TSG:Basic Couching Stitch

Back to Stitches List
Back to Directory of Hand Stitches

BASIC COUCHING STITCH

Other names

Simple Couching Stitch

Directions

Place loose yarn of the artifact into its proper position. Bring needle with a new thread out to the front at one side of the loose yarn at 1. Lay new thread across (perpendicular to) the loose yarn. On opposite side of the loose yarn at 2, insert needle through fabric to the reverse side. Repeat. Vary placement of the perpendicular stitches when more than one yarn is being couched .

Comments

This stitch is used to secure a warp, weft, or supplementary yarn that has become detached from its original ground.

Possible uses for this stitch

Reinforcing Holes and Tears
Reinforcing Weak Areas
Securing a Damaged Area to a Support Fabric
Securing Loose Threads to a Ground Fabric

See also

Laid and Couched Stitch
Self-Couching Stitch

Copyright: 2026. The Textile Wiki pages are a publication of the Textile Specialty Group of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.