HOW TO: Needlepoint Couching Stitch for a Santa hat

Learn how to use the couching stitch to create the perfect fluffy trim for your Santa hat using our favorite Teddy Thread! In this step-by-step needlepoint tutorial, we show you how to lay and tack the thread, finish it securely, and fluff it up for a cozy, dimensional effect. This technique is ideal for holiday designs and adds amazing texture to your canvas. Perfect for beginners or seasoned stitchers looking to level up their festive finishing—don’t forget to save this one for your next Santa project!

STEPS: 

1. Start with our "Teddy Thread" in white. Available here: https://woolfloss.com/products/teddy-thread. 

2. and white floss, or a thin thread. 

3. Secure the Teddy Thread well on the back by coming up through the canvas on the far end of the design. 

4. Then, lay the Teddy thread across your canvas, in the space you want to fill. Using the floss, simply tack down the Teddy thread. We recommend tacking every 2 - 3 canvas threads. 

5. When you reach the end, begin laying the Teddy thread in the opposite direction, one canvas thread down, as if starting a new row. 

6. This method is called 'Couching'. Think of simply filling the space with your thread. 

7. To finish, you will dive down to the back and whip stitch the Teddy Thread to the back of your other stitching. Couching is typically one if the last things you do on a project so you have spaces to start and stop. 

8. Then, use your Boo-Boo Brush to fluff it up! 9. Save this video for your next Santa project.