How to use the Brother Couching Dual Feed Foot
Add texture to creative projects like art, quilts, clothing or homeware items.
Couching is a type of sewing where heavier weight threads are used to add texture and detail.
The Brother Couching Dual Feed Foot is a sewing presser foot that fits the Brother Dual Feed Foot (DFF). The kit comes with the couching presser foot, yarn guide and threading needle. The Dual Feed Foot is not included in the kit.
The couching foot makes couching onto a wide variety of surfaces with a variety of creative fibres really easy.
The included yarn guide and the specially designed presser foot attachment feed the fibre in the correct position for your Brother sewing machine’s top sewing thread to stitch into it and secure it in place. The foot attachment has a hole for the fibre to feed through and a little groove at the bottom to keep the fibre in place while you sew.
Accessory snapshot
Couching Dual Feed Foot F074
Note: this attachment set works with the Brother Dual Feed Foot DF1 and Compact Dual Feed foot DF2. The dual feed foot itself is not included in the set.
Step 1
Attach the DFF unit to the machine and click the couching foot onto the DFF.
Step 2
Install the thread guide. Follow the instructions in the packaging, or in your manual if the set is included as an accessory with your Brother sewing machine.
The thread guide supplied in the Couching Dual Feed Foot is compatible with the listed models.
With the Brother Aveneer EV1, the Brother Innov-is Luminaire XP3 and Brother Innov-is Stellaire XJ2 models, the couching foot, yarn threader and yarn guide compatible with these machines are included when you buy your machine (left image below).
With the Brother Innov-is Stellaire XJ1 and Luminaire XP1, use a thread stand placed to the left of the machine instead of a yarn guide. The yarn guide supplied with upgrade kits for Stellaire XJ1 to XJ2 for yarn couching embroidery can also be used, but with extra attention to the flow of the fibre (right image below).
Step 3
Wind the decorative fibre into a loose ball so it will unwind easily and smoothly when you sew.Place the loosely wound fibre on the thread stand and thread through the telescopic loop, then through the loops of the thread guide.
Tip: we highly recommend using a telescopic thread stand. If you do not have one, place the fibre behind the machine so it can unwind vertically while you sew. You can put it in a large bowl or jar.
Step 4
Using the threading tool supplied with your kit or as a machine accessory (the one that looks like a long needle), thread the fibre through the little hole in the foot, from the top to the bottom. You can do this with the foot attached to the machine or before you attach the foot (see diagram below).Pull the fibre to the back, so you can see it through the opening in the foot where the needle comes down. There is a groove at the bottom of the foot to guide the fibre through - make sure the fibre is laying under the groove.
Step 5
Thread the needle as normal with sewing thread. Select a stitch. See our tips for thread and stitches at the end of this article.
Step 6
Start sewing. Keep an eye on the fibre to make sure it feeds freely through the guides and does not get tangled. You may have to stop and arrange the fibre several times.When you are done, tie off the needle thread and cut the fibre. You can choose to sew the end of the fibre into the back of your project with a hand darning needle, or you can leave the ends of the fibres free and trim them to the desired length.
Tip: if you are sewing curved shapes, switch the pivot function on. It will help you to adjust direction around the bends easily without distorting the fabric.
What things should I consider when yarn couching with my Brother sewing machine?
Experiment with different thread, fibre and stitches. Before you sew onto your main project, use a scrap of the same or similar fabric as your project and make notes of which stitch and thread you have used for each experiment. Consider the outcomes and then decide which combinations of yarn style, sewing thread colour and texture and fabric you will use on your project.Which yarn or fibre should I use when couching with my Brother sewing machine?
As a general rule, as long as it will feed freely through the hole in the foot and is pliable, you can use it. Think hand embroidery threads, knitting yarn, string, ribbon, lace, raffia, strips of soft plastic… the world is your oyster!Which thread should I use in the needle when couching with my Brother sewing machine?
Think of what role you need the thread to play in the final piece. If you want it to be invisible, match the colour of thread to the colour of the fibre you are using. If you want to add a little sparkle, metallic threads will be fun to experiment with. Or if you want a contrast, choose a thread colour that will be visible when sewn over the fibre.Make sure you use the right needle for the type of thread that you use. You can read more about which needle you should use here.
Which bobbin thread should I use when couching with my Brother sewing machine?
The same as in the needle, or a matching general sewing thread.Which sewing stitches should I use when couching with my Brother sewing machine?
In machine yarn couching, the main function of the sewing stitches is to secure the fibre to the fabric. Zigzag type stitches will catch the fibre on both sides, taming the texture of the fibre somewhat by catching all the loose or loopy bits into the stitches. With a zigzag stitch the needle thread will definitely be visible.Straight stitch can work well if your fibre is plump or has many textured strands. Straight stitches will adhere the fibre to the fabric while allowing it to stay textured. The stitching will be less visible or even invisible.
Remember! Straight stitches will easily miss the fibre when sewing around curves. Straight stitch is also not suitable to use on chenille yarns with a core, as the straight stitch will easily miss the core and will cause loose loops in your work.
