It is well known that I’m a fan of zany and off the wall knitting projects, but when they can be a little weird and also useful at the same time? Sign me up.
That’s the ground we’re covering today with the Quill Feather design from Jessica Goddard. This pattern for a knit feather quill is designed to have a hollow for a pen or pencil, so you can write fancy without having to harvest a feather of your own and turn it into a pen.
The pattern has two versions: one is a tail feather, which is symmetrical, and a wing feather, which is not. Either way, the pattern calls for DK weight yarn, and it’s worked in a single piece on double pointed knitting needles, though there’s only a little bit that is actually worked in the round.
The designer says your yarn should match the pen or pencil that you’re planning to cover, but it might also be fun to make them more accurate to bird colors. Or just make a fuchsia one, just for fun. No judgement here.
Whatever you choose, the pattern is pretty quick and easy once you get the hang of the increase that’s being used.
Some things about this pattern than might be appealing to you: it only has two ends to weave in and you don’t have to block it unless you want to. The ribbing stitches will stand out a bit more if you do, but it’s really fine either way. There is a little grafting involved, but that’s the hardest thing you’re doing here.
This is such a fun little project and a great way to use up little bits of yarn left from other projects.
If there’s a little kid in your life, they’re sure to love having a “feather pen” to write with. Heck, many adults in you life would also be pretty thrilled by it.
You can grab the free pattern from ODDknit.
[Photo: Jessica Goddard]
