Quilt Highlights

Quilt Highlights is a flat braided ribbon specifically designed for embellishment techniques like couching, bobbinwork, and decorative accents on quilts and craft projects. Unlike regular sewing thread that you stitch through fabric, Quilt Highlights is meant to be laid on top of your fabric and secured in place with stitching or used as bobbin thread for special effects. The flat braided construction creates beautiful dimensional texture and catches light in a way that regular thread can't match. Quilters and fabric artists love using Quilt Highlights to outline designs, add texture to embroidery, create dimensional borders, and embellish art quilts with unique texture and shine.

Couching with Quilt Highlights is easier than you might think. Lay the ribbon on top of your fabric exactly where you want it, then use a regular sewing thread (like Precision or Perfection) to tack it down with small zigzag stitches or decorative stitches. You can couch Quilt Highlights to outline appliqué shapes, create borders on quilts, add decorative spirals and swirls, or emphasize design elements. Use a clear or matching thread for invisible couching, or a contrasting thread to make the couching stitches part of the design. The ribbon stays flat and smooth on the surface, creating gorgeous dimensional details that make your quilting stand out.

Yes! Bobbinwork with Quilt Highlights creates stunning effects on the right side of your fabric. Wind the Quilt Highlights ribbon onto your bobbin by hand (don't use your machine's bobbin winder), loosen your bobbin tension significantly, and flip your fabric sandwich upside down so the top thread will stitch the bottom side of the fabric. The ribbon will show on the right side as beautiful decorative stitching. This technique is perfect for adding embellishment to art quilts, creating dimensional flowers and leaves, outlining designs with sparkle, and adding special touches to garments. Practice on scraps first to get your tension just right - bobbinwork takes a bit of experimenting, but the results are absolutely worth it!

For couching Quilt Highlights, use whatever needle is appropriate for your couching thread, not the ribbon. If you're couching with Precision 60 wt. or invisible thread, use a [Topstitch #70/10 needle](https://ylithreads.com/collections/needles/products/70-10-titanium-coated-topstitch-needles). If couching with Perfection 50 wt., use a [Topstitch #80/12](https://ylithreads.com/collections/needles/products/80-12-titanium-coated-topstitch-needles). The needle only interacts with your sewing thread, which tacks the ribbon down from above. The ribbon itself sits on top of your fabric and doesn't pass through the needle. Use a zigzag foot or open-toe foot so you can see exactly where your couching stitches land.

Absolutely. Quilt Highlights works beautifully for any project that needs dimensional embellishment. Card makers use it for decorative borders and accents. Scrapbookers add it to layouts for texture and sparkle. Garment sewists couch it along necklines, cuffs, and hems for custom details. Fiber artists incorporate it into mixed media pieces. The flat braided construction catches light differently than round thread, creating visual interest that stands out. If you're looking to add sparkle, texture, or a custom touch to any fabric project, Quilt Highlights is a versatile choice.