How to Stitch a Feather Stitch

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use knots to begin or finish needlework, they are visible through the fabric from the front of the completed work.

Resources

• Source for Patterns, Supplies and Accessories