How to Stitch a Feather Stitch

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The feather stitch is used as a smocking stitch. It can be used along straight or curving lines, and works well in combination with a variety of stitches. It is often found in historical stitch work and remains one of the most popular stitches. Read on to learn how to stitch a feather stitch.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Start the needlework by securing the tail of the thread on the backside of the fabric with the first few stitches.
Step 2

Imagine four parallel lines or mark the fabric with a fade-our marker. Bring the needle to the front of the fabric on the top line and hold down the thread with the thumb.
Step 3

Insert the needle again just to the right on the same line and make a small stitch, bringing the point of the needle out on the center line. Keep the thread under the needle point. Pull the thread through to make the stitch.
Step 4

Insert the needle again just to the left on the same line and make a small stitch, bringing the point of the needle out on the center line. Keep the thread under the needle point. Pull the thread through to make the stitch.
Step 5

Alternate the two movements the desired length of the feather stitch. Finish the stitching by weaving the thread under a few stitches on the backside of the fabric.