FEATHER STITCH - Easy Embroidery Tutorial

Feather stitch (or featherstitch) just curls across the fabric and lightly gives your design a soft feathery texture. ‘As light as a feather’ is a great description to add to this delicate and soft stitch. Feather stitch is a form of chain stitch and is a simple, basic embroidery stitch. Useful for branches, twigs, vines and underwater seaweed or coral, it can twist and turn gently into a picturesque work of art. You will also find feather stitch on the seams of some quilts as a decorative stitch.

Feather Stitch Embroidery Tutorial with step by step photos — Feather Stitch Tutorial

Table of Contents

Feather Stitch Shapes

Feather Stitch Shapes: Feather stitch can grace your design freely or you can be pedantic about symmetry and draw four lines to work within ensuring each stitch is exactly in the right place and has the right spacing.

If you choose to draw four evenly spaced lines to work with then the gaps between the lines will determine the size and length of the stitch. I always recommend using lines when learning this stitch. Switch to a more free-flowing version after you have practiced a few times.

feather stitch embroidery, featherstitch — Feather Stitch

Feather Stitch Tools

The great thing about embroidery is that you need very few tools. It is easiest to sew feather stitch in an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric tight and prevent puckering. Learn all about embroidery tools.

THREADS - Use embroidery floss. This thread comes with 6 intertwined strands. You can use all 6 strands for a thicker look or pull it apart to use fewer for fine work. I usually use the 6 strands as I like a chunky look.
NEEDLES - Embroidery or crewel needles have a longer eye that makes it easier to thread. If you have any problems threading the thick threads through the needle, try a needle threader and make sure the end is cut sharply.
FABRIC - While you can use any fabric, it is easiest to use fabrics with an open weave like linen, cotton or Aida fabric. I used an unbleached calico for my samples.
MARKING - Tailor's chalk or removable fabric marking pens are best. Just test first to make sure the markings can be removed easily after you finish the feather stitch.

If you are new to embroidery, read my in-depth article on how to embroider to get you started.

How to do Feather Stitch

Step 1- Starting Stitch

Feather stitch looks complicated until you realize it is just a series of offset v shapes.

Draw 4 lines and the v shapes as below. Once you have practiced the stitch a few times you won't need the guidelines and can switch to a more free-flowing version.

feather stitch shape — Feather Stitch Formation

Thread your needle single and knot the end.

Bring your needle up from the back of your fabric to the left bottom of your first marked row at (1).

Note: we will be working this stitch left to right

feather stitch step 1 — Feather Stitch - Step 1

Step 2 - Form the First Triangle

The first line is the starting point and your thread loops across to the third line for the second point of the stitch at (2).

See how (2) is directly in line above (1).

Exit the needle at (3) which is on the second line and equal distance forwards from (1) and (2).

Loop the thread under the tip of the needle at (3).

feather stitch step 2 — *Feather Stitch - Step 2*

Here is how it looks when the first stitch is pulled tight.

Step 3 - Add More Feathering

Continue to follow your design adding feathering on each side.

The next loop of the stitch goes across to line four as you complete the second triangle.

Insert the needle at (4), exit at (5) making sure the thread is under the tip of the needle.

Notice how (4) is directly about point (3).

Step 4 - Start Again

Go back to line one to create another triangle the same as the first.

Here is a row of feather stitch. Now you have the hang of it, try again without the lines.

feather stitch tutorial — *Feather Stitch*

Using Feather Stitch as Stems

If you use feather stitch as stems, you will need some flowers to go with them! You can create a whole garden scene.

See my tutorials on:

Feather Stitch - In Conclusion

Variations of feather stitch can come naturally as you change the length, size and symmetry of the triangles. You can choose to only feather one side of the line or you can freehand this stitch very easily.

Feel as free as a bird and get creative with feather stitch!