Comment broder Looped feather stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Looped feather stitch
The Looped feather stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Looped feather stitch.
This variation of the feather stitch adds a small loop on the axis between each branch, creating a richer decorative motif that can be worked along a straight axis or an offset one for an even more ornamental effect.
1 – Begin on the axis
Bring the needle up at A, on the axis. Keep the thread held downwards under your thumb. Insert the needle at B, to the right of the axis, and bring it back up at C, on the axis. The thread held under your thumb should be slightly offset so the needle passes over it as it emerges at C. Pull gently to form the first branch.
2 – Form the loop
Keep the thread under your thumb. Re-insert the needle at C in the same spot. Bring it back up at D, a few millimetres below, pulling the thread towards you to form the small loop. Insert the needle just on the other side of the emerging thread at D to anchor the loop with a small straight stitch.
3 – Branch to the left
Shift the thread to the left and keep it under your thumb. Insert the needle at E, to the left of the axis, and bring it back up at F, on the axis, passing the needle over the thread. Pull gently to form the second branch.
4 – Continue and finish
Form a loop at F in the same way, then continue alternating right branch, loop, left branch, loop. Pass the thread to the back of the fabric and fasten it under the stitches already worked. ___________
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from top to bottom, inserting the needle alternately to the right then to the left, forming a loop between each branch. Shift the thread to the corresponding side before each stitch.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from top to bottom, inserting the needle alternately to the left then to the right, forming a loop between each branch. Shift the thread to the corresponding side before each stitch. Tips for a successful looped feather stitch
Tips for a perfect looped feather stitch
The key to the stitch: Shift the thread to the right when inserting to the right, and to the left when inserting to the left — it is this offset under the thumb that allows the needle to pass over the thread every time and form each branch correctly.
The loop: Always re-insert the needle at C, the exact point where the thread emerged, so the loop begins precisely on the axis — this placement gives it its centred, regular appearance.
Loop size: The distance between C and D determines the length of the loop — keep it consistent throughout the motif for an even result, or vary it slightly for a freer effect.
Offset variation: The stitch can be worked along an offset axis rather than a straight one — the branches and loops then follow the curve, creating an even more ornamental and natural result.
Tension: Pull the thread gently and with equal pressure on each branch and each loop to produce a regular, well-balanced motif along the full length of the line.
Result
On the front: An alternating decorative line of branches and central loops forming a rhythmical and ornamental motif.
On the back: A series of small anchor points aligned along the axis.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Looped feather stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
This stitch lends itself to building decorative lines enriched by a small looped motif between each branch.
It sits naturally within traditional embroidery for working ornamental stems, stylised sprays, or delicate borders.
Worked along an offset axis, it takes on a freer and more expressive quality that sets it clearly apart from the single feather stitch.
The looped feather stitch: an original variation of the feather stitch, belonging to the looped stitch family.
Its construction combines the characteristic alternating movement of the feather stitch with a loop formed on the axis between each branch, without ever breaking the thread’s progression.
This addition of a simple action profoundly transforms the visual result and opens up new decorative possibilities.
It is a creative and personal stitch, ideal for enriching compositions in hand embroidery.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Looped feather stitch?
• understand how to enrich an alternating stitch by adding a loop between each branch
• master the sequencing of two distinct actions — branch and loop — within a smooth, uninterrupted progression
• develop consistency of movement for balanced, even ornamental motifs
• explore the decorative effects of a stitch worked along both straight and offset axes
Learn the Looped feather stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the looped feather stitch is taught step by step with clear, structured guidance.
Our approach to teaching is part of a complete hand embroidery stitch encyclopaedia, designed to support every embroiderer on their journey.
It allows you to progress at your own pace whilst building precision, consistency, and confidence in hand embroidery.