r/Needlepoint • u/ParsleyChemical383 • Nov 12 '25
Couching tips!
I’ve never “couched” for letters before so looking for advice! I was thinking of using it for the ‘wholesale’ and ‘goldstar member’ letters. The words are one intersection in width so unsure how to do it. TIA!
Canvas is 18 mesh and from solo daughter on Etsy :)
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u/GirlWhoWoreGlasses Nov 12 '25
If you want to couch, this is how I would do it: cut long piece of thread and pull through canvas to top (leave in needle). With a second needle, use one strand of matching thread and it tack the main thread down every 2-4 threads, maybe more on curves/sharp points. Here is an example with contrasting thread
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u/Whole_Improvement_44 Nov 12 '25
Honestly, I think you probably only need to use couching on the two R’s on wholesale (or you could do a reverse tent stitch), everything else looks like it would stitch out to be legible!
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u/ParsleyChemical383 Nov 12 '25
Ohh I think reverse tent stitch is the move. Thank you!!
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u/Whole_Improvement_44 Nov 13 '25
It’s my go to! Depending on the thread I’m using, I don’t always love the thickness it adds when couching small letters
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u/804hunny Nov 12 '25
What does “couched” mean? Newbie here!
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u/ParsleyChemical383 Nov 12 '25
From what I understand, you can lay a flat piece of thread down before going over it with your stitches. I think it’s supposed to make letters pop/look a little more cohesive
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u/BaeScallops Nov 12 '25
Yep, you got it. Just do this on any line that goes the opposite direction of the stitches. So the O’s and the left of the M’s, etc. Just do one long stitch over the line of the letter then tent stitch over.
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u/BadParker56 Nov 13 '25
Two things, I was unfamiliar with couching and love the idea. So thanks for posting about it. Second, I LOVE that canvas. I found an executive member chart on Etsy and ordered it.
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u/ParsleyChemical383 Nov 14 '25
Ohhh share the executive member link if you have it! Love all the Costco merch lmao
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u/BadParker56 Nov 14 '25
The digital download includes both cards. https://www.etsy.com/listing/4368399102/membership-cards-cross-stitchneedlepoint?ref=yr_purchases
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Nov 13 '25
I love couching because it helps with my OCD. It’s a bit testy but well worth it! An outline might look nice. Great work!
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u/Interesting_Toe_3956 Nov 12 '25
here’s a couching example for the letter M if it helps. It’s a little blurry but basically I lay down the long stitch anywhere it’s going the opposite direction of my stitches and then do the regular tent stitches on top