Couching Stitch: How to Couch Thick, Metallic and Textured Threads
Couching is a way of fixing thread to the surface of the fabric instead of stitching through the fabric with it. One or more threads (the laid threads) are placed along a line and held down by small stitches worked across them with a second, usually finer thread (the tacking or couching thread). This lets you use threads that are too thick, textured or delicate to pull through fabric: perle cotton, wool, cord, metallic and goldwork threads. It gives smooth, bold lines quickly. In some variations, such as Roumanian couching, one thread does both jobs.
How to couch, in short: lay a thick thread (or several) along the line on the surface, then hold it down with small stitches of a second, finer thread, brought up on one side of the laid thread and taken down on the other, at even intervals.
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Used for | Bold outlines, curves, lettering, thick, metallic and textured threads |
| Laid thread | 6 strands of stranded cotton, perle cotton, wool, cord or metallic; one or several together |
| Tacking thread | 1 strand of stranded cotton or fine silk, matching or contrasting |
| Needle | Embroidery needle for tacking; large chenille needle to take the laid thread to the back |
| Spacing | Tacking stitches 3–6 mm apart; closer on curves |
What You Need
- Two threads: the laid thread that shows, and a fine tacking thread that holds it.
- Two needles. A fine embroidery needle for the tacking thread, and a large chenille needle to plunge the laid thread through the fabric at the start and end.
- Fabric in a hoop, drum-tight. Couched lines pucker loose fabric very easily.
- A free hand to guide the laid thread along the line while you tack it. A hoop stand helps.
How to Couch
- Bring the laid thread up at the start of the line with the chenille needle. For thick or metallic thread, leave a 3–4 cm tail on the front instead and take it through at the end.
- Lay the thread along the line and hold it in place with your other hand. Do not stretch it.
- Bring the tacking thread up right beside the laid thread, close to the start of the line.
- Take the tacking thread over the laid thread and down on the other side, directly opposite, at a right angle. The stitch should just cover the laid thread.
- Move 3–6 mm along and repeat, keeping the spacing even and the tacking stitches parallel.
- On curves, tack more closely; at a sharp corner, put one tacking stitch exactly on the corner point, bend the laid thread around it and tack again just after it.
- Plunge the laid thread to the back at the end of the line with the chenille needle. Fold the ends along the back of the couched line and oversew them with the tacking thread.
If the laid thread is too thick for the needle, use a loop of strong thread (a lasso): bring the loop up through the fabric, put the laid thread into it and pull it through to the back.
Spacing and Tension
| Laid thread | Tacking thread | Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| 6 strands of stranded cotton or 1 perle cotton | 1 strand, matching colour | 4–6 mm |
| 2–3 threads laid together | 1 strand | 3–5 mm |
| Metallic thread, laid in pairs | 1 strand of fine silk or polyester | 3–4 mm |
| Wool yarn or cord | 1–2 strands | 5–8 mm |
Pull each tacking stitch just until it holds the laid thread, with the same tension every time. Tacking stitches can also be decorative: in a contrasting colour, as small cross stitches, or arranged in a brick pattern over several laid threads.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The laid thread twists or rolls | The laid thread is twisted, or several laid threads cross each other | Untwist it as you go and keep laid threads parallel. Tack a short section at a time. |
| The line drifts off the drawn line on curves | Tacking stitches too far apart | Tack every 2–3 mm on curves, and at the start and end of each bend. |
| The laid thread looks pinched or beaded | Tacking stitches pulled too tight | Pull just until the stitch holds the laid thread. |
| Tacking stitches slant | Coming up and going down at points that are not opposite | Come up and go down exactly opposite each other, at right angles to the line. |
| The fabric puckers along the line | The laid thread was pulled taut before tacking, or the fabric is loose | Work in a hoop and lay the thread loosely along the line. |
| The laid thread frays where it goes through the fabric | Pulled through a hole that is too small | Use a large chenille needle or a lasso, and plunge only at the start and end of the line. |
Where to Use Couching
- Bold outlines. Around motifs, where a single thick line looks cleaner than several rows of stitching.
- Metallic accents. Stars, snowflakes and ornaments in metallic thread that would fray if stitched through the fabric.
- Lettering and monograms. One continuous laid thread gives smooth, flowing letters.
- Spirals and waves. Couching follows curves easily, so it suits swirls, water and wind.
- Texture. Wool yarn or bouclé for tree bark, curly hair or fleece.
- Fills. Rows of couching side by side, or a spiral from the outside in, fill a shape quickly.
Couching vs Trailing vs Roumanian Stitch
- Trailing: the laid threads are covered completely by close stitches, giving a raised, corded line. In couching the laid thread stays visible between the tacking stitches.
- Roumanian stitch: a long stitch is laid and then tied down in the middle with the same thread. Used to fill shapes rather than for lines.
- Stem stitch: a stitched line that also gives a rope-like outline, but it is slower and needs a thread that passes through fabric easily.
For an overview of all the basic stitches, see our complete guide to hand embroidery stitches.
Patterns to Practise Your Stitches On
Couching is not used in our current patterns. If you are building up your basic stitches, start with one of these beginner-friendly patterns.
New to Embroidery? Start with a Free Pattern
All of our free embroidery patterns in one place:
Couching FAQ
What thread do you use for couching?
Almost anything for the laid thread: stranded cotton, perle cotton, wool, cord or metallic. The tacking thread is usually 1 strand of stranded cotton or fine silk.
How far apart should couching stitches be?
About 3–6 mm on straight lines, closer on curves. Keep the spacing even along the line.
How do you start and finish couching?
Bring the laid thread up and take it down with a large chenille needle, or leave tails and plunge them at the end. Secure the ends on the back with the tacking thread.
Can you couch metallic thread?
Yes, it is the usual way to use it. Lay the thread in pairs, tack it every 3–4 mm with a fine thread, and plunge the ends to the back.
