Ready to learn the crochet feather stitch? This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make one of the most beautiful stitches for blankets and give you tips for using this stitch in patterns.
UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 BY BRITTANY
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The crochet feather stitch is a one-of-a-kind stitch that creates a fluffy, and thick fabric. It’s perfect for making cozy blankets!
The feather stitch is also very versatile. You can pair it with your favorite light or medium-weight yarn and let your imagination run wild. The stitch will highlight the color and texture of the yarn, in a way that no other crochet stitch can.
Keep in mind that the feather stitch is a “yarn hog”, so it’s perfect for stash buster blankets. If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to use up your yarn stash, I highly recommend trying the crochet feather stitch.
Here’s a free blanket pattern featuring this stitch for you to use if you need to work through yarn in your stash!
In the rest of this tutorial, we’ll explore all aspects of the crochet feather stitch: what it is, how to crochet it, and what projects it’s best suited for. Plus I’ll answer some frequently asked questions so you don’t have to go searching for the answers you need.
Here’s a quick overview of the topics we’ll cover in this article:
- What is the Crochet Feather Stitch
- Crochet Feather Stitch Tutorial
- Feather Stitch Multiple
- Two Ways to Start the First Row
- Crochet Feather Stitch Abbreviations
- Crochet Feather Stitch Step-by-Step Video
- Crochet Feather Stitch Project Ideas
What is the Crochet Feather Stitch?
The crochet feather stitch is a visually stunning crochet stitch distinguished by its elongated loop stitches, similar to a puff stitch. This “forked” stitch is crafted over two stitches, resulting in an elegant herringbone pattern.
Crochet Feather Stitch Tutorial
The crochet feather stitch offers versatility when it comes to yarn selection, but it truly shines with light or medium-weight yarns due to its inherent thickness. If you opt for a bulky or super bulky-weight yarn, brace yourself for an exceptionally plush fabric!
To showcase the stitch pattern to its fullest, opt for a sleek and smooth yarn that accentuates every intricate detail of the design. Alternatively, you can experiment by combining it with a slightly textured yarn for an added layer of intrigue to your project.
Supplies
- Yarn: For practice, use medium-weight yarn. You’ll only need a small amount to make a practice swatch.
- 6 mm Crochet Hook
Pattern Notes
- There is no right or wrong side: the crochet feather stitch is considered a reversible stitch, which means it looks the same on both sides.
- This crochet pattern is written in US terms.
In the pattern instructions below, the feather stitch is abbreviated: FS. This is how a feather stitch is worked:
**Feather Stitch (FS): YO, insert hk in ch 1-sp, YO, and pull up a loop. YO, insert hk in ch 1-sp from the row below (hdc from the row below on the first row only), YO, and pull up a loop. YO, insert hk in next ch 1-sp, YO, and pull up a loop. YO and pull through all 7 loops on hk.
Stitch Multiple
The crochet feather stitch multiple is an odd number of stitches. This means that the total number of stitches in the first row has to be an odd number.
Two Ways to Start the First Row
There are two ways to crochet the first row of the feather stitch. The first way is to make foundation half double crochet stitches. This technique combines the starting chain and first row into one quick and tidy row. If you’re not familiar with foundation crochet stitches, check out our article here.
The second way to crochet the first row of the feather stitch is to start with a foundation chain and make a half double crochet in every stitch.
No matter which method you choose, make sure the total number of half double crochet stitches (or foundation half double crochet) is an odd number. That way the stitch pattern will work out.
Stitch Abbreviations
- Ch Chain
- Cont Continue
- FS Feather Stitch **
- FHdc Foundation Hdc
- Hdc Half Double Crochet
- Hk Hook
- Prev Previous
- Rem Remaining
- Rep Repeat
- Slst Slip Stitch
- Sk Skip
- St(s) Stitch(es)
Row 1: Make an odd number of fHdc. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 2: Hdc first st. *ch 1, sk 1 st. Hdc in next st. Rep from * to end of row. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 3: Hdc first st. Ch 1. *FS. Ch 1. Rep to last ch 1-sp (finishing the last feather stitch in the last ch 1-sp). Ch 1. Hdc last st. Ch 1 and turn.
Repeat: Rep prev row for entire pattern.
Finishing Rows
Row 1: Hdc first st. *Hdc next ch 1-sp. Hdc next FS. Rep from * to last ch 1-sp. Hdc in last ch-1 sp. Hdc in last st. Ch 1 and turn.
Row 2: Slst each st.
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Crochet Feather Stitch Step-by-Step Tutorial
Video not displaying? Watch this tutorial on YouTube instead.
Crochet Feather Stitch Project Ideas
The feather stitch creates a thick, fluffy, reversible fabric with no holes or gaps. These qualities make it an excellent choice for projects where cozy is the primary goal.
Here’s a beginner-friendly crochet feather stitch blanket to put your new skills to use.
