Comment broder Trellis couching
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Trellis couching
The Trellis couching, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Trellis couching.
Trellis couching is worked by laying threads on the surface of the fabric to form a grid, then securing the intersections with tacking stitches to create structured, adaptable decorative patterns.
1 – Prepare the work
Work with an embroidery hoop to maintain an even tension on the fabric. Fasten the thread on the wrong side of the fabric.
2 – Lay the threads
Bring the needle up at A. Insert at B to form a first straight stitch. Bring up at C then insert at D. Continue evenly to lay parallel threads across the surface of the fabric. Then work a second series of threads in a different direction to form the desired grid — straight, diagonal or any other arrangement.
3 – Secure and enrich the grid
Secure the intersections with tacking stitches such as straight stitches or cross stitches. Additional stitches can be worked inside the spaces formed to enrich the pattern and vary the effects.
4 – Finish the stitch
Pass the needle to the wrong side and fasten the thread under the stitches already worked. _________ There is no set direction. Work following the order of construction of the grid: begin with a series of threads in one direction, then work the second series in the chosen direction to complete the grid. _________ Tips for a successful trellis couching
Tips for a perfect trellis couching
Fabric tension: Always work in an embroidery hoop to maintain an even tension — this is essential to keep the laid threads taut and prevent the fabric from distorting.
Even laid threads: The threads must be parallel and evenly spaced to achieve a balanced, harmonious grid.
Grid choice: The grid can be straight, diagonal or combined — the angle between the two series of threads entirely determines the final decorative effect.
Tacking stitches: The tacking stitches must be neat and well positioned to hold the threads without crushing or displacing them.
Playing with texture: Vary the laid threads — thick, metallic or textured — to enrich the composition and create unexpected surface effects.
Result
On the front: a decorative surface made up of a laid thread grid held and enriched by tacking stitches.
On the back: discreet anchor stitches corresponding to the tacking points.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Trellis couching, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
Trellis couching is used to lay threads on the surface and create varied patterns on floral compositions, textured backgrounds or geometric elements.
It has a strong presence in traditional embroidery for playing with textures, colours and volumes.
The freedom in choosing the angle of the grid and the tacking stitches makes it a particularly creative technique.
Trellis couching: an embroidery technique consisting of holding threads laid on the surface of the fabric with tacking stitches.
Its construction rests on a grid of threads held by regular stitches, making it possible to create effects ranging from a simple grid to more complex arrangements.
This architecture produces a finish that is adaptable in texture, colour and volume according to the threads and stitches chosen.
It is one of the most versatile techniques in hand embroidery for creating surface texture effects.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Trellis couching?
• understand the principle of laid threads and their securing on the surface
• develop regularity and precision in building a grid
• explore creative freedom in the choice of angles, threads and tacking stitches
• enrich compositions with textured surfaces and adaptable patterns
Learn the Trellis couching with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, trellis couching 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.