Chapter III: Couching Stitches

SIMPLE COUCHING STITCH.]

_A._ =_Simple Couching Stitch._=--As methods of work, appliqué and couching are of great importance and possibility and through them a large variety of stitches are employed. Designs cut out of fabrics are applied to ground fabrics by couching. The simple stitch taken at right angles over cords is the one most commonly used, as shown in Fig. III _a_. This and other couching may be used independently or on the edges of applied forms.

TWISTED STITCH.]

_B._ =_Twisted Stitch._=--In this stitch one cord is twisted around another and the over stitch is taken through the ground at right angles to the direction of the outline. See Fig. III _b_. Two silk cords may be carried over outlines, one each side of a gold thread.

_C._ =_Brick Couching Stitch._= Lay rows of cords close to each other and couch them down with perpendicular stitches, alternating in each row with the spaces between them. This is very effective work. See Fig. III _c_.

_D._ =_Diaper Couching Stitch._= This work is done over satin stitch. Many examples of it are to be found in the rich antique diapered work. This embroidery has many uses in modern work. (See article on Bulgarian Embroidery.) Circular forms within conventional flowers may be covered with satin stitches as long as the forms require, then cross-barred with stitches placed at a decided angle from the satin work. This set of cross-bar stitches should be recrossed with another at the opposite angle, thus forming little squares over the first work, which should be couched down at their intersections. This diapering over satin embroidery may be done in a variety of designs and color combinations. Original ways will suggest themselves to the worker. See Fig. III _d_.

DIAPER COUCHING STITCH.]

_E._ =_Elaborate Couching Stitches._=--There are a large number of elaborate couching stitches usually executed in gold and purse twist.

The old work is rich in examples of couching over a system of foundation cords which raise the covering layer of cords or silk threads. The "Basket" and the "Frill Basket" are the most beautiful of these stitches. Corticelli Filo Silk should generally be used for the over stitch and the heavier silks, such as Corticelli Roman Floss and Rope Silk, should be the threads laid on the surface. When it is desired to have the over stitches invisible yet strong the Filo Silk may be split and waxed.