Single Feather Stitch
The Single Feather Stitch is a variation of the Feather Stitch in which, instead of alternating the stitches to the sides, we make all the stitches on one side.
The embroidery technique is the same as when making the Blanket Stitch, with the difference that the stitches are slanted rather than made at a 90-degree angle.
On the back side, this technique produces a row of parallel diagonal stitches.
Other names of the Single Feather Stitch
Alternative names for this hand embroidery technique are Point d’Epine, Point Anglaise, and Slanted Buttonhole /Blanket stitch.
Applications of the Single Feather Stitch
A single Feather Stitch, embroidered between two parallel lines, will create a neat, simple border or decorative band. It will look great as a decorative band on garments or home textiles.
Also, you can incorporate this technique in your botanical embroidery, alternating it with a Feather Stitch or Double Feather Stitch.
Compact rows of Single Feather Stitch will result in a net-like filling pattern.
More variations of the Feather Stitch
Learn how to embroider Single Feather Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Single Feather Stitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.
How to embroider Single Feather Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark two parallel lines. You will be working from left to right or from top to bottom. Take the needle to the surface at the top left corner.
2. Make a diagonal stitch to the right mark, slightly below the starting point. Leave the loop of the working thread open.
3. Get back to the surface on the left mark, inside the loop, one stitch below. These three points should form a triangle.
4. Pull the thread to tighten the loop and form the first feather stitch. Then, make one more stitch on the right mark. Leave the loop of the thread open.
5. Come up on the right mark, inside the loop, and pull through to form the second stitch.
6. Continue adding one Single Feather Stitch after another to fill the entire row.
7. Add a final anchoring stitch. It can be a tiny stitch to close the loop or a longer stitch to mirror the longer starting stitch.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.
What’s next?
If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. Decorative stitches, techniques for filling and outlines, borders or mending – all in one place!
Don’t miss a thing!
Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Flipboard, Telegram, Reddit or Pinterest. On the other hand, you can subscribe to the Practical Embroidery newsletter and get embroidery tips straight to your inbox every week!
Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
