Thread Couching
Bij thread onnaaiand leg je a sierthread on the fabric and zet je die with kleine bevestigingsstitchjes vast. De sierthread gaat dus niet telkands through the fabric ha, maar blijft zichtbaar aboveon liggand.
Hoe maak je deze steek?
1Rijg a stuk sierthread in a dikte and colour to wands through the needle, and leg theze recht over the fabric.
2Het sierthread ga je secure with a anther stuk thread. Zorg for a zichtbaar contrast in colour tussand the twee threads for the mooiste effect.
- 3
Stitch the needle with the werkthread ofunther through the fabric. Dit stitchpunt vind je vlak above je sierthread.
- 4
Stitch the needle nu ofaf above through the fabric. Dit stitchpunt vind je vlak unther je sierthread.
- 5
Nu heb je één stitch rondom je sierthread gemakes. Werk zo the gehele sierthread af. Laat ruimte tussand the afwithoutlijke stitches.
⚠ Common mistakes
- Zet the bevestigingsstitchjes niet te ver uit elkaar, anthers gaat the sierthread schuivand. Trek ze ook niet te strak aan, want dan krijg je theukjes in the line. Kies a bevestigingsthread die past with the effect: onzichtbaar for rust, contrasterandd for thecoratie.
Definition
Couching is an embroidery technique in which a visible yarn, cord or bundle of threads is laid on the surface of the fabric. You secure this material at set points with a second, thinner thread. The laid thread therefore does not pass through the fabric each time. This allows you to use thick, delicate or unusual yarns and creates a clear line with relief. The small couching stitches can be subtle or decorative.
When to use
Use couching for outlines, lettering, graceful curls, branches and lines that are meant to lie on top of the fabric. It is a good choice for metallic yarn, wool, cord and other materials that are difficult to pass through a needle eye or the fabric. Use a contrasting colour if you want the securing stitches to stand out. For a quiet line, choose sewing thread that matches the laid thread.
Common mistakes
If the securing stitches are too far apart, the laid thread may shift or catch. If you place them too tightly, the thread is flattened and the fabric draws together. Too few securing points are especially problematic on curves. Also, do not make a sharp bend in a thick cord; use a gentle curve instead, or the line will lie unevenly on the fabric.
Practical tips
First lay a short section of thread along the desired line and secure it every few millimetres. Use shorter intervals on curves than on straight sections. Keep the laid thread relaxed and cut it only after the end has been anchored securely. Test your material on the same fabric. This will help you determine how many securing stitches are needed for a neat, sturdy line.
