This stitch is used to work outlines or fill in shapes with a thread or a group of threads that are often too thick to stitch through the fabric. Bring the thread that’s to be couched from the back of the fabric through to the start of the stitching line, remove the needle and lay the thread along the line. Thread the needle with the couching thread, bringing this up at the stitching line as before. Work a short straight stitch over the laid thread and bring the needle back up to repeat the stitch, ensuring your couching stitches are balanced. When nearing the end, take the laid thread to the back, finish off the couching stitches and secure both threads at the back of your work.
