First project: a couched outline

Trace a shape with yarn.
Step by step
- Draw a simple curving shape on fabric in a hoop.
- Couch a thick yarn along the line with matching floss.
- Add extra ties on the tight curves.
- Try a second line with a contrasting tying thread.
- Finish both ends on the back.
Watch
Couching (1:53)
By Mary Corbet · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 1-minute video from Mary Corbet on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
All guides ›Couching
Sources
All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.