Stitches

Feather Stitch

Open V-shaped loops worked alternately left and right down a line, like a branching vine.

Confident Beginner20 min

Up at 1, down at 2, up at 3 with the thread under the needle to make a V. Then the same to the other side: down at 4, up at 5.

What you will learn

Put the fabric in the hoop so it is drum-tight.
Cut 18 in (45 cm) of floss, separate the strands you need, thread the needle and knot one end.

Draw a vertical centre line. It helps to add two more guidelines, one each side, 1/4 in (6 mm) away.
Come up at the top, just left of centre (1).
Go down level with it to the right (2), and come up lower down on the centre (3), with the working thread under the needle. Pull through to form a V.
Now go down to the left, level with where you just came up (4), and come up lower on the centre (5), thread under the needle again.
Keep alternating right and left as you work down the line.
Anchor the last V with a tiny stitch over its point.

The pattern loses its zigzag

You made two stitches on the same side. Say right, left as you work.

Vs are lopsided

Use three guide lines until your eye learns the spacing.

Practice exerciseStitch a 4 in (10 cm) vine and add a lazy daisy leaf at the tip of each arm.