Couching

The term couching is taken from the French word 'coucher', which means to lay down. Also known as convent stitch and kloster stitch, couching is extremely simple to work. The fabric on which this stitch is to be worked is stretched using an embroidery hoop or frame. To commence the heavy thread is brought up from the back of the fabric with a large eyed needle.

 

Couching is a technique where yarn or any other different material is laid horizontally over the base fabric which is fastened with small stitches. These small stitches can be of the same yarn or other yarn. Threads that are used for this stitch can be of different contrasting colors or of the same color as the laid threads. Stitch patterns are created when couching threads and laid threads contrast with each other.

While working this stitch,one or more threads are sewn to the base fabric with adequate spacing between them, after laying them on the fabric. Types of couching includes:

 

It is versatile and extremely easy stitch. While working with two threads, the thicker thread is laid over the fabric and thinner thread is used for stitching this thread to keep it in place. To ensure a firm line, the main thread should be kept taut. Thicker thread should always be brought from the front of the fabric and over sewed by the finer thread. Before trimming away the excess thread, it is important to take back the main thread through the fabric and fasten it by again over sewing using thinner thread.

Contrasting color threads are used to achieve a decorative effect. Intricate curves and sharp angles can be created using close stitches. Placement of close stitches together can result in solid filling of the design.