Couching

Where to use it:

In cross stitch, needlepoint, surface embroidery and counted thread designs where you want to attach a real metal thread, or a larger item like a thick thread or cording, and in traditional Japanese embroidery

What to couch:

• Kreinik 1/8" Ribbon & 1/16" Ribbon


• Kreinik Heavy #32 Braid, Canvas #24 Braid & Medium #16 Braid


• Kreinik Japan #5 & Japan #7


• Kreinik Japan colors in #16 Braid, 1/16" Ribbon, and 1/8" Ribbon


• Kreinik Torsade


• Kreinik real metal threads


• Kreinik Facets & Petite Facets

Use these finer threads to couch the thicker ones:

• Kreinik Cord


• Kreinik Japan #1


• Kreinik Silk Bella


• Kreinik Silk Couching Thread

How to do it:

Follow the diagram for needle and stitch placement. Plunge the end of your thicker thread into the fabric at A, securing the ends on the back of your fabric with a few stitches, or temporarily taping the end. To couch, come up at 1, down at 2, up at 3, down at 4, etc. When finished, plunge the end into the fabric at B, and secure end on the back of your fabric with a few stitches.

Alternative:

Designer and teacher Anna-marie Winter taught us that you can also couch a thicker thread by inserting your tacking stitches down the center of the larger thread, rather than side-to-side as in the traditional instructions above. This enables you do make curves and corners more easily.