I do a variety of crafts, i.e. sewing, paper crafts, beading, etc. I get bored doing the same things, so I had a hard time trying to pick something for this challenge. After thinking about it, I decided to pick a technique that I have been wanting to try, but hadn't had the time. I love embroidery and have tried ribbon embroidery and floss hand embroidery. But I had never tried to do a technique called 'couching.' This technique takes a cording, yarn or thread, and drapes it across the fabric in a desired position then adheres it with another stitch. It can be done on a machine with a zig zag stitch, but I first tried it on my hand embroidered art hoops.
I recently hand embroidered this hooded oriole which is native to Southern Texas waterways. I thought that the overall look of the hoop was a bit stark. So I decided to try the couching method to add a background of reeds.
After choosing two types and colors of threads, I draped them across the hoop to decide where I wanted them.
I sewed them thru the hoop fabric at each end of the desired length for each "reed." You can see some, in this next photo, are loose from the design and present a shadow on the fabric. Next, I sewed them down using a thin thread. You can see some reeds completed and some not completed in this next photo.
The couching technique has provided some texture and dimension to my hoop, besides completing my project, don't you think? And it is just so much more fun than machine embroidery, I think! (This art hoop and others available in my Etsy shop.)
Please visit the BBA blog to see what projects the other members have attempted for this Challenge! Thanks!
8 comments:
That looks great! I think hand embroidery is kind of a lost art. I love all the old pillowcases, etc., with their hand embroidery. Yours is lovely.
It turned out great Linda! I too love the texture that this technique gives the background of your piece!
Your couching turned out beautifully! I have done a little bit of couching for cross stitch projects but have never made anything with this stitch exclusively. Your little bird is really sweet.
Fun project! The reeds really add depth to your embroidered piece!
Great choice for a new technique :)
It is incredible how just a simple few lines have such an impact! I like it.
And I learned something new:)
The couched lines made a huge difference, Linda! Couching offers some very interesting possibilities.
Linda, the couching added just the right touch! I've never done it myself (perhaps another new thing to try someday!) but immediately knew what you were doing for your challenge when I started reading! It turned out well and the embroidery is complete! Beautiful!
Your bird is lovely! The couched reeds add interest and dimension. a beautiful project!
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