Battlement Couching Stitch
Battlement Couching is a decorative filling technique from the Couching Stitch family. The embroidery method is similar to the Jacobean Couching. Still, instead of one layer of laid threads, we make three or even more layers and then couch the last layer.
This technique creates a textural decorative surface with a visual effect of depth and perspective. This method allows for combining multiple thread colors and incorporating specialty threads like metallics or threads with glitter.
All the laid threads are positioned on the surface of the fabric; therefore, on the back, only the couching thread is visible.
Other names of the Battlement Couching
This decorative hand embroidery technique is also called Battlement Trellis or Shaded Cross Bar.
Applications of the Battlement Couching Stitch
This hand embroidery technique is a filler stitch, traditionally used in classical Jacobean embroidery. It is often combined with Jacobean couching and other traditional embroidery techniques.
More stitches from the Couching Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Battlement Couching Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Battlement Couching quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.
How to embroider Battlement Couching Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Define the area you will fill with this technique and mark the grid for more precision. Start with the horizontally laid threads. Fill the entire shape with parallel, equally spaced stitches that go from one side of the design to the opposite one.
2. Embroider the first layer of vertical stitches. The stitches are made at 90-degree angle to the horizontal stitches and are equally spaced.
3. Add the second layer of laid threads. Change the thread color and make one more set of horizontal stitches. The stitches are slightly offset downwards from the first layer.
4. Now add vertical stitches of the second color. The stitches are offset to the right.
5. Add the third layer of horizontal stitches for the Battlement Couching stitch. Change the thread color and offset the stitches downwards.
6. After the horizontal stitches, add a vertical layer with the third color.
7. Finally, add couching stitches. Start from the center of the figure and make a small diagonal stitch that will hold a crossing of the last layer of the laid threads. Move from one crossing to the next one and fill one side of the shape.
8. After one side is couched, return to the center and add couching stitches to the second part of the shape.
9. The visual result of the Battlement Couching will highly depend on the color combination you use and on how neat your stitching is, so pay extra attention to make all the stitches parallel and equally spaced.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
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What’s next?
If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
