Couching

How it is used

Use in embroidery when a thick decorative thread lies on the surface rather than passing through the cloth.

Example sentences

1. Couching held the gold cord along the curved outline of the motif.

   Small holding stitches secure a separate decorative strand.

2. The couching stitches were too far apart, so the cord lifted between them.

   Stitch spacing determines how securely the surface thread is held.

Common collocations

• couching stitches
• goldwork couching

Related terms

• embroideryDecoration sewn onto fabric with thread, by hand or by machine, such as a logo on a polo shirt or flowers on a blouse.
• stitchA single loop of thread made by a needle in sewing, or a particular type of stitching such as lockstitch, chainstitch or coverstitch.

More terms: Colours, Prints & Decoration

• print
• colourway
• lab dip
• strike-off
• all-over print
• repeat
• screen printing
• digital printing
• yarn-dyed
• houndstooth
• resist dyeing
• discharge printing