How to Make an Eco-Friendly Suet Bird Feeder with Crochet

Materials & tools you'll need

Step 1 — Create the foundation chain

Begin with a foundation chain of 40 stitches using single crochet. This chain lays the groundwork for the bird feeder body. Take your time to ensure each stitch is tight and evenly spaced — a consistent foundation chain makes all subsequent rows much easier to work and ensures the feeder holds its shape once filled with suet.

Step 2 — Work the increasing rows

Work in rows, adding 2 stitches at the start of every row until you reach the eighth row. By this point the width should measure around 8 inches (20 cm). These increasing rows create a wider foundation for the feeder body that can comfortably accommodate various types and sizes of suet blocks.

Step 3 — Work the treble crochet rows

Once you have reached the 8-inch width, switch to treble crochet stitches and continue working rows until the feeder body reaches a height of approximately 4 inches (10 cm). Treble crochet stitches provide structure and strength to the feeder walls, ensuring the feeder can handle the weight of birds perching and feeding without losing its shape.

Step 4 — Work the base

Return to single crochet stitches for the base section. Work two rows with 6 stitches each, followed by one row with 8 stitches. This creates a flat, stable base that secures the feeder in place and supports the weight of the suet from below. The tighter single crochet stitches in the base provide a firmer, more durable surface than the treble crochet body.

Step 5 — Sew the sides together

Sew the sides of the feeder together using a slip stitch to close off the body. Work carefully and evenly all the way along the seam to ensure the join is strong and neat. Make sure to leave an opening at the bottom of the feeder for easy access when filling it with suet.

Step 6 — Close the bottom opening

Close off the bottom opening using single crochet stitches, working around the entire opening to reinforce the base and give the feeder a clean, finished appearance. The reinforced bottom prevents the suet from pushing through and ensures the feeder remains sturdy in all weather conditions.

Step 7 — Create the hanging cord

To create the hanging cord, chain approximately 100 stitches and then slip stitch back to the work. Repeat this process three times to form four loops in total. These loops will act as handles for hanging your completed feeder and provide the strength needed to support the weight of the filled feeder when suspended outdoors.

Step 8 — Weave the cord

Weave the cord through the sides of the feeder to create a secure closure. Work the cord in and out of the stitches evenly all the way around. Make sure all knots are tucked in neatly and the cord is tightly woven throughout, preventing any accidental opening or spillage of suet during use.

Step 9 — Add the hanging loops

Finish by adding a loop at the front, side, and back of the feeder for the hanging cord to pass through. These loops provide multiple options for positioning your feeder and allow you to adjust how it hangs to find the most stable and bird-friendly orientation. Secure each loop firmly so it can bear the weight of the feeder when full.

Step 10 — Fill and hang your feeder

Fill the completed feeder with suet through the bottom opening, then thread the long hanging cord through the loops to close it securely. Hang your feeder at a height where birds can comfortably reach it but where predators cannot easily access it — a branch or dedicated bird feeder pole both work well. Enjoy watching the birds visit your handmade, eco-friendly feeding station!

Frequently asked questions

What materials are needed to make a crochet suet bird feeder?
You will need cotton yarn (chosen for its eco-friendly, sustainable properties), a crochet hook sized to your yarn, scissors, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

How is the base of the crochet suet bird feeder constructed?
The base is worked in single crochet stitches: two rows with 6 stitches each, followed by one row with 8 stitches. This creates a flat, stable base that secures the feeder in place and supports the weight of the suet.

What is the purpose of weaving a cord through the sides of the bird feeder?
Weaving the cord through the sides creates a secure closure for the feeder, preventing accidental opening or spillage of suet. The tightly woven cord holds the sides firmly together while still allowing the feeder to be opened for refilling.

How do I hang the completed crochet suet bird feeder?
Pass the long hanging cord through the loops added to the front, side, and back of the feeder. These loops provide multiple hanging options so you can position the feeder at a height that is comfortably accessible for birds but difficult for predators to reach.

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