A-Z of Smocking

by Country Bumpkin Publications

Whether you are a novice or a professional the A-Z of Smocking will give you fresh ideas new perspectives renewed confidence and bring smocking within reach of anyone who can thread a needle. Quilters Resource Inc

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Juvenile, Crafts, Reference

128 pages, Spiral-bound

First published August 1, 2000

Reviews

[Pb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has great photographs of the various smocking stitches and clear directions written to support learning them.

[Lafourche Parish Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This comprehensive guide to all things concerning the art of Smocking is arranged in an A to Z format, with an in-depth index to help you quickly find specific topics.

Covering a wide range of stitches, knots, and techniques, this volume gives step-by-step instructions, with clear photographs of each step, to help the beginner or advanced smocking enthusiast achieve quality results.

Instructions are given for pleating your fabric by hand and by using a machine. Best practices are given for blocking and assembling garments. There are even instructions for smocking ready-made knit garments. Embroidery stitches are included to provide embellishment for finished smocked garments. Tips are included throughout the book on numerous topics to help you avoid common pitfalls and to obtain the best results for your individual project.

I tried counter-change smocking on striped fabric (without first pleating the fabric) and found that your skill level increases the more you stitch. The stitches become more even and uniform as you go along, as well as much easier, but the finished project looks great. I also tried the more traditional type of smocking, pleating the fabric first, then using the trellis stitch pattern to secure the pleats, and was very pleased with the result.

This book, with its easy-to-follow instructions and numerous color illustrations will inspire new creations that are a joy to make, and beautiful to behold.

Availability: Book
Rating: **** Stars (I really liked it)
Reviewer: Kathy, Cataloging Librarian

[Tracy Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never tried Smocking…

but it is a craft I would love to get grips with.

A – Z of Smocking is a book that is filled with ideas, inspiration and is what I think a good teaching manual.

It is a comprehensive guide with over 1000 step by step pictures and stitches.

For a book that has only 126 pages, it is absolutely brilliant. Every page is packed full of tips and hints, it even tells you about ‘Pleaters’. A neat little machine that pleats up to 24 rows in one go..I didn’t even know there was such a thing. Of course with our up to date sewing machines you can also buy a pleating foot, but this won’t do 24 rows at a time.

There is a page on how to make your own designs for the more creative and also how to block and shape your garment ready for smocking.

I love the look of Smocking, I love the summery look in ‘gypsy dresses’ but little girls look adorable in neat smocked top frocks… imagine have a matching smock for their dolls.

I have booked a class specifically to learn this skill, but this book will teach you all there is to know. You will not need another book.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure I'll ever truly learn the fine art of smocking, but having a neighbor who is an expert might tease me into it someday. This is a book she turned me on to, published by an Australian publishing house (evidently the Aussies are BIG on smocking!) The pictures are amazing and beautiful. You can picture dressing up your little girls or nieces or granddaughters in beautiful dresses like these. This is a guide to how to smock. If nothing else, it's wonderful to look through and admire...

[Laurla2 · Rating 1 out of 5]

-i'm giving this book 1 star because despite its title it is NOT a guide on how to do smocking! the only information it has on how to do any actual *smocking* is 2 pages telling you to use a special machine to do it. otherwise its about constructing little girls garments out of panels of already smocked fabric. and nothing for adults, despite the book not saying its for little girls.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

everything you need to know about smocking listed alphabetically.

[Stephanie Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably very useful for experienced smockers, not helpful for a complete beginner.

[Jane Austen]

Brilliant book!

(If you're looking for a quick intro, and an easy how-to, this page might also help until your copy of the book arrives https://www.janeausten.co.uk/smocking... )