Looking at vintage hats, all the way back to renaissance costumes, the curled ostrich feathers on them are glorious. Shopping and trying to find them to buy is another story. If you have bought ostrich feathers you will notice that while they are lovely, they are just not the same.

How to make curled ostrich feathers

In the photo above you will see a large ostrich feather with some edges curled and some not yet done. The upper left shows the edged not curled.

What’s the trick? Curling the individual fronds with the edge of a butter knife Just like curling the paper ribbon on a gift. It takes just a bit of practice, but it is exactly the process you would use for gift wrapping.