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Hand Smocking

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.

Members: 51
Latest Excitement: Aug 15

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.

Group Posts

Susan

A demonstration of smocking embroidery. 8 Replies

Stitches labeled as follows: A-cable stitch B-stem stitch C-outline stitch D-cable flowerette E-wave stitch F-honeycomb stitch G-surface honeycomb stitch H-trellis stitch I-vandyke stitch J-buillion…

Tagged: surface, honeycomb, trellis, vandyke, buillion

Started by Susan. Last reply by annamc Jun. 14, 2009.

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Suzie Lambert Comment by Suzie Lambert on February 25, 2010 at 5:41pm
I most certainly will! Thanks!
Suzie Lambert 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.
Jill Dewar 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.
Johnny Orona 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!!
Suzie Lambert 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!
Suzie Lambert 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.
LouRay 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
Suzie Lambert 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.
iluvmysix 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.
iluvmysix Comment by iluvmysix on August 21, 2009 at 2:50pm

This blog has some wonderful info about hand smocking.
 

Members (51)

annamc Karen Gass ruby April Logan Cathy Champion Susan Carinn Susan Pinder Jill Dewar Suzie Lambert Jean Morgan Belinda Azuli Verde Nancy Terry Dewhurst Robbie barb Gwen Evans Kellie Keryl Thomas Ann Hirsch Aurora keetch Pam Woodford Patricia D. DiBiase joanne allison SewSkinny Marie-Noëlle LAFOSSE Cindy Brotzman Lisa Peavler
 
 
 

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