Finished feather stitch embroidery with alternating looped stitches forming an open decorative line.
Finished feather stitch creates an open, flowing line that works beautifully for borders, vines and leafy details.

How to do feather stitch

Feather stitch is a decorative embroidery stitch made from little looped stitches that alternate from side to side. It has a loose, natural feel, which makes it especially useful for vines, borders, stems, foliage and flowing decorative lines.

It can look a bit complicated at first glance, but it is really just a repeating rhythm of catching the thread under the needle as you stitch. Once you get used to alternating sides, it becomes a relaxing stitch to work.

Quick answer: Feather stitch is an embroidery stitch made from connected looped stitches that alternate to the left and right of a central line. It creates an open, decorative line, making it useful for borders, vines, foliage, stems and textured details.
Feather stitch step-by-step embroidery diagram showing alternating looped stitches worked along a central line.
Feather stitch step-by-step illustration.

How to do feather stitch step-by-step

  1. Bring your needle up at the top of the line where you want your feather stitch to begin.
  2. Take the needle down slightly to one side of the central line, then bring it back up on the centre line a little lower down.
  3. Keep the working thread tucked under the needle before you pull the stitch through. This creates the first loop.
  4. Pull the thread gently so the loop sits neatly on the fabric, but do not pull it too tight.
  5. Repeat on the opposite side of the central line, again catching the thread under the needle to form the next loop.
  6. Continue alternating from side to side, keeping the stitches fairly even as you work down the line.

The little loops are what give feather stitch its open, leafy shape. If the stitch starts to look too tight, loosen your tension slightly and let the thread sit softly on the surface of the fabric.

What is feather stitch used for?

Feather stitch is often used for decorative borders, trailing vines, foliage, flower stems and soft, organic lines. It is a useful stitch when you want something more open and textured than a plain outline.

You can also use feather stitch as a loose filling stitch by working rows close together. It pairs nicely with floral stitches such as lazy daisy stitch, fly stitch, French knots and simple straight stitches.

My tip: I find feather stitch easiest if I imagine three guide lines: one down the centre and one on each side. The needle goes from a side line back to the centre, and the working thread stays tucked underneath to make the loop.

Tips for feather stitch

  • Use a central guideline to help keep the stitch balanced as you work.
  • Keep the working thread under the needle each time to form the loop.
  • Pull the thread gently so the loops sit neatly without puckering the fabric.
  • Space the loops further apart for a lighter, airier effect.
  • Work the loops closer together if you want a fuller, more textured line.
  • Use shorter stitches around curves so the feather stitch follows the shape more smoothly.

More embroidery help and next steps

Feather stitch is a lovely stitch to try if you enjoy floral embroidery, decorative borders and organic lines. Here are a few helpful places to go next.

Get the free embroidery sampler Shop beginner embroidery kits Explore iron-on embroidery patterns Try stick and stitch patterns

More embroidery stitches to try next

Once you are comfortable with feather stitch, you might like to try these stitches next:

Or browse the embroidery stitch library to see all stitches in one place, with clear step-by-step guides.