Stitches

Couching Stitch

One thread is laid on the fabric surface and tacked down with small stitches in a second thread.

Beginner15 min

The laid thread sits on the surface. The tacking thread comes up on one side and goes down on the other.

What you will learn

Put the fabric in the hoop so it is drum-tight.
Cut 18 in (45 cm) of floss, separate the strands you need, thread the needle and knot one end.

Draw a line. Bring the thick thread up at the start of the line and lay it along the line. Leave it threaded on its own needle, parked to one side.
Thread a second needle with 1 or 2 strands. Come up right beside the laid thread, close to its start.
Go down on the other side of the laid thread, making a tiny stitch straight across it.
Move 1/4 in (6 mm) along and repeat. Guide the laid thread along the line with your free thumb as you go.
Place stitches closer together on curves and at corners.
At the end, take the laid thread to the back and secure both threads.

Matching the tacking thread to the laid thread hides it. A contrasting colour makes it a feature.
Keep the tacking stitches at a right angle to the laid thread.

The laid thread wobbles

Tacking stitches are too far apart. Close them up to 1/8 in (3 mm) on curves.

The laid thread is squashed

Tacking stitches are too tight. Just hold it, do not pinch it.

Practice exerciseCouch a word in looping handwriting using all six strands as the laid thread.