Marabou Feathers: The Fluffy Side of Turkey Feathers

When you see a glamorous feather boa wrapped around a celebrity's shoulders or the fluffy trim on a vintage robe, you are likely looking at Marabou. While the name originally referred to the Marabou Stork, today, almost all commercial "Marabou" is actually downy turkey feathers. These feathers are harvested from the turkey's body (not the wing) and are prized for their incredible softness and fluff. They have no stiff quill, which allows them to float and move like fur.

This material is a staple in the fashion and costume industry. It is used to trim lingerie, create warm winter accessories, and add bulk to carnival costumes without adding weight. Moonlight Feather provides loose Marabou as well as strung boas, offering a cruelty-free and affordable alternative to fur.

The Unique Texture of Marabou

The structure of a Marabou feather is different from a flight feather. The barbs do not hook together; they float freely. This traps air, making the material an excellent insulator.

• Fly Tying: In fishing, Marabou is legendary. When submerged in water, the fibers pulse and breathe, mimicking the movement of a leech or baitfish. It is the primary material for the famous "Woolly Bugger" fly.

• Fashion: Because it looks like fur, it is often used as a vegan-friendly fur substitute. It accepts dye incredibly well, allowing for vibrant, saturated colors that are impossible to achieve with synthetic fibers.

Crafting with Marabou

Working with Marabou can be messy because the fibers are so light they fly everywhere. However, the results are worth it.

• Jewelry: Small tufts of Marabou glued into earring caps create soft, playful jewelry.

• Decor: Clear Christmas ornaments filled with white Marabou look like captured clouds or snow.

• Accents: Mixing Marabou with stiffer feathers creates contrast. For example, a fan made of peacock feathers might have a base of Marabou to hide the handle and glue. The fluff softens the transition between the rigid handle and the tall plumes.

Care and Maintenance

Marabou can look bedraggled if it gets wet or compressed. To revive it, simply use a hair dryer. The warm air will separate the fibers and fluff them back up to their original volume. If a boa sheds (which is normal for new items), shaking it out vigorously outdoors before wearing it will remove the loose fibers and prevent them from getting on your clothes.

Conclusion

Marabou proves that turkey feathers are not just stiff quills for writing or fletching; they can be the epitome of softness and luxury. Their ability to mimic fur and their fluid movement make them indispensable in costume design and fashion.

Whether you are tying a fishing fly to catch a trout or sewing a trim onto a velvet gown, Marabou provides a texture that is unmatched. It is a versatile, affordable, and beautiful material that adds a touch of whimsy and warmth to any project.