Romanian Couching
Romanian Couching is a self-couching technique that belongs to the Couching stitch family. Traditionally, we use separate threads for laid thread and couching stitches. In the case of Romanian Couching, the same thread is used to make a base and to secure it to the surface. Technically, it is similar to Bokhara Couching. The difference is that Romanian couching stitches are long and diagonal; therefore, they increase the thread on the surface of the fabric, making the filling thicker.
More thread is visible on the front side of the embroidery than on the reverse side – only the parts of couching stitches are visible on the back.
Other names of Romanian Couching
This hand embroidery technique has a long history; therefore, it is often referred to by various names. You can find this technique referred to by multiple names, including Oriental couching, Oriental stitch, Laid Oriental stitch, Self-couching, Antique couching, Antique stitch, Figure stitch, Roumanian couching, or New England economy stitch.
A single long stitch, couched with one diagonal couching stitch, is called Romanian Couching Stitch and is used for filling narrow shapes, where one stitch is enough to cover the entire width of the design.
Applications of the Romanian Couching
Oriental Couching is a traditional filling technique in canvas work and surface embroidery. The stitch has a nice surface structure and is stable, allowing you to use it to fill both small and large design elements.
Besides that, you can apply this self-couching stitch in mending – it will reinforce a piece of thinned fabric nicely or hide the stain with fully covering stitches.
More stitches from the Couching Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Romanian Couching
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Romanian 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 Romanian Couching
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark the design you plan to fill. You can also mark the guidelines for couching stitches. Make a long straight stitch from the left side of the shape to the right side. Pull the thread to the back.
2. Take the needle back to the surface, below the laid stitch, on the first mark of the couching stitches. Couching stitches are made from right to left.
3. Make a diagonal stitch and push the needle to the back above the laid thread. Pull it through and tighten. This will create the first couching stitch.
4. Make the second diagonal couching stitch.
5. Add one more laid thread from left to right.
6. Move from right to left and add couching stitches. The number of couching stitches will depend on the size of your design.
7. Continue adding laid stitches and couching them until you have filled the entire shape of the design with Romanian Couching.
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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