How to Make a Heart With Lacing Cord

This technique also works with yarn, string and sequins.

Lacing cord, or quilting cord, adds three-dimensional embellishment to quilts and other linen. Usually, the cord is made from pre-shunk cotton fiber and is available in a number of dyed colors just like embroidery floss. Unlike embroidery floss, lacing cord is not usually stitched to the quilt or linen, but held down with a series of staple-like threads. The process of attaching lacing cord in this manner is called couching.

Things You'll Need

• Chalk
• Stencil
• Lacing cord
• Pins
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Draw a heart design on the fabric. Sketch the design freehand or use a stencil as a guide.

2. Place the end of the cord at the pointed base of the heart. Pin the end of the cord to the fabric with a straight pin; instead of pushing the pin through the cord, weave it over the cord and through the fabric at either side.

3. Thread a needle with normal thread. Coordinate the thread with the cording as desired. Knot the end of the thread.

4. Insert the needle up through the back of the fabric to the left of the cord, then down through the material at the immediate right of the cord.

5. Repeat Step 4 to make a second stitch 1/4 inch further down the length of the cord following the outline of the chalk heart.

6. Remove the pins as you couch the cord to the fabric.

7. Cut the cord when you reach the bottom of the heart. Knot the thread on the underside of the fabric.

8. Apply a second row of stitches over the cord at an angle to achieve a decorative crossed pattern.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also couch with a machine. Pin the cord in the proper shape and then run over the center of the cording with a straight stitch.

References

• "Crazy Quilting: The Complete Guide"; J. Marsha Michler; 2008

Resources

• Lone Star Quilts and Beyond: Step-by-Step Projects and Inspiration"; Jan Krentz; 2002