How to Do Couching Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Finished couching stitch embroidery showing a laid thread secured with small holding stitches.
Couching stitch secures a laid thread to the fabric using small holding stitches.

Couching stitch is a decorative embroidery technique where one thread is laid on the surface of the fabric and held in place with small stitches worked over the top. The laid thread can be thicker for a bold look, or the same weight as the holding thread for a more subtle effect.

Couching stitch step-by-step embroidery diagram showing a laid thread secured with small straight stitches.
Couching stitch step-by-step illustration.

How to do couching stitch (step-by-step)

  1. Lay your chosen thread onto the surface of the fabric, following the line you want to stitch.
  2. Thread your needle with a second thread to use for the holding stitches.
  3. Bring the needle up just to one side of the laid thread, then take it down on the opposite side, making a small straight stitch over the top to secure it.
  4. Continue working small holding stitches at regular intervals along the laid thread.
  5. At the end of the line, secure both threads neatly on the back of the fabric.

The laid thread should sit smoothly on the fabric without being pulled tight. The holding stitches simply secure it in place and should not distort the line or flatten the thread.

More about couching stitch

Couching stitch is useful whenever you want to create a strong visual line without repeatedly pulling a thread through the fabric. It works well with thicker threads, yarns or metallics, but it can also be used with two threads of the same weight for a softer decorative outline.

You can work couching stitch in straight lines, curves or shapes. Placing the holding stitches closer together gives a firmer line, while spacing them slightly further apart creates a more relaxed, decorative effect.

Ready to practise couching stitch?

If you would like a project to try couching stitch on, I have a range of embroidery kits and patterns where you can experiment with decorative lines and texture.

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Tips for couching stitch

  • The laid thread can be thicker or the same weight as the holding thread.
  • Use small, neat holding stitches so they do not overpower the laid thread.
  • For curves, place the holding stitches closer together to help the line follow the shape.
  • Try matching or contrasting thread colours for different decorative effects.
  • This stitch is ideal for bold outlines, decorative borders and textured details.

More embroidery stitches to learn

Once you are comfortable with couching stitch, you might like to try these stitches next:

Next steps in your embroidery journey

If you would like a relaxed project to put your new stitch into practice, you can explore my range of modern embroidery kits and patterns below.