Couching threads

Now, I have absolutely no experience at this. None. Nadda. Zip. Never done it. That said, if I were going to do this, I'd use a long stitch length on the zig zag, then take a toothbrush to the couched thread to brush out (gently) the strands that were caught down. But that's just me. :-)

Hullo Jennifer I have never done really frilly threads - such as you describe - however, for them I would make the upper part of the stitch go *through* the frilly thread, instead of over it. That should help; and, because the thread is through it, you might get away with having them further apart than if you were just surrounding the frilly thread. Have a go on a little sample and see if that works? Hope so. Oh! I've just realised you're probably talking about machine couching? Sorry. I'll leave my post, in case you feel like hand sewing (all I've ever done). . In article , JS writes

HA!! Since when did that ever stop anyone here from voicing an opinion!?? PAT

Maybe try brushing the frillies all to one side and couch over the edge of the base thread? then you can just brush them back every which way afterwards. Good luck!

Elena in Tx

Use a fine thread and a long stitch length on your zig zag (and a narrow width). Never had a problem with any of the really frilly stuff.

Have fun -- they are a joy to use!

Ok I am totally lost. Splain please. What the heck is couching threads?

Mika

Somebody hand me that fryin pan!!! Weeennnnnnndddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy you come back here so I can whap you with this fryin pan!!!! You must be the one who ran off with my Attic Window WIP.....

Mika, who has the fryin pan raised and is lookin for Wendy

I do metal thread embroidery, and couching them down is the only way to go. However, it's always easier to show you what I am doing with my hands rather than painting a picture with words, so bear with me.

Secure one end of the thread to be couched down (Thread A). Securing can be done by holding off the edge of the fabric and let the seam hold it, or actually threading a needle and puncturing your fabric with it and tying a knot, or tack it down lightly with thread B so the end doesn't show- if using this latter method, just hold down Thread A with your fingers and stitch to the end to sew it down initially.

Thread B is usually a regular sewing thread of a color to blend into the background &/or Thread A, but I have seen and done deliberately contrasting threads. Monofilament or other invisible threads can be used, but they can also be a pain. Secure Thread B on the back of the fabric via a knot, as close to where you have secured Thread A as possible. Bring Thread B up through the fabric to the right side, up and over Thread A, and back through the fabric to the wrong side as close as possible if not the same hole to where it came up. Move about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch along the thread A. Repeat the stitch. Continue until all of the thread A is couched down.

To do this on a machine, use a zig-zag stitch at a long length, but as narrow as covers the thread. They usually have cording feet or piping feet that make the task more pleasant.

To the original poster, if the thread is really poufy, I suggest sewing the couching by hand, and not with the zig-zag on your machine, as you probably won't be able to pouf it back up very well.

Hope this helps a little.

-georg

Mika: Couching is a traditional embroidery technique. Explanation from book Bantam Step by Step Book of Needle Craft (c) 1979 Doring Kindersley Ltd, London.

"... technique used to secure one layer of thread, known as 'laid threads', with overcast stitches, known as 'couching stitches.'" (page 238)

"Couching and laid work are two similar techniques which have been developed to show off threads that are either too valuable, too brittle or too delicate to be worked in and out of the fabric in the usual way." (page 260)

Here's how *I* have done it on SM. This is not expert advice, just voice of experience. 1. Position decorative thread or yarn ('laid threads') in desired arrangement, leaving a tail of about

2-3" at start; secure start with pin. 2. Select and thread the SM with sewing thread of choice ('couching thread') ... this might be a contrasting color of Rayon, or an invisible Nylon thread, or any other thread that will work in your SM ... along with standard thread in bobbin. 3. Select a decorative SM stitch ... this might be a simple zig zag or an elaborate feather stitch. 4. Sew the pretty stitch over the 'laid threads' so the stitches just cover but do not pierce the fancy threads. 5. Go back and bury the tails using a hand sewing needle. Of course if you can, it is handy to just start in a seam area!

The Bantam is a good resource. Another good source is Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework. I have both on my shelf, gifts from DH. Both these books have short chapters on quilting topics. One or both is probably still in print, but updated. Check out your County Library. I KNOW you have good libraries in Nassau and Suffolk, Mika!

HTH. PAT >

Oh, sure. Anybody can give a straight answer!

Thanks for all of the advice. What I ended up doing on the threads with the long fringes was to just do a long, narrow zig zag over the thread. Surprisingly, not too much of the fringe was caught in the covering thread, and what was just slid out when I rubbed my finger over it. I did this around appliqued shapes on an already quilted top. The zig zag shows on the back, but it is not a bad look. I think working with the funky threads is a lot of fun, and it is definitely going to be a technique I use more often. I hope they make it through the washer - all of my quilts have to be tough enough for the machine.

The quilt top I am working on is deliberately done in non-traditional techniques. I did raw edge applique, but that was also applied to the already quilted top. I made the background in one piece, put the borders on, and did a grid of quilting over the entire piece. Then I put on the shapes and free-motion quilted inside the edges. The fuzzy couched threads went around each of the shapes.

I'll post some pics this week, but it really isn't that special. DS is in love with it, but it is a green background with fuzzy hot pink hearts. I guess I'll have to try another one with some more masculine colors for him.

Thanks again,

Jennifer in Florida

Thanks georg, this post has gone into my save file for future reference.

Mika

Hi Wendy. The frying pan got too darn heavy for me to hold while waiting for you to come out of hiding so you're safe. ;-) On with the "whateverkindofanswers" one wants to give. lol.

Mika

Oh cool. Great explanations Pat. Thanks. This one has gone into my save file for future reference too.

Mika