I saw a feather stitch on one of Grandma’s works. She was into machine stitching those days, so I asked why she suddenly switched to hand stitching. She laughed and said, ‘ you can do feather stitch on sewing machine.’
I was shocked. Cause feather stitch is a complex pattern. I think it can’t be done on the machine. But grandma laughed and said,
feather stitch
Yes, you can. To create a feather stitch on the sewing machine, select the feather stitch, use a stabilizer if needed, and guide your fabric slowly to achieve neat, decorative stitches.
How can I sit still after that!? I had to try it.
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Can I Do Feather Stitch On Sewing Machine?
Yes, you can do a feather stitch on a sewing machine. Most modern machines actually come with it as a built-in decorative option. I sometimes also use this as a darning stitch sewing machine.
But if yours doesn’t, no worries!
You can still achieve that look using free-motion quilting. Simply switch to a zigzag stitch, lower your feed, and manually guide the fabric to create a feather stitch pattern. It takes a little practice, but it’s totally doable and super rewarding!
What Is A Feather Stitch On A Sewing Machine?
A feather stitch on a stitch that looks like little V-shapes branching out from a centre line. It’s almost like a leaf.
It’s not just pretty—it’s also functional!
I’ve used it to add a delicate, handmade look to baby clothes, table linens, and even to secure seams with a bit of stretch.
How to find it?
Well, look for a stitch symbol that resembles angled lines crisscrossing down the middle. It might be labelled “feather stitch” in your machine’s stitch chart. Just pick your favourite thread colour, choose a medium-weight fabric to start, and let your creativity run.
How To Use Feather Stitch On Sewing Machine?
To do the feather stitch on a sewing machine, I follow the steps below,
I Set Up My Machine
I turned on my machine, scrolled through the decorative stitches, and found the feather stitch symbol. It kinda looks like a staggered “V” pattern.
It is easy to spot once you know it. If your machine has adjustable stitch length and width, I set mine to length 2.5 and width 5.0 to make the feathers show up nicely.
I used polyester thread on top for strength and a size 80/12 universal needle. For thicker fabric like denim or canvas, I’d go with a 90/14. I use those for the picot stitch as well.
Place The Fabric Underfoot For Feather Stitch
I placed my fabric right under the zigzag presser foot, aligning the needle with where I wanted the stitch to start. I was working on a soft cotton piece for a bookmark and wanted the feather stitch right along the edge—about ¼” in.
Before starting, I made sure:
- The fabric edge was clean and pressed.
- I had stabiliser underneath (for lightweight fabrics) to keep things smooth—feather stitch can get stretchy.
I Lowered The Presser Foot
I lowered the presser foot and held the thread tails gently behind the foot. So, they wouldn’t get tangled or cause a jump stitch issue, and then slowly pressed the foot pedal.
At this point, the machine started forming the feather pattern:
- It moved forward diagonally to the right,
- Then back to center,
- Then forward diagonally to the left,
- And back to center again.
Repeat This Motion
This repeating motion creates that signature “vining” look. I didn’t have to shift or adjust between stitches—the machine handled all the angles. I gently guided the fabric, letting the feed dogs do the work.
I kept the speed medium to slow. Too fast, and the stitches get uneven or shift the fabric, especially on curves or lighter.
I Paused With The Needle Down
If I hit a soft curve (like on a pillow edge), I paused with the needle down, lifted the presser foot, pivoted slightly, and kept going. This helped keep the design flowing naturally and prevented pulling or bunching.
And that’s it! This stitch looks so complex, but it isn’t that hard if you know the right technique.
Feather Stitch On Sewing Machine (Without A Built-In Feather Stitch)
Not all machines offer the privilege of feather stitching. My machine didn’t come with a built-in feather stitch pattern. But that didn’t stop me! I find a way to do it, too. That allows me to be creative.
And that’s how I find 2 ways to do machine feather stitch.
Free Motion
First, I lowered the feed dogs and attached my free-motion/darning foot. Once that was set, it was all up to me to steer the fabric.
With my hands,
I gently guided the fabric in a “V” shape. I mimicking the natural feather stitch pattern. It took a little practice, but after a few attempts on scrap fabric, I began to achieve some really elegant little stitches.
It’s honestly kind of meditative once you find the rhythm!
Imitating the Feather Stitch with Straight Stitch
Now, if you don’t want to go full free motion, here’s another trick I tried—and it works!
I started by drawing some guide lines on my fabric in a feather-like “V” pattern using a washable fabric pen.
Then,
Using just a regular straight stitch, I stitched along one leg of the “V.” When I hit the bottom point, I carefully pivoted the fabric and sewed the second leg of the “V,” going right over the same line.
By repeating this, I was able to mimic the feather stitch look—no special stitch setting needed! It’s a bit slower. But really satisfying to see those little V’s come together.
Perfect for when you’re feeling crafty with the basics.
Frequently asked questions
What settings should I use for feather stitch?
If your machine has a feather stitch preset, try setting your thread tension to between 1 and 4, and stitch length to SS (stretch stitch). Use the zigzag or decorative stitch foot for best results.
What kind of thread works best?
I usually go with all-purpose polyester thread for strength, but if you’re doing decorative work, don’t be afraid to use embroidery thread for a little shine and colour pop!
That’s it
That’s how the feather stitch on a sewing machine works.
Did you try it yet? Or do you have any new tricks I don’t know of?
If yes, then feel free to share it with us.
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