Today we have a self-coaching stitch called Colcha Stitch. For its history and development, please read the article of Needlery, where you will also find stitch directions.
For further background information of the stitch, I'd recommend reading Jillian's blog, Always Stitching, too.
Now, when you see the stitch you might say: "I've seen this before!" and you are right, we have made two similar stitches in the past.
#36 Rumanian Stitch and #82 Bokhara Couching are worked in very similar ways, but the results are different.
The couching stitch for the Rumanian Stitch is so long that it blends into the laid stitch (see the blown-up photo below).
For the Bokhara Stitch, however, the couching stitch is placed carefully to make a ribbed pattern, as you can see in the light blue circle in the photo above.
The Clocha Stitch, on the other hand, gives you free rein - make the couching stitch any size you like and place them close together or wide apart.
There are two attractive points with the Colcha Stitch, apart from its charming looks - it is economical when it comes to thread, and it can be, or rather should be, stitched roughly; there is no need to try to be Ms Perfect Stitcher!
Have a look at my photo tutorial.
If you have already read the articles in the links at the start of this blog post, you know that the Colcha Stitch should be worked with wool yarn on woollen fabric. I have therefore added a woollen sample, too.
Homework:
Play it roughly with the three samplers!
