Smocking

I've seen some questions in various Facebook groups asking how to achieve nice flat threads when smocking. So while I was working on a dress for my granddaug

Discover the magic of smocking—an elegant, tactile sewing technique that transforms simple fabric into heirloom-worthy pieces. These smocking patterns tutorials and clear hand smocking tutorial guidance make even the most intricate stitches feel approachable. ​ ​Learn fabric pleating and embroidery from scratch, choose threads, mark pleating dots, and master foundational stitches like the stem stitch. Whether you're stitching a delicate smock blouse or exploring other fabric techniques...

Learn how to do smocking with easy photos and instructions. Learn pleating for smocking & embroidery stitches. Easy tutorial for beginners.

Sarah posted a comment under the previous post asking about picture smocking. I've not yet tried smocking anything other than geometric patterns- how hard is it to catch onto? In answer to your question Sarah, I think it is very easy to catch onto. To be honest, it didn't occur to me when I first tried it that it should be more difficult. Ignorance is bliss. I had smocked one geometric Christmas ornament in a class, my second project was picture smocking. I jumped right in oblivious that it...

You will receive the latest Sewing Tips, Fabric News and Info from Pink Hollybush Designs on a monthly basis. Below is the Daisy Smocking Plate, my small thank you for your support. Create something beautiful today!

A video tutorial on how to pleat woven fabrics with a pleater and recommendations for purchasing a new or used pleater.

A video and blog tutorial on how to alter a pattern to add a smocked insert.

This video tutorial shows how to hand pleat fabric for smocking and provides several reasons why you may choose to hand pleat.

Learn how to do smocking with easy photos and instructions. Learn pleating for smocking & embroidery stitches. Easy tutorial for beginners.

Picture Smocking is creating a smocked design by stacking the cable stitch one on top of another to create a solid swath of color. The resulting design forms a recognizable object or "picture." Here are 10 tips to help perfect your picture smocking.

Learn how to do smocking with easy photos and instructions. Learn pleating for smocking & embroidery stitches. Easy tutorial for beginners.