How to Make a Laid Stitch With Cross Stitch Couching: A Step-by-Step Embroidery Guide

In the world of embroidery, laid stitches offer a beautiful, textured surface, perfect for filling large areas with color and pattern. When paired with cross stitch couching, this technique becomes even more decorative and sturdy. If you're embellishing clothing, creating textile art, or designing a tapestry, this method adds a unique, handmade appeal.

In this tutorial, we’ll break down the process of creating a Laid Stitch with Cross Stitch Couching, including materials, step-by-step instructions, and tips for a polished finish.

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What Is a Laid Stitch?

A laid stitch is a long, straight stitch that is placed across the surface of the fabric without being pulled taut. These threads are then "couched" or held down with smaller stitches. This is a traditional method used in crewel work, goldwork, and other decorative embroidery styles.

What Is Cross Stitch Couching?

Cross stitch couching is a method where the laid threads are secured to the fabric using tiny cross stitches. Not only does it hold the threads in place, but it also creates a charming, grid-like surface texture.

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Materials You’ll Need:

Fabric (linen or cotton works well)

Embroidery hoop

Embroidery floss or wool thread

Embroidery needle (sharp with a large eye)

Scissors

Optional: marking pen or chalk for guidelines

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric

1. Place your fabric in the embroidery hoop and make sure it is taut.

2. Mark the area where you want your laid stitches. This can be a square, circle, or freeform shape.

Step 2: Stitch the Laid Threads

1. Thread your needle with your base thread (for the laid stitches).

2. Bring the needle up at the start of the area.

3. Make a long straight stitch across the fabric to the opposite side of the shape.

4. Continue working parallel stitches, filling the entire area. These threads should lie on top of the fabric and not be pulled too tight.

Tip: For even spacing, use a ruler or marking pen to lightly draw lines on the fabric.

Step 3: Cross Stitch Couching

1. Thread a needle with a contrasting or matching thread—this will be your couching thread.

2. Starting at the top left corner, bring the needle up between two laid threads.

3. Make a small diagonal stitch over the two laid threads (like the first arm of an X).

4. Bring the needle up again from the underside diagonally across from the first couching stitch.

5. Make the second diagonal stitch to complete the X over the laid threads.

6. Continue in a grid-like fashion, couching down each pair of laid threads with a cross stitch.

Step 4: Finish and Secure

1. Once you’ve completed the couching stitches, flip the hoop over.

2. Secure your threads by weaving them into the back of your work.

3. Trim any excess thread neatly.

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Design Ideas & Variations

Color Play: Use contrasting colors for the laid threads and couching stitches for a dramatic effect.

Metallics: Try metallic threads for couching to give your embroidery a luxurious touch.

Shape Play: Couch laid threads in curves or spirals for more organic designs.

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Tips for Success

Always keep your tension consistent—loose laid threads and snug couching stitches are key.

Use a sharp needle for precision, especially when working with tightly woven fabric.

Practice on a small piece of fabric before starting your final design.

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The Laid Stitch with Cross Stitch Couching is a versatile and eye-catching embroidery technique that brings texture and depth to your fabric. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to master this stitch and add a handcrafted touch to any textile piece.

Happy stitching!