Step 2: using the appropriate sized zigzag stitch
The zigzag stitch is used to attach the yarn to the quilt. A
straight stitch can also be used but I prefer the look of the
zigzag stitch as it has a nice clean and smooth finish to it.
If the width of the stitch is too narrow then the yarn will
have rolled up edges.
Too narrow of stitch width
If the width of the stitch is too wide then the stitching will
be seen beyond the edges of the yarn.
The key is to have the width of the stitch just at the
outside of the edge of the yarn to secure it in place.
Step 3: using the appropriate thread
I just mentioned that it’s the yarn we want to see not the
thread so how does one accomplish this. Well, there are a
couple of ways.
Stitch width is too wide
Use a color of thread that blends in perfectly with the
yarn as it’s being stitched in place. Gütermann thread
comes in a huge variety of colors which makes it easy
to find one that will blend in with the yarn being used.
Either cotton or polyester will work for stitching the yarn
in place.
Use a 60 weight polyester thread such as Sulky PolyLite.
The finer weight thread will blend in very well with the
yarn and hardly be seen since it’s so fine.
Stitch width is perfect
But conversely a rayon or metallic thread can be used to
give a bit of shine to the yarn and allow the stitching to
stand out slightly. I’m going to use a Sulky rayon thread for
my couching which will add just a touch of shine. These
threads are a 30 weight which means they are heavier but
because they blend in well with the color of the yarn they
won’t stand out too much.
I started the couching on my pillow top and am very
pleased with how it’s turning out. I love the shine from
the rayon thread I used for the zigzag stitch.
A variety of blue and orange Gütermann thread
A spool of Sulky PolyLite thread
32
QUILTsocial
.com
| issue 5
Who knew it only took 3 easy steps to perfect couching
to embellish a cushion!
Sulky rayon threads in blue and orange