How do icing couplers work

Quick Change Tool. What Is A Coupler? The coupler is the "quick-change" tool for decorators. It allows you to change between decorating tips easily and without changing out pastry bags.

It's a little 2-part device which attaches to the end of the pastry bag. The base fits inside the bag. The decorating tip goes on the end of that the portion of the coupler that sticks out , and then you screw the ring around the tip to secure it in place.

There are many different brands of couplers on the market but I prefer to use Ateco. When I first started decorating cookies I only used Wilton couplers since I could purchase them at local stores. I was happy with them at first and then they started cutting the decorating bags because the base or the ring had a sharp point that had not been smoothed when they were made. I thought I should let you know that all opinions are mine and no one is paying me to say I like and use a certain product or brand.

The end! A decorating coupler makes decorating cookies and cakes a little easier for us. All you have to do it take the coupler ring off of the base of the coupler and change the tip. Easy Peasy! Like I said before, this may be old news to most of us, but having the right tools and knowing how to use them is important when you want to create something amazing.

I hope to share as many tips and tricks as I can so you will become the decorator you dream of becoming so I can see your creations, watch your videos and learn from you. My story is almost identical. I started with Wilton, but frosting escaped the side. Ateco gives a snug fit and no problems. The best deal I found is William-Sonoma online.

Thanks for sharing Kate! I will have to try William-Sonoma next time I need some. Hey Lisa….. Once again a great tutorial not just for newbies but for us who have been decorating for only a couple of years.

Away on vacation at the moment but of course catching up with one of my favorite blog ladies? Disney Adventure Park!!!

I want to go with you! LOL I hope you had a blast and stayed cool. I like to use them as much as possible so that is the reason I switched to Ateco. Do you know if there are couplers for the really big Russian tips?

Does anyone have the set of Russian tips? A general rule of thumb is to trim the bag so that the first thread of the coupler shows. But, I prefer to cut a little less — better safe than sorry!

After you have trimmed your bag, you can position the coupler, add your tip, and screw the ring on over the tip. Easy, right? You might be OK if you are working with a light, fluffy frosting, but I feel like the pressure it takes to use a stiffer frosting always results in the bag stretching some. Sign me up! Disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases you make through affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

Pin Devon is a retail associate at Kitchen Conservatory in St. Louis, MO, where she also teaches classes including cupcake decorating.

She loves to be in the kitchen and the reason she likes to cook, especially bake, is simple: it makes people happy.