Smocking 105

As with all intentions and good things, the plans for the next step in the Smocking process have to change a little. For reference, we will go to the site on Smocking and take our cues from here. The computer I use to scan in things has a full hard drive and making it difficult to share step-by-step processes using actual samples. Hence, the delay for this article came as a result. We will use an existing site which has illustrations to work our first project.

The first step you will take is to measure out the amount of fabric that you need to make the item. If you are making a nightgown for a child, measure out 3 times the size of the width of the top of the gown. Make the length that to suit your taste and to fit the child. I would suggest for a first project that you choose a gingham fabric because the design will act as a guide for your stitching. Once you measure out the fabric, you will baste across it with a quilter's thread. The corners of each square can act as the marking points for where the needle goes in and out.

Once you have completed the basting across, pull the ends to create the pleats. Secure the thread in a manner comfortable to you. Next, you want to use an embroidery thread to work the design across the pleats. Embroidery thread has a grain that you can feel when you run your fingers down it. You want the grain to feel smooth as this will help keep your thread from tangling. Beeswax will also add some stiffness to the thread and actually add some ease for you to work with the thread.

You will also, for your first project, want to select a room that is quiet and free from distractions. This will help you concentrate on keeping your stitches even and the tension consistant throughout.

Finally, your first piece of work is not going to be a masterpiece. For this reason, you might pick a child's nightgown for your first project. Children seem to be so forgiving.

Okay, you have basted the top, created your pleats, now you are ready for the embroidery process. Set your work aside for a minute. I want you to peruse the following site for an illustration of the stitches. Once you have looked over the stitches, create a simple design on paper using the stitches that appear to be the easier ones to you.

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