The term couching is taken from the French word 'coucher', which means to lay down. Also known as convent stitch and kloster stitch, Couching is extremely simple to work. The fabric on which thus stitch is to be worked is stretched in an embroidery hoop or frame. To commence the heavy thread is brought up from the back of the fabric with a large eyed needle.

The surface thread is laid on the fabric, and then anchored by a second finer thread. Small, straight stitches are taken over the thick thread and back through the fabric. Work along the thick thread until the line is completed. Take the heavy thread to the back of the fabric with a large needle and secure both ends of the heavy thread by using a few small stitches. The second thread can be arranged in patterns - as in laid work.