Paragraph 129. The couching stitch is made by sewing a heavy cord neatly in place on the lines of a design; the design should be drawn on the material before the couching work is begun. The cord usually consists of several strands of floss twisted together. To make the couching stitch, tie a knot in the thread, insert the needle from the under side of the cloth so as to conceal the knot. With the thumb and finger of the left hand hold the cord in place and bring the needle through to the right side of the cloth very close to and above the cord. See Figure 30.

Figure 29.

Figure 29.

Figure 30.

Figure 30.

Set the needle forward slightly, insert the point just under the cord. and take a slanting stitch, about 1/4" long into the material; this will cause the stitch to surround the cord and hold it in place. These stitches should be evenly taken so as to form part of the decoration. Again bring the needle through just over the cord and continue until the cord is completely sewed in place. Fasten the thread on the wrong side by taking three or four small stitches over one another so that they will not show on the right side.

This stitch is used in sewing braiding or the rope floss on sofa pillows and tablecovers or for other purposes for which this sort of decoration would be suitable.