TutorialsProjects >> Tips and Techniques for using the Brother Couching Foot Add exciting texture to your projects with the Brother Couching Foot! Our Free-Motion couching foot is so easy to use! This tutorial is designed to get you started. In just a few minutes you can set it up and start to sew beautiful embellishments with little more than yarn and thread. Decorate all manner of garments, crafts, and home décor with this specialty embellishment foot. Open the box and let’s go sew! Materials and Supplies Brother Machine with couching capability. Two spool thread stand, included with select Brother machines. Brother Couching Foot for select Brother Model Machines. Brother Extension Table. This is highly recommended for all of your free motion sewing projects. The large flat surface gives great support, allowing you to freely move the fabric under the needle. Yarn suitable for couching. It is recommended to use a yarn labeled as Medium with a weight class of 4. This is typically labeled as Worsted Weight, Afghan, or Aran Yarn. For best results purchase an even textured yarn in this category. Look for this symbol on the yarn. Good quality sewing thread to match yarn. Guide to using the Brother Couching Foot Your Brother Couching Kit includes the following: Clear Free-Motion Couching Foot “X”, re-enforced in the center with a metal plate. Figure #1 Lower Yarn Guide with opening to slip yarn through guide. Screw for attaching the Lower Yarn Guide to the back of the couching foot. Upper Yarn Guide with opening to slip yarn through the guide. This guide attaches to the open port on the machine casing. Yarn threading wire for threading yarn through tube on top of the foot, through the center hole, and then in the final position under the foot. Instruction sheet with installation instructions plus important notes and guidelines for usage. Free Motion icon Important Note: Depending on your machine model and the version of your machine it may be necessary to download a free update for your machine before using this foot. Check your machine version and visit the Brother solutions Center at www.brothersews.com for current updates. When the necessary program is installed you will note the following specifics on your machine: The couching foot stitch icon (C-01) appears in the Quilting Stitch menu. *See Figure #1. Designed exclusively for you from the Brother Education Department TutorialsProjects >> Tips and Techniques for using the Brother Couching Foot Free Motion is automatically engaged and the icon shows that Figure #2 the feed dogs on the machine are lowered to allow for free motion stitching. The Free-motion height expands to a range of 1-4 mm. The stitch length key is de-activated and the width key allows for the ability to adjust the stitch width in a limited range. The speed of the machine is automatically limited to 600 stitches per minute in order prevent stitching at an inappropriately high speed. Steps for setting up the machine: 1. Use the included instruction guide to set up the machine and attach the pieces included with the kit. Set up varies slightly for different models. The photos here show set up for the Quattro series. Here are the basic steps to set up the machine: Thread machine in top and bobbin with a thread color to match your yarn. In most cases this thread will be barely visible. Place the two spool thread stand on the machine. Unwind yarn sufficient to begin couching and place it on one of the spindles. Your remaining skein of yarn can be placed at the front, side, or back of the machine. If it is a small skein you may want to lay it near the spindle. Wherever you choose to place the yarn it is important to watch it closely as you stitch, making sure the yarn does not get caught anywhere and that you have enough to proceed with the couching. Stop to unwind more yarn as necessary. Place the yarn through the opening in the telescoping threader. Slip yarn into the two yarn guides. Feed yarn through the opening in wire. *See Figure #2. Designed exclusively for you from the Brother Education Department TutorialsProjects >> Tips and Techniques for using the Brother Couching Foot 2. Working from the top of the foot, use the yarn threading wire Figure #3 to feed the yarn into the tube on the left side of the foot, into the center hole, and then underneath the foot. It is a good idea to place the paper guide under the foot as you feed the yarn using the wire. Be sure to place the wire back into the holder on the paper guide for storage. See steps below: Additional Tips If you have difficulty threading the yarn under the foot, use the presser foot lever to raise the foot to a higher position. Note that the center hole on the foot is the only one used. When the needle goes through the center hole your free motion straight stitch will catch the yarn. Add stabilizer or interfacing to the wrong side of your fabric for best results. If your yarn is slightly thinner than the recommended weight you can adjust the position of the needle drop using the stitch width key. Moving the needle to the left may help to catch all of the yarn as you stitch. Use the setting mode to raise the Free Motion height if necessary, changing the height of the presser foot to accommodate the thickness of the yarn and allow for smooth stitching. To return to normal sewing it may be necessary to cancel the Free Motion sewing mode by de-selecting the icon. Yarn is couched using the free motion sewing technique. Therefore, it is possible to move the fabric in many directions. You can also stop with the needle in the down position and simply pivot your fabric in the desired direction. Change the sewing speed to suit your personal preference. If you have limited free motion experience it is a good idea to practice on scrap fabrics prior to working on your actual project. Consider following a printed fabric or a distinct outline for an easy way to gain confidence. In a short time you will find that free motion couching with your Brother is easy and fun! For completed set up *See Figure #3. Designed exclusively for you from the Brother Education Department .