Hi all it is great to be back introducing stitches to people!
Knotted Feather is another versatile variation of feather stitch. If you have not worked Feather stitch before you will need to know it. If unsure you might want to refresh your memory on a fabric scrap.
I have seen this stitch referred to a thorn stitch (there are about 5 different stitches referred to as thorn stitch) and knotted chained feather. I found it listed in Edith John’s Creative stitches as Knotted Feather. Since this name made sense to me that is what I call it.
How to work Knotted Feather Stitch
Work this stitch from top to bottom. For beginners it is useful to imagine 4 parallel lines when working this stitch. You may find it useful to mark the fabric with guide-lines using a water dissolvable marker or fade out fabric marker otherwise practice the stitch on Aida cloth.
Bring the needle out at the top of the line to be worked and hold the thread down with the left thumb.
Insert the needle a little to the right on the same level and make a small stitch in a downward motion so that the needle point appears on the centre line, keeping the thread under the needle point pull the thread through the fabric to make the stitch.
Pass the needle under the thread, at the right side of the V shape. Do not pick up any fabric.
Wrap the thread under the needle point as you would if working a chain stitch.
Pull the needle under the foundation thread so that you are working a small chain stitch on the bar.
Next insert the needle to the right on the same level as the chain stitch you just made. Do this as you would with feather stitch.
Make a small V stitch so that the needle point comes out at the base on the centre line. Keeping the thread wrapped under the needle point, pull the thread through the fabric to make the stitch.
Pass the needle under the thread of the right side of the V shape. Do not pick up any fabric.
Wrap the thread under the needle point
Pull the needle under the foundation thread.
Swing to the left and continue to work these movements alternatively.
The spacing between the arms and spine length can create ornate patterns and effects.
This stitch it is very effective worked in a thread with firm twist such as DMC perle #5 or #8. To work this sample I used a hand dyed perle #5 multicolour thread.
A more decorative line can be created with the use of beads, or you can add an extra detached chain between the arms or at the top of each spine.
I think it is a variety that many crazy quilters will like as it is a quick stitch to work but a little bit different. Below is an example of Kotted Feather stitch used in crazy quilting. The thread is a hand dyed perle #5 cotton. I added bugle beads after working the stitch.
How to join in
It is not complicated. All you need to do is stitch a sample of this stitch or ANY of the stitches listed on the TAST FAQ page. Take a photograph of it, put in online in your blog or somewhere like a flickr site. Swing by here again and leave a comment with your full web address so people can visit and see your sample. When you leave a comment include the http:// part of the address as then your address becomes a link and readers will be able easily visit and see your sample.
Where is here?
If you click on the title it will take you to this article as separate webpage. If you book mark the page or make a note of address you will be able to find it again.
Any special rules?
There are no rules but I do have a request, please link back here.
Further information
If you need further information on the challenge a list of stitches covered so far or directions on how to participate please visit the TAST FAQ page.
You can read back through TAST articles by browsing Challenges - Take a Stitch Tuesday category
Other groups and networks
You can also share your explorations with other members on the social network site of your choice. There is a Facebook TAST 2012 page, stitchin fingers group and the flickr TAST site. All these sub groups are set up at request of members.
