3 teaspoons of powder dye. The water should be about 140 degrees. Pour mixture into a plastic container large enough to hold the feathers.
Immerse the feathers completely in the dye mixture. Let them soak for about 2 to 5 minutes, stirring them occasionally. Take a feather out and check that the color is satisfactory. Remove them when they are a shade or two darker than the final desired color as they will lighten as they dry. Rinse feathers carefully in warm water. Allow to dry. The feathers are now ready to use! Have fun!
