Couching

Couching

A simple way to add color and texture to the surface of a fabric

In this article we will explain how you can create beautiful 3D effects on your embroidery projects with the right accessories and software, and what to look out for.

To the overviewEbook on Couching
What is couching?

What is couching?

Actually, couching is an old traditional hand embroidery technique, but it can also be done with embroidery or sewing machines.

Create three-dimensional effects with threads, cords, wool, etc. in combination with classic stitching. 
These yarns will stand out from your design and create amazing effects and textures.
Depending on the yarn you use and the different setting options in the software, you will always get different results and effects.

Couching with sewing machines

Couching with sewing machines

Cords and narrow ribbons can also be sewn on without the embroidery module, i.e. freehand. To do this, you will need the Free-Motion Couching Foot #43, a suitable wool thread and a size 80 needle.

The yarn should be able to slide easily through the foot, cords with a diameter of 1.5 - 2 mm are suitable. The yarn should not be too tight, nor should it stretch too much. Thread the machine with sewing or embroidery thread in the same color as the cord or a transparent monofilament thread. Always pull the thread through the additional cord guide, then through the guide and the stitch hole in the presser foot. When embroidering, make sure that the cord is guided loosely.

Couching with embroidery machines

Couching with embroidery machines

As described above for free-motion couching, the Couching Foot #43 is used for couching with the embroidery module as well.
Couching can be used in the BERNINA Embroidery Software with outline stitches. We recommend reducing the embroidery speed and monitoring the embroidery process.

If a design cannot be embroidered continuously, or if it consists of several individual objects, the machine should stop after each element. This is best achieved by entering a different color for each object in the Embroidery Software, e.g. a different black. At the end of each object, cut the thread after about 10 cm and pull out another 10 cm of thread for the next object. After embroidering, all threads are pulled to the wrong side of the fabric and knotted there.

Software settings

Couching can be combined with couching stitch filling, contour filling or meander running stitch filling in the BERNINA Embroidery Software. It is important to note that the stitch distance may have to be increased considerably to allow room for the corresponding thread.

More effects

A slightly twisted yarn will continue to untwist as it is embroidered, giving an irregular, wilder character and often cancelling the entered embroidery structure altogether.

With more strongly twisted yarns, the embroidery direction is maintained. The thread can also be overstitched with a second outline of decorative stitches such as the Paris stitch or many others. This also looks particularly effective in a contrasting color.

Even fringes can be made with couching, for example, on a fabric edge. In this case, the thread is embroidered mainly on water-soluble embroidery stabilizer. After washing out the stabilizer, you will get a pretty fringe.

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