Couched Silk Brocade Gown Renaissance

The bodice of this renaissance gown is made of brocade silk with a curved front bodice. Here you can see some of the details of the couching. The couching was done with two strands of copper Japan thread, with another thinner strand of thread to hold the thread in place. The pattern was drawn on to the fabric using chalk which was oversparyed with a glue to hold it in place.

A Word About Couching Renaisance Gowns

Insane things about couching a renaissance gown, or anything else are, it takes as long as everyone says. Don't think you will be somehow able to do it three times faster than everyone else. Also another tip is get the size thread you want in the first place. Running to threads at a time is more difficult. This project may not have ever gotten finished if there hadn't been hurricanes all summer. With no electricity, sitting on the front steps and couching ws about all there was to do.

The pattern was loosly taken from the bookbinding of one of Henry VIII's bibles. The method used was surface couching Very helpful couching directions can be found here. So remember when couching the trim for an entire renaissance gown, first make a test piece, secondly, however long you think it's going to take, ad loads more time. Another piece of advice is to get yourself a Takaburi which will help you turn the corners. After we had completed the first bit we realized that it was a necessary tool. However, we found that one of our chopsticks was pointy enough to assist. Unlike some techniques there really is more to it all than patience. There is an art to couching and beware, as it can really torture your vision. But we have found the results worth it.