Comment broder Couching stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Couching stitch
The Couching stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Couching stitch.
The couching stitch is worked by laying a thick thread on the fabric and securing it with small perpendicular stitches made with a finer thread, to create decorative lines, fillings or spiral shapes.
1 – Prepare the threads
Secure the thick thread on the wrong side of the fabric. Bring it up to the right side at the beginning of the line. Secure the fine thread on the wrong side as well.
2 – Lay the main thread
Place the thick thread along the line to be embroidered. This thread stays on the surface and does not pass through the fabric.
3 – Secure the laid thread
Bring the needle up at A, on one side of the laid thread. Insert at B, on the other side, to form a small perpendicular stitch. Bring up at C, a little further along the line. Insert at D. Continue in this way, anchoring the main thread with small evenly spaced stitches.
4 – Build the line
Work along the entire length of the line. The thick thread must remain taut and visible throughout.
5 – Finish the stitch
At the end of the line, secure the thick thread on the wrong side. Fasten the fine thread on the back of the fabric by passing it under the stitches already worked. ___________
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work naturally from right to left.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work naturally from left to right. Tips for a successful couching stitch
Tips for a perfect couching stitch
Mark the positions before starting: To achieve even spacing between the securing stitches, mark the positions on the fabric with a pencil and ruler before laying the thick thread. This preparation makes it much easier to keep the stitches regular.
Stitch regularity: The securing stitches must be even and close enough together to hold the laid thread firmly in place.
Perpendicular to the laid thread: The securing stitches always cross the laid thread at a right angle. On curved shapes, adjust their position to follow the line.
Fastening the threads: Both threads must be fastened separately on the wrong side for a neat finish.
Thread tension: Pull the fine thread evenly to anchor without crushing the laid thread.
Result
On the front: a line or surface covered by a thick thread held in place by small, even visible stitches.
On the back: a series of small, discreet anchor stitches.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Couching stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The couching stitch is used to create decorative outlines, fillings and spiral shapes in embroidered compositions.
It holds an important place in traditional embroidery for securing a thick decorative thread on the surface without passing it through the fabric.
Worked in parallel rows with the securing stitches staggered, or in a spiral from the centre, it produces rich and varied effects.
The couching stitch: a two-thread laid stitch.
Its construction rests on the laying of a thick thread secured by a finer second thread through small regular stitches.
This approach makes it possible to work outlines, fillings and curved shapes with equal ease.
It is one of the most versatile couching techniques in hand embroidery.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Couching stitch?
• understand the principle of couching and working with two threads
• develop regularity of gesture in the placement of securing stitches
• learn to adapt a linear technique to fillings and curved shapes
• enrich compositions with textured, adaptable decorative lines
Learn the Couching stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the couching stitch is taught step by step with clear, structured guidance.
Our approach to teaching is part of a complete hand embroidery stitch encyclopaedia, designed to support every embroiderer on their journey.
It allows you to progress at your own pace whilst building precision, consistency, and confidence in hand embroidery.