How to Crochet: Feather Stitch Pattern

Inside: How to crochet the feather stitch pattern as a flat panel or in the round. Includes two methods for the foundation row.

I love unique stitch patterns!

When I crochet it’s exciting to discover a new stitch. Remember the first time you successfully made a bobble? It’s pretty satisfying when you see a picture of a beautiful stitch and figure out how to crochet it.

That’s how I felt when I mastered the feather stitch. This thick reversible, textured stitch has rows of elongated stitches that nest together as you work back and forth. It’s beautiful by itself or when included with other crochet stitches in a project.

I used the feather stitch by itself to make my Feather Cowl. It’s an easy pattern that is perfect for practicing this stitch pattern.

How does the crochet feather stitch work?

As you can see in the picture below, you work each feather over multiple stitches with lots of yarnovers. It looks complicated, at first, but once you get the rhythm of the stitch you’ll be hooking along like a pro.

You can see in the contrast color that all the feathers are leaning the same direction. When you turn your work the feathers will lean the opposite way creating the “V” shaped feathers.

This creates some unique challenges when working in the round. But, I’ve figured out how to work the stitch pattern in the round and still have the full feathers.

I like using a color changing yarn with the crochet feather stitch. You get a variety of colors without all the work. Here’s what the same yarn looks like when worked as a flat panel vs. in the round. Which look do you like best?

One last note before we get into the stitch pattern. I feel that in the spirit of transparency you need to know that the feather stitch is yarn eater. Each feather takes A LOT of yarn to make.

You notice as you feel the finished fabric. It is thick and puffy so if you’re ready to use some yarn you can make a super cozy throw with the feather stitch. I think the feather stitch is a perfect stash buster to use up excess yarn. (Not that I know anything about that.)

Alright, enough about the stitch, let’s get crocheting!

Feather Stitch Pattern Notes

ABBREVIATIONS
ch = chain
hdc = half-double crochet
rep = repeat
sl = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)

If you need a refresher, be sure to check out my How to Crochet series!

Feather Stitch (Flat Panel)

Work in multiples of 2 + 1

Beginning Feather st: Yarn over, insert hook into last ch-1 sp of previous row, yarn over and pull up a loop level with loops on the hook (3 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into ch-1 space one row below or skipped stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop elongated and now level with loops on the hook (5 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook in next ch-1 sp, yarn over and pull up a loop in line with loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook. (Note: Loops pulled up will be level with the crochet and some will be more elongated than others).

Feather st: Yarn over, insert hook into same ch-1 sp as last feather, yarn over and pull up a loop level with loops on the hook (3 loops on hook), yarn over, insert hook into skipped st or ch-1 sp one row below same sp, yarn over and pull up a loop elongated and now level with loops on the hook (5 loops on hook) yarn over, insert hook in next ch-1 sp, yarn over and pull up a loop in line with loops on the hook, yarn over and pull through all 7 loops on the hook. (Note: Loops pulled up will be level with the crochet and some will be more elongated than others).

Chain a multiple of 2 + 1 to reach the desired width of your project.

Foundation Row: Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, ch1, hdc in next ch, *ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next st. Rep from * to end, ch 1. Turn

Row 1: Hdc in 1st st, ch 1, work a beginning feather st, ch 1,*work feather st, ch 1. Rep from * to last st, hdc in remaining st, ch 1. Turn.

Rep Row 1 until piece measures desired length.

Feather Stitch Pattern (In the Round)

Work in multiples of 2.

Chain number of stitches to reach the desired width of your project. Join in the round with a slip st being careful not to twist chain.

The feather stitch is unique because although you work in the round you will still need to turn your work.

Foundation Round: Hdc 2nd ch from hook, ch1, hdc in next ch, *ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next st. Rep from * to the end, ch 1. Slip stitch to beg hdc. Ch 1. (Do not turn this round only).

Rnd 1: Work a beginning feather st, ch 1, *work feather st, ch 1. Rep from * to last st ch sp, Work last feather stitch pulling 7th loop from the ch space at beginning of turning chain. Ch 1. Slip stitch to beg feather stitch. Ch 1. Turn work.

Repeat Rnd 1 until you reach your desired length.

Variation: Add a HDC Foundation

Adding a foundation of half double crochet before beginning the feather stitch creates a thin flat border. You may prefer this look when working in the round as it adds a finished look.

Follow the instructions below to add the hdc foundation row before beginning the feather stitch pattern.

Work in multiples of 2 + 1. Chain even number of stitches plus 1.

Foundation Row 1: Hdc 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next st to the end, ch 1. Turn.
Foundation Row 2: Hdc 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, skip next st, hdc in next st. Rep from * to the end, ch 1. Turn.

Row 1: Hdc in 1st st, ch 1, work a beginning feather st, ch 1, *work feather st, ch 1. Rep from * to last st, hdc in remaining st, ch 1. Turn.

Repeat Row 1 until you reach your desired length.

Last row: Hdc in 1st st, *hdc in chain space, hdc in the feather stitch. Rep from * to end of row, hdc in chain space, hdc in last stitch. Fasten off.

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Crochet Feather Stitch Tutorial

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