Learn to Smock

Smocking is an opportunity to utilize a very old sewing craft and to create heirloom pieces to hand down in your own family. There is nothing so special as a handmade Christening gown for example.

The art of smocking dates back to the twelfth or thirteenth century. A smock called a shift or chemise had beautiful smocking embroidered on the garment to decorate and fit the article of clothing.

Designs represented the trade or occupation of the person wearing the garment. For example a farmer would have wheat or ears of corn decorating his smock. Women added personal touches like hearts and lover's knots to their garments or those of their family.

Today smocking is a treasured art. If you already enjoy this craft then I hope the sources here will add to that enjoyment. If you are new to the craft these links should provide useful information to begin learning the craft.

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The Smocking Index:

http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/3351/smkstch.html

This is a wonderful reference site that gives you tips and pointers on the art of Smocking. In addition there are links that will show you various stitches with excellent drawings to assist you.

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The Smocking Connection:

http://www.interlog.com/~gouldhop/smocking/lesson.html

The Smocking Connection has a set of links that will take you through choosing fabric, thread, fabric preparation, gathering and so on. The Second page has information on stitches. Right and wrong, back smocking, stem stitch, etc. Again, this site provides excellent drawings to assist you in your learning.

You may also link to their favorite sites and check out some books on smocking that are available. One of these is Grace L. Knott Smocking Supplies, Ltd.

http://www.glksmocking.com/glkstuff/glkprods.html

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Creative Needle Bookstore:

http://www.creativeneedlemag.com/bookstore/books2.html

This site offers a VHS or DVD that teaches the basics of English Smocking with step-by-step instructions. There are additional books on Classic Smocking and Heirloom sewing.

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Handmade-Heirloom Smocking & Embroidery Shop:

http://www.handmades.com/ofb.html

For infant patterns with a high degree of intricate detail visit this site. The patterns available are Smocked Baby Bonnet's, Layette sets, little girls size 1-3 Dress and Apron and many more lovely and unique clothing patterns for babies and small children. These patterns can help you start a tradition of making and giving these lovely baby clothes that will become family heirlooms.

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Quotation to inspire:
Every man's work, whether it be literature or music or pictures or architecture or anything else, is always a portrait of himself.
-Butler, Samuel

Enjoy the adventure of learning or expanding on this unique craft.