In this article we propose a design method for feedback stabilization of a nonlinear system based on tangential linearization along the solution curve in the state space. The tangent vector along this solution satisfies a linear time varying system, which can be controlled by standard design techniques, e.g. LQ optimal control. We present a method to obtain stabilizing feedback for the nonlinear system from the (LQ optimal) feedback of the tangential linearization. The closed-loop stability of the resulting system is mathematically proved. The proposed design is then applied to a highly nonlinear and unstable electro-magnetic example system and compared with other nonlinear control design methods by means of this example.