Couching the hairpiece

[Hephzebah]

I will be couching a victorian hairpiece onto a mattboard in a few days. I understand that one should use couching material as close to the object being couched-not necessarily nylon thread. Anyone have a good suggestion on attaching this hairpiece? Should I use thread or a more natural fiber like cotton thread? Maybe it doesn't matter. Any input would be helpful.

 

[Marc Lzier]

If it was me:
first choice: unbleached, undyed cotton (no mercerized or what not).

second: nylon line (thin).

NOT: silk. Silk is not acid free. It has Fatty acids and oils in it's makeup. Heck, it came ou of a worms anus (well not really, but is is still a bodily secretion, like snot is. Would you use that to attach something down? On second thought it may stick better than hot glue, at least from my nose).

 

[Kit aka emrr]

eeeeuwwww! As if this whole topic weren't icky enough already. Worm snot??? How am I ever again going to wear that black silk dress I used to be so fond of?

The old hair may be brittle (and didn't you mention dried flowers?) so nylon thread might be too strong. Unless the wreath is worked on a wire support frame and you are sewing that down - then nylon would be perfect. Otherwise, I'd use cotton thread. Undyed is good unless it shows; dark brown might be less obtrusive. Kit

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