Feather Stitch

Hand embroidery stitches / Stitch Dictionary

Feather stitch is a wonderfully versatile, decorative, surface embroidery stitch. It is also known as single coral stitch, or briar stitch. Feather stitch is found extensively on traditional English smocks, Dorset embroidery and on crazy quilts.

Feather stitch sample on crazy quilting 1

You can easily give a contemporary twist to the traditional uses of feather stitch, particularly if you use modern variegated threads or add a bead or two. In this sample I added cast-on stitch to the arms of feather stitch

Feather stitch sample on crazy quilting 2

Keep the centre of the stitch on the curved line you want to follow. That way you will find that Feather stitch will easily sit on a curve. This ability to hold a curve, means the stitch ideal to use in any motif that is organic in feel, such as floral sprays, vines, and twisting twig-like stems. It also looks great in underwater scenes, as the flowing lines are very suitable to represent corals and seaweed.

More examples

Here I used Feather stitch on Block 93 of my I Dropped the Button Box Quilt. I worked this sample using cotton perle #5 and I added white seed beads to the arms.

Here a small seam covered with Feather stitch used on Block 77 on my I Dropped the Button Box Quilt. I then added bullion knots. Both the feather stitch and the bullion’s are created using cotton perle #5 thread.

Feather stitch, is here embellished with seed beads and bugle beads.

Feather stitch sample underwater marine scene

Feather stitch can vary greatly depending on the width of space between the two tops of Y, the angle of your needle, spacing changes in the length of stitches and regularity of stitches.

It really is one of those stitches you can experiment with for years and still discover new ways of using it. As you can see above, I have worked 3 arms to one side and 3 to the other. This creates a totally different look to the stitch.

In the top part of this sample ( above) I added a detached chain stitch to the ends of the arms. And then I worked a second row of the pattern to create a fill or complex border. You can also work it row against row to create wonderful patterns and designs.

Instructions on how to work feather stitch

When working this stitch, imagine or mark 4 parallel lines with a dissolvable pen.

Step by step instructions for feather stitch 1

Bring the thread up through the fabric at the top left of where you want to create the stitch. Hold the thread down with the left thumb and insert the needle to the right, and level with where the thread emerged. Make a stitch on a downward angle so that the needle emerges between the two points, as illustrated. With the thread wrapped under the needle, pull it through the fabric to make the stitch.

Step by step instructions for feather stitch 2

Insert the needle to the left and level with where the thread emerged. Make a stitch on a downward angle so that the needle emerges between the two points as illustrated. With the thread wrapped under the needle, pull it through the fabric to make the next stitch.

Step by step instructions for feather stitch 3

Work these movements alternatively down the line.

Step by step instructions for feather stitch 4

Hopefully, there will not be too many tangles!

A few more samples to inspire you. Feather stitch worked in perle #5 cotton thread covers the seam between patch 2 and 3. After working the stitch I added a blue bead to the end of each of the arms. this detail is found on block 71 of the I dropped the Button box series.

Feather stitch sample on crazy quilting 3

My book on Crazy Quilting

My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results shares detailed practical methods about how to design and make a crazy quilt.

From fabric choice, to balancing colour, texture, and pattern, in order to direct the eye around the block. I cover how to stitch, build decorative seam treatments in interesting and creative ways. This book is profusely illustrated as my aim is to be practical and inspiring.