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TAST stitch 9 – Couching
This wasn’t really a ‘new to me’ stitch, but more one I could work out where to use on my elephant! A simple, yet elegant stitch. My Jacobean piece used quite a bit of couching, as did my more recent crewelwork piece.
To continue on with my ‘glamorous’ elephant, I decided I would incorporate both the pink, and the ‘bling’ theme with my couching. Using a DMC metallic thread, and an Oliver Twistscotton thread, I worked the couching stitch around my vandyke stitch and long legged detached chain stitch. I’m actually quite pleased with the overall effect this has created in these two areas.
Hi Catherine
Love the blog. May I ask .. how are the little pink flowers done? Are those beads in the centre?
Liz J
Thanks Liz for your kind words and for taking the time to read and comment.
The little pink flowers are stitched in a stitch called long legged detached chain. (You can read more about that stitch here: https://hillviewembroidery.com/tast-stitch-30-long-legged-detached-chain-stitch/)
The centres are finished with a starry sequin. I found it in my ‘stash’. I have no idea what I originally intended them for (Christmas ornament perhaps?), but I liked the way they finished the flowers!
Really helpful Catherine. Thanks. In the UK, I’ve found lots of lovely shaped sequins online at JosyRose
Thanks for the information about JosyRose. I’ve just had a look at their website and feel I could get lost for a while there! So many beautiful things there! I can’t believe I’ve not come across them before. Thank you!
I think it’s going to be a very elegant elephant! Beautiful stitching 🙂
Thanks Margaret!
The colours in that variegated thread are just yummy – gorgeous combinations – this is going to be an awesome piece when it’s finished
Thanks Bella! It’s a gorgeous thread that one, I’m just sorry I’ve used it all now!
Very pretty!
Thanks Robin ?
It’s always good to see how a variegated thread highlights the elements of the stitch…
I tend to shy away from variegated threads as you lose control of the colour placement. But they certainly work in some situations!
I really like the plain couching over the metallic thread. The use of opposites in bling just makes it…more! This guy is starting to really take shape, looking forward to the next stitch you have chosen to highlight!
Thanks Kathy. I was quite pleased with the result. So simple yet so effective!
Loving the progress on this piece.
Thank you ?
I do enjoy seeing all of the different stitches you use on your projects. Very effective!
Thanks Avis. A bit of fun ?
Very interesting stitching. I love the little stars in the center of the flowers. Very nice.
Thanks Ginny. I love a bit of bling!
Great progress. Your elephant is turning out beautifully
Thanks Linda
Beautiful progress and I love the bling 🙂
Thanks Christina – a bit of bling is always good!
This is going to be the world’s most elegant elephant, and a really pretty and imaginative way to showcase your stitches. Lovely work!
Thanks Kate. It’s quite a fun little project!
Love the way you are using the different stitches!
Thanks Gun!
this is looking gorgeous! So many different techniques coming together.
Yes it’s quite interesting working and playing with them to try and get them to work together
The couching on those stitches looks really nice. Your elephant will truly be a beautiful piece when finished – I am (always) looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks Connie. I was a bit worried the randomness of the stitches used would give an odd look, but I think it will be ok with some carefully considered stitches next!
You always make the prettiest things. I love the flowers. Thank you for sharing at The Really crafty Link Party this week. pinned!
Thanks so much Teresa! That’s very sweet of you
Such beautiful stitching, your elephant will be amazing when it’s done. No rush, slow and steady wins the day!
Thanks Julie. This is definitely a slow and steady piece! Little by little it is coming together!
I clicked back to your previous Elephant posts and couching was the perfect stitch to add to those areas
Often having a final plan for a piece gives us the push we need to really get working on it. I’m looking forward to finding out what you plan is.
Thanks so much for linking up to last week’s Stitchery Link Party. Aloha hugs!
Thanks Sue! I’m just working on it again now and think there are several other areas where couching will finish it off nicely. And it’s fun to be able to add that bling in without needing to actually stitch with metallic threads!
You are very talented and your embroidery is amazing!
Thanks Luda!