How to Make a Chinese Shuttlecock

Shuttlecock is a game in which players try to keep a shuttlecock, or a weighted bundle of feathers, in the air without using their hands. Players may use their feet, legs or other body parts to keep the shuttlecock off the ground. Because there are different techniques, modes of play and styles of keeping the shuttlecock off the ground, there are varying degrees of difficulty associated with the game. The only required equipment is a shuttlecock, which you can easily make yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 to 6 small feathers (chicken tail feathers are preferred, but artificial feathers work)
  • 4-inch length of string
  • Metal washer or coin with a hole in the center (Chinese coins are ideal)
  • 4-by-4-inch square of fabric
  • Needle
  • Thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather the feathers in your hand and form a tight bundle.

    • 2

      Use the string to tightly tie the bundle together at the base. The bundle must be tight enough to slip through the hole in your washer or coin. Trim any excess string.

    • 3

      Insert the bottom of the bundle through the hole in your washer or coin. The washer or coin acts as the base for your shuttlecock. Move the washer or coin up slightly on the bundle of feathers so that about an inch of the bundle sticks out of the washer or coin.

    • 4

      Tightly wrap the coin and the base of the bundle in the 4-by-4-inch square of fabric.

    • 5

      Using the needle and thread, sew up the fabric. You should have a tightly wrapped fabric base with the feathers extending out of the top. Trim any excess fabric away from the base.