Finished couching stitch embroidery showing a laid thread secured with small holding stitches. — Finished couching stitch uses small holding stitches to secure a laid thread on the surface of the fabric.

How to do couching stitch

Couching stitch is a simple decorative embroidery stitch where one thread sits on top of the fabric and is held in place with small stitches worked over it. It is a useful stitch when you want to create a smooth, bold line, especially with thicker threads, yarns, metallic threads or textured fibres.

Quick answer: Couching stitch is an embroidery technique where a thread is laid on the surface of the fabric and secured with small holding stitches. It is useful for bold outlines, curves, decorative borders, textured details and threads that are too thick or delicate to pull through the fabric repeatedly.

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

How to do couching stitch step-by-step

Lay your chosen thread on the surface of the fabric, following the line or shape you want to stitch.
Thread your needle with a second thread. This will be used to make the small holding stitches.
Bring the needle up just to one side of the laid thread.
Take the needle down on the opposite side of the laid thread, making a small straight stitch over the top to hold it in place.
Continue along the line, adding small holding stitches at regular intervals.
At the end, take the laid thread through to the back of the fabric and secure both threads neatly.

The laid thread should sit smoothly on the fabric without being pulled tight. The holding stitches are there to secure it, not flatten it, so try to keep them neat and gentle.

What is couching stitch used for?

Couching stitch is especially useful when you want a strong visual line without stitching through the fabric again and again. Because the main thread stays on the surface, it works well with thicker threads, wool, ribbons, metallic threads and other fibres that might be awkward to stitch with in the usual way.

You can use couching stitch for outlines, lettering, borders, swirls, stems and decorative details. It works in straight lines, curves and simple shapes, and you can change the look completely by choosing matching or contrasting colours for the laid thread and the holding stitches.

My tip: I find couching stitch neatest when I place the holding stitches a little closer together on curves. It helps the laid thread follow the shape smoothly without lifting away from the fabric.

Tips for couching stitch

Use a thicker thread for the laid thread if you want a bold, textured line.
Keep the holding stitches small so they do not overpower the main thread.
Place the holding stitches closer together when stitching curves or tight shapes.
Try matching thread colours for a subtle look, or contrasting colours for a more decorative effect.
Avoid pulling the holding stitches too tightly, as this can distort the laid thread.
Secure the ends carefully on the back so the laid thread stays smooth on the front.

More embroidery help and next steps

Couching stitch is a lovely one to experiment with once you feel ready to add more texture and decorative lines to your embroidery. Here are a few helpful places to go next.

Get the free embroidery sampler Shop beginner embroidery kits Explore iron-on embroidery patterns Try stick and stitch patterns