What Is Feather Stitch?

Feather stitch is a decorative embroidery stitch that creates an open, flowing line of loops that alternate left and right. It’s perfect for organic designs—like trailing vines, seaweed, coral or leafy branches—and works beautifully in borders too.

This stitch is worked using a repeating rhythm: each loop is anchored down as the next is formed. You can space the loops close together for a dense texture, or further apart for a more relaxed look.

Feather stitch is simple once you get into the rhythm, and looks especially pretty in variegated thread or layered with other stitches.

How to Do Feather Stitch (Step-by-Step)

1. Step 1: Bring your needle up at the top of the line (point 1), then insert it at point 2 and bring it up again at point 3, catching the loop under the needle.
2. Step 2: Repeat the stitch, alternating sides of the central line (points 4 and 5), always catching the thread under the needle to form a loop.
3. Step 3: When your row is complete, secure the final loop with a tiny straight stitch (point 6).

Tips for Feather Stitch

• Keep your loops evenly spaced by using a central guide line or marking points with a fabric pen.
• Use longer or shorter diagonal stitches to control the width of your feathering.
• Try this stitch with variegated thread or fine lines to add a delicate, sketchy look to your designs.