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.

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.

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