A number of readers have written asking for more detail about how I make the feet for my felt birds. There’s no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to making these little birds! In fact, I tend to make things up as I go along. So here’s my latest approach to adding feet to my birds.
Some birds have dainty little feet like this sandpiper.
Some birds have talons like the owls. Here’s how I add the feet.
Start with a piece of wire about 12 inches long, folded in half.
Wrap the folded end around a pencil four or five times.
Slide the wire off the pencil and make a loop with the straight end.
Here’s an example of dainty feet and claws ready to be sewn into the bird.
In this case, I made my great gray owl double sided.
On the wrong side of the back of the owl, I position the wire “legs” where I want them and tack the loop to the body on each side of the loop. With this owl, I run the needle and thread through just the first layer of felt – the wings on the right side hide the stitches.
The blanket stitching along the edges when I finish the bird keeps the feet from slipping around.
If you have other approaches to adding feet to your felt birds, I’d love to hear them!
Thank you for your free patterns! This is wonderful, I love birds and definitely want to try these little guys. Its nice to know there are still people out there who dont want paid for everything! By the way, have you tried making dogs? I have two Beagles that would look so adorable as felt animals…..
Nope, I haven’t made a Snoopy yet – I’ve got a lot of birds to work my way through!
Of all the felt bird patterns I have found on the internet, your patterns are the ones I love to make. For Christmas gifts this year I made my favorite birds (bluebird, owl, canada goose) with a gift card describing features of each bird and why I had selected a specific bird for a friend. For example, Canada geese demonstrate beautiful family values; the owl has been around for thousands of years and is very “wise”; and the bluebird of happiness graces the skies with its’ beauty.
Thank you very much for making your patterns available! They are wonderful!!
What a lovely thing to say! And what lovely gifts to offer. Your sentiment makes them very special.
Susan — I have purchased 3 types of wire and none of them have worked…what type are you using? Gauge and type…you wire is darker than the ones I’ve tried and also it looks much thinner. I tried Walmart and Lowes? Am I looking in the wrong area? Maybe florist supplies?
Mine looks darker because it is rusty! I’ve had it forever. I would say that it’s more along florist wire in size. It is thin – it was originally used for wiring up wreaths. I hope that helps. Next time I’m out and about at the hardware, I’ll see if I can get a better guideline for you.
Thank you, your loved birds -‘m from Brazil.
I really live your bird patterns and am busy making them for the various animal charities here in Spain. The patterns are so easy to follow and thank you for making them free. I hope to make everyone of them…….eventually.
You’re welcome. Glad you’re having fun with the patterns!
Thank you so much for posting all of these patterns and how to make the wire feet. Your birds are so realistic! My Mom is in the process of creating a tree with branches from our yard and she had envisioned putting birds and owls in the branches so I am really excited about making your birds for her. The only problem is deciding which one to start with because they are all so pretty and I want to make them all. thank you so much for posting these. I just found your website and I cannot believe they are free. Thank you so much!
I think you just saved my Christmas! I’ve been making ornaments for my extended family for nearly 40 years, and the family is growing while my stamina and ideas are fading. They will love, love, love these! Thanks so much for your generous sharing of your talents and love for birds.
Just found your website and can’t believe these wonderful patterns are free. These little patterns are perfect for lots of different crafts, ornaments, appliqués on clothes, quilts etc. I can’t wait to start using them!
I still can’t believe these wonderful patterns are free!! My mom and I are both making them. I am going to have a Christmas tree full of your wonderful designs.
Thank you so much for your generosity.
I am so pleased to learn how to attach wire feet/legs & it looks so simple.
Thank you.
love these patterns. thanks so much for sharing your talents
I love, love, love your site and patterns. Working on owls presently and plan on making all the birds and animals.
Thanks so much for offering them for free!!
I made your corgi pattern as an ornament for a friend who just got a corgi pup. She loved it! I put a. Limitless sprig of fake Holly around its neck and some redembroidery thread to hang it by. Well worth the effort! Thank you. ME
These patterns are fantastic. Every year I make Christmas ornaments with my niece and nephews. This year we are doing some of your birds. Each kid picked which one they wanted and cut out the patterns. Only the niece is old enough to be able to do the sewing (which means I may or may not get them done in time to hang on this year’s tree). The wings are perfect hiding places. I’m stitching their name and the year underneath. Thank you so much!