Embroidery 101: Feather Stitch

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The Feather Stitch is similar to the Fly Stitch and is a great decorative stitch.  It works well as feathers {hence the name}, vines or leaves for a textured look.  It can be stitched by itself or with other stitches, like flowers, to give it a different purpose.  We'll be stitching it on top of other stitches to make a climbing vine.

This stitch could also be used as a border or other decorative element, to give a different look.  Stitching on the seam of two fabrics would also be a great edge stitch.  Feather Stitch is generally marked to look like the stitches, but could also be done on a straight line.

This stitch is always begun  at the top. 

Then make a loose stitch on the diagonal into the furthest point of the feather.  Stitch into the top of the next feather portion {it will be at a slightly downward angle}.

Pull the stitch through, being careful not to over tighten the stitch.

Repeat for the remaining feathers, until desired length is reached.

To finish, either end with the tail of a feather, or, as shown below, stitch the top of the next feather directly beneath the previous one for a curved finish.

This stitch was kind of difficult for me to get down very evenly, but other than that, it's very easy and looks unique.

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