What Yarn to Use
Just about any yarn can be used for couching.
Chunky yarn will give a bit of height and lots of dimension.
Flat yarn will sit right against the fabric. This type of yarn is
great for covering raw edges of applique.
Knobby yarn makes for a very interesting texture especially
the more knobby it is. This yarn is a bit harder to work with
due to the knobs and inconsistent size of the yarn.
Cording can also be used which is more rigid than yarn.
Cording gives a very definitive line look.
Heavy weight embroidery floss can also be used such as
pearl cotton. This is not as heavy as yarn and gives a more
delicate and fine line of couching.
As you see the possibilities are endless since the number of
yarns out there are pretty much endless. DMC has a huge
variety of yarns appropriate for couching.
A complementary color scheme of supplies in blue and orange
Step 1: using an appropriate foot for the job
A couching foot, also known as a braiding foot, can usually
be purchased as an extra foot for your machine.
The couching foot has a hole for threading the yarn through
and allows for even feed of the yarn under the foot of the
machine when stitching in place.
The yarn comes from the back of the machine over the top
and through the foot when using a couching foot. There’s a
bit more control of the yarn when using a couching foot.
But…
an open toed embroidery foot can also be used in place of a
couching foot.
A couching foot with a hole to feed the yarn through
When using this foot the yarn sits in your lap and is thread
from the front and under the foot to be stitched in place.
Using this type of foot means that you have to guide and
control the yarn as it’s being stitched to ensure proper
placement of the stitching and yarn.
A couching foot is the best option but if not available then
the open toed foot will do the job.
Couching foot threaded with yarn
Open toed embroidery foot
QUILTsocial
.com
| issue 5
31