How to Make Jewelry With Porcupine Quills

One of nature's original beads, quills have been being used in the creation of jewelry for centuries. Once harvested, they need to be cleaned, de-barbed, and if desired, dyed.

De-Barb the Quills

To de-barb quills, clip both ends off with a small, sharp pair of scissors. Do not use dull scissors as they will compress, and possibly crack the quill instead of cleanly cutting through it. Quills that are to be used in beadwork designs where the needle must be run through them will need to be de-barbed. Designs where the quills are to be woven together, as in box coverings, may be left with their barbs intact, or de-barbed, depending on the artist's preference. Be sure to complete any removal of barbed ends over a garbage receptacle, and not in any area where children or pets may be exposed to the loose barbs.

Cleaning Quills

To clean quills, it is important to pick a soap or detergent that will fight the naturally greasy coating found on the quills. Dawn dish soap works well, and rinses away satisfactorily. Fill a large glass bowl or plastic dishpan (one that will not be reused for any food items) with hot soapy water. If quills are still barbed, be extremely cautious when involved in the cleaning. Place quills into hot soapy water and gently swish around. If quills are extremely dirty, an old cloth may be placed into the container and used to agitate the quills. Replace water if it becomes cool or extremely dirty before quills are sufficiently cleaned. Rinse well, and lay out in a single layer on paper toweling or cloths to dry. A sunny area works best.

Dyeing Quills