I always have a row of sunflowers along the back fence in my garden. One of the joys of having sunflowers in your garden is watching the birds eat the sunflower seeds. We get pretty chickadees, blue stellar jays and yellow goldfinches. But sometimes I need to pull out the sunflowers (or they fall over!) before the birds are done eating all of the seeds. What to do? Cut off the seed heads and make a DIY sunflower bird feeder!

Bird on a sunflower birdfeeder.
Birds love these birdfeeders because it is easy for them to reach the seeds.

Birds like these sunflower bird feeders because they are are level and it is easy for them to reach the seeds. And since the sunflowers are hanging up off the ground few pests will bother them.

This DIY sunflower bird feeder is very easy to make and requires just a few materials. It also makes a nice gift to a friend who doesn’t have sunflowers in their garden. Let’s go through how to make a DIY sunflower bird feeder step-by-step.

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Materials List

Sunflower heads and twine to make sunflower birdfeeders.
Twine and sunflower seed heads are all that you need to make these bird feeders.

Twine or Cotton String – You will use this to hang the sunflower seed heads. You will need four pieces of string for each bird feeder, each about 3 feet long. You may need to make these a little longer if you have an especially large seed head. I like to use this cotton twine and it works very well.

Sunflower Seed Heads – Larger seed heads will make it easier for the birds to land on. Make sure that the seed heads have mature seeds for the birds to eat.

How to Make a DIY Sunflower Bird Feeder

Step 1: Cut the Stems off the Sunflowers

Turn the sunflower seed head over and cut the stem 1-2 inches from the back of the sunflower head. It is best to leave it a little long rather than cut it too short so it is easier to tie the string in the next step.

Cut the stem off the back of the sunflower.
Cut the stem 1-2 inches from the back of the sunflower head.
Make sure you don’t make it so short so it is easier to tie the string to it in the next step.

Step 2: Tie the String to the Sunflower

Cut the string or twine into four pieces that are each about 3 feet long and gather them together neatly. Holding the ends of all the strings together, tie them tightly to the stem at the base of the sunflower head. Double knot this to make it strong.

Tie string to the sunflower stem.
Tie all of the strings to the stem of the sunflower head. Double knot this to make it strong.

Spread the strings out in a cross and then carefully turn the sunflower head over. Adjust the strings so they come out evenly around the edges of the sunflower. Now you are ready to knot the strings together on the front side!

Spread the strings out and then carefully turn the sunflower head over. Adjust them so they are even around the edges of the sunflower.

Step 3: Knot the Strings Together

Holding the sunflower level, tie all four strings together in a slip knot about a foot or two above the sunflower head. Do this loosely at first. If the sunflower is not level, loosen the knot and try again. The slip knot will make a nice loop to hang up your sunflower.

Holding the sunflower head level, tie a slip knot at the top. This will be used to hang up your birdfeeder.

Step 4: Hang the Sunflower Bird Feeder Outside!

Try to hang your bird feeder where it will not get super wet because this could cause the seeds to mold. You can hang it in a tree or on a hook somewhere in your yard.

Three sunflower birdfeeders hanging in the garden.

Have fun watching the birds this fall! Enjoy!

A chickadee bird eating seeds on a sunflower birdfeeder.
Chickadee bird on DIY sunflower birdfeeder.
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How to Make a DIY Sunflower Bird Feeders

Are you removing your sunflowers before the birds are done with the seeds? Cut off the seed heads and make these cute DIY sunflower bird feeders! These also make great gifts to share with friends and family.
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Author: Project by: Mandy

Materials

  • Sunflower Seed Heads
  • Twine or Cotton String
  • Scissors

Instructions

  • Turn the sunflower head over and cut the stem about 1-2 inches from the back of the sunflower head. It is best to leave it a little long rather than cut it too short so it is easier to tie the string in the next step.
  • Cut four pieces of string that are each 3 feet long and gather them together neatly. Holding the ends of all the strings together, tie them tightly to the stem at the base of the sunflower head. Double knot this to make it strong.
  • Spread the strings out in a cross and carefully turn the sunflower head over. Adjust the strings so they come out evenly around the edges of the sunflower.
  • Holding the sunflower head level, tie all four strings together in a slip knot about a foot or two above the sunflower head. Do this loosely at first. If the sunflower is not level, loosen the knot and try again.
  • Hang your sunflower bird feeder outside for the birds to find! Have fun!

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