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Hand Smocking

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Smocking is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric so that it can stretch. Before elastic, smocking was commonly used in cuffs, bodices, and necklines in garments where buttons were undesirable.

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Latest Activity: Mar 27

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About smocking:

Smocking developed in England and has been practiced since the Middle Ages and is unusual among embroidery methods in that it was often worn by laborers. Other major embroidery styles are purely decorative and represented status symbols. Smocking was practical for garments to be both form fitting and flexible, hence its name derives from smock — a farmer's work shirt. Smocking was used most extensively in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

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Sewing Channel Posts

Smocked Bishop Tutorial by Laurie Anderson 3 Replies

A smocked bishop dress is a traditional garment for babies and little girls. A bishop dress is a loose fitting, comfortable style dress, and is the easiest smocked garment to construct. SWN…Continue

Tags: tutorial, heirloom, bishop, dress, bishop's

Started by Susan. Last reply by Laurie Anderson Oct 29, 2010.

A demonstration of smocking embroidery. 8 Replies

Stitches labeled as follows:A-cable stitchB-stem stitchC-outline stitchD-cable floweretteE-wave stitchF-honeycomb stitchG-surface honeycomb stitchH-trellis stitchI-vandyke stitchJ-buillion…Continue

Tags: surface, honeycomb, trellis, vandyke, buillion

Started by Susan. Last reply by annamc Jun 13, 2009.

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Comment by Nancy Prokop on February 26, 2012 at 4:00pm: I'm trying to self teach. I have a pleater, a good book, and internet tutes and yet I am having trouble with a few basic things. When I make a stitch (I'm still trying to perfect the cable stitch) I quite frequently catch the pleating thread. Then of course I can't hardly remove that thread when I'm done. Any tips? I fear you've not heard the last from me. As a beginner all I can do is look at photos and drool!

Thanks in advance!

Comment by Suzie Lambert on February 25, 2010 at 5:41pm: I most certainly will! Thanks!

Comment by Suzie Lambert on February 25, 2010 at 5:13pm: How about picture smocking? I took a class in February and that was my first time picture smocking. Would love to know any tips you have. I have a hard time stacking my cables neatly.

Comment by Jill Dewar on February 25, 2010 at 4:03pm: Laurie Anderson your tutorials are excellent! - LouRay I also like these books
A – Z of Smocking and A – Z of Sewing for Smockers –both are Country Bumpkin Publications.

Comment by Johnny Orona on February 25, 2010 at 11:01am: Oh--I just checked out Laurie Anderson's blog, and the tutorial on buillon roses caught my eye!! I have been smocking for years, but have a very hard time with buillon's. First chance I get, I will sit down with this tutorial and a practice piece and keep at it until I get it!! Thanks Laurie, and Suzie--thank you for pointing it out!!

Comment by Suzie Lambert on February 25, 2010 at 10:34am: Laurie - I frequent your blog often and your tutorials are fabulous. You are such an inspiration - wish I had more time!

Comment by Suzie Lambert on August 24, 2009 at 3:08pm: Martha Pullen's book "The Joy of Smocking" is the best I have seen for a new smocker. Pictures of each stitch are printed clearly. Also your local SAGA chapter can teach you.

Comment by LouRay on August 23, 2009 at 5:08pm: i would love to learn how to smocking
its so cute on little girl dresses

Comment by Suzie Lambert on August 22, 2009 at 10:55am: Also try
http://maggiebsmocks.typepad.com/smocking/
This site has lots of smocking help.

Comment by iluvmysix on August 21, 2009 at 2:52pm: I am technologically challenged. I tried to add a link but it didn't seem to work. The name of the blog is "mariegracedesigns.com" She shows how to pleat without a pleater.