I'm still new and I'm a little confused about something.

When you are using several icing colors to decorate, what is the purpose of having different bags if the coupler goes in the bag first before the icing? Wouldn't you have to fish it out to use it in another bag? Do you just buy a bunch of couplers and coupler rings?

I just have 1 coupler and 1 ring and I try to finish all of one color before I start another and just wash the bag and tips in between. I was thinking I should get some more bags but then I got confused about what to do with the coupler?

you can buy more couplers - 4 in a pack are under $2

That makes more sense. I'll have to look for some of those. Thanks.

I can't understand why you weren't taught that you do not necessarily need the coupler, except maybe to get you to buy more couplers!

If you use parchment cones, you do not normally use a coupler with the tip, as they can tear the cone. Just make sure that you do not cut the tip of the cone too high, or fill the cone too much, as the pressure will loosen it. I tape the outside edge of my parchment cones.

When using the plastic bags, if you are only using a small amount of icing in the bag, then you do not need a coupler. For larger amounts, about half the bag, you should consider using it, as the pressure can stretch the bottom of the bag. Again, do not cut the tip of the bag too high.

I almost always use parchment cones or professional bags, depending on the amount of work I need to do with that color. I have hot hands, so the icings melt quickly for me. The parchment cones and professional bags give more protection from heat than the plastic bags do. I have plastic bags, but I rarely use them.

I hope this helps.

Theresa

You can also just use the tips and the bag. A decorator bag or disposable or parchment. If you have more than one of the same tip--if you are using alot of colors. Or you can always get more couplers and coupler rings. I use all the bags with and without.

also, if you just need a very small amount of one color, say a dot for an eye, etc. then just put the icing in the tip and push through with your finger

Okay, I thought I had it but now I'm confused again.

tmriga, I wasn't taught anything so just trying to figure this out as I go along. If I don't use a coupler then how does the tip stay on the bag? If it goes inside the bag, than aren't I back to the same problem again about having to fish it out to use it in another bag? I'd just be fishing out a tip instead of a coupler? Or buying more tips to use in other bags instead of buying more couplers?

okred, I like your idea about just pushing color through the tip for small areas. I'll have to remember that.

Project queen, buy lots of couplers and multiples of tips you use most frequently such as #1,2,3,4 - the plain tips, and then a bunch of #14,15,16 - star tips, and a few leave tips and a couple basket-weave tips are a good start!

That way you can mess up as many bags and tips as you want and just clean up when you're through!

tastycakes, now you're talking! Making a mess is something I COMPLETELY understand!!

projectqueen........you've got the right idea........get a lot of couplers I have at least 6 or 7 (I have never used more colors than that) then if you're doing say a character pan with stars.......you will need several different colors of icing and only one tip.....the star tip..........put the couplers in the bags and then you will be able to switch the tip on and off the different colors without a problem

I have a TON of couplers and a TON of tips.

I just put each color in its own bag. I do all colors at the same time. And since I have muli's of the same tip, I just change the tip in the color if I want to make a different design with the same color.

I was confused at the beginning too. I made mulitple bags of the same color. Then I figured it out!

Good Luck!

I only use a bag with couplers when I'm going to do several different things with the same color - like various borders with white. If I'm just doing leaves, for instance, with green...I'll just use a parchment bag. The tip just stays in there through gravity. At the tip end of the bag, you have several layers of paper wound around in there, and it's pretty strong. If I happen to need to do something else with that color, I just peel the paper off with my fingernails and do another bag. That doesn't happen often, though.

Dear Project Queen --

Let me be the first here to congratulate you on teaching the craft to yourself!! It's not as big an undertaking as you might think - as with anything else, practice will make each technique easier as you go.

In answer to your question, it is the pressure of the icing that keeps the tip in place without a coupler. That is why it is very important to not cut the tip of the bag or cone too high. That is also why I tape my parchment cones along the side before cutting, so they stay secure.

Theresa [/u]

Oh, are you using the reuseable bags!!! Let me know where I can send you mine - I haven't touched them in years! Wilton makes pretty nice disposables, a really good deal with the Michael's coupons!

Actually, I do use my pastry bags once a year at the church carnival for filling cannoli's, that ricotta can get pretty stiff.

I have a bunch of couplers and multiples of the tips I use most frequently. I rarely use couplers though. Most of the time I just cut the tip off the bag and stick the decorating tip in the bag and go from there.

I also use disposable bags from Kee Seal. They are great!