How to do a
Couching stitch
Couching is not so much a stitch but rather a process of attaching a length of thread to fabric. The small stitches used to hold the length of thread down can be in the same color or in an contrasting color.
The resulting effect is a textured look that adds dimension and interest to any embroidery project.
It is very easy to master the couching stitch if you keep in mind that the space between the stitches needs to be very even.
On this page I will be demonstrating the basic couching stitch but keep in mind that so much more is possible than this basic stitch. You can anchor the length of thread laying on top of the fabric with any stitch opening up a world of possibilities and textures.
Have a look at my short video to see a how a couching stitch is made.
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Step by step
Follow along and you will very soon master couching stitches.
Choose your base thread and your couching thread. Your base thread will be the thread that you want to secure to your fabric and your couching thread will be the contrasting (or same colored) thread that you use to stitch it down.
Thread 2 needles with your chosen threads. Make a know at the tail end of each thread.
Decide where you want to start your couching stitch. Push the needle through from the back at the starting point. Lay the thread on the line you want to create.
Take your couching thread and make a small stitch over the base thread, securing it to the fabric.
Continue making small stitches over the base thread, spacing them out evenly along the length of the thread.
Once you have stitched the entire length of your base thread, tie off your couching thread at the back.
Push your needle with the ‘line’ thread through to the back and tie it off.
Keep in mind that you can experiment with different thread colors, textures, and weights to achieve different effects.
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