Couch Trip
Choosing Materials
Of all the different couching materials available, yarns are the most pliable, and today's vast yarn selection offers a potential smorgasbord of creative options.
Basic, solid-color yarn makes a great foundation for almost any couching design. An initial application of basic yarn will form a backdrop that frames additional "highlight" yarns.
Novelty yarns featuring unusual colors or textures are natural attentiongetters, and for most couching projects should be applied last. In general, use a smaller amount of novelty yarn than basic yarn to achieve a "just right" balance to the overall embellishment.
Ribbons, from thin and monochromatic to wide and variegated, offer myriad creative combinations.
Cords offer yet another dimension of color and texture options. Their sleek surface, soft dimension and pliability make them great for couching, but some cords may need additional stabilization to support their greater weight. Cords also build bulk relatively quickly. This effect can look terrific on more substantial items, such as outerwear, but will quickly overpower lightweight or delicate garments.
Bead or rhinestone strands add fast, easy elegance. Like braids, these strands are capable of forming gentle arcs, but not severe twists or small shapes.
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Grading the Curve
Before attaching ribbons to a couching project, test each ribbon type to determine its flexibility. Narrow ribbons, or those that are are made of at least 50% cotton, are the most flexible.
To find out how much curving a ribbon will tolerate, position it into the desired arc and press. If the ribbon doesn't hold the curve, modify the design to better suit the ribbon's flexibility.
Test narrow, braided trims for flexibility in the same manner. Although woven, braids are considerably less flexible than yarn, making them better suited for gentle curves than for small circles or tightly twisting designs.
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