How to Draw a Feather (Easy Step by Step)
A feather is a fun first drawing because it is mostly one long curve with wavy edges. You build it from a skinny curved line, a pointed tip, a thin stick at the bottom, and a row of little zigzag hooks down each side. Once you see the pattern, you can draw one in a few minutes.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 7 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a feather step by step
How to Draw a Feather · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: The center line
Draw a long, gently curved line that leans a little to the right, like a skinny banana. This is the spine of the feather, so leave room around it on both sides.
Step 2: The pointed top
Start near the top of the center line and draw a pointed tip, then curve down the right side with a small wiggle. Go back to the tip and draw the left side down with a couple of little notches.
Step 3: The quill
At the bottom of the center line, draw two curved lines going down and to the left. Close the end with a short slanted line to make a thin stick.
Step 4: Upper left zigzag
On the left side, a little below the notches, draw a short zigzag with two or three small hooks. Let the hooks point toward the center line.
Step 5: Lower left zigzag
Keep going down the left side with more small zigzag hooks, one under the other. Finish the last one where the feather meets the quill.
Step 6: Upper right zigzag
On the right side, in the middle of the feather, draw a wavy zigzag with a few small curly points. Each point should reach toward the center line without touching it.
Step 7: Lower right zigzag
Add a few more curly points going down the right side. Then close the bottom of the feather with a small wobbly line that meets the quill.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your feather? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a comet or how to draw a tornado next.
Tips for drawing a feather
- Draw the center line first and make it curve gently. The rest of the feather follows it, so a smooth curve makes everything else easier.
- The zigzag hooks are the trickiest part. Draw them one at a time, and let each one start at the edge and point toward the center line.
- Try to keep the hooks on both sides about the same size, but do not worry if they are not perfect. Real feathers are a little uneven.
Free feather coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this feather coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your feather drawing
Try soft blues and grays for a pigeon feather, or bright red, orange, and yellow for a parrot. For something different, color each section of the feather a different rainbow color.
Feather fun fact for kids
The hollow stick at the bottom of a feather is called the quill. Long ago, people dipped quills in ink and used them as pens.
Questions about drawing a feather
What shapes do I need to draw a feather?
You need a long curved line for the middle, a pointed tip for the top, and a row of small zigzag hooks along both sides. The stick at the bottom is two curved lines joined at the end.
How do I make my feather look softer?
Make the edge hooks curvy and rounded instead of sharp. Wavy lines that bend a little make the feather look light and fluffy.
Which part should I draw first?
Start with the long curved center line. It sets the lean of the whole feather, and every other part is drawn around it.
