I recently found a book on sewn Smocking designs (didn't know this technique existed & have been trying to create something similar for a tanktop bodice)
:Question #1
Would the completed product be stretchy, or would it have no give? It appears in the examples that a smocked piece of material would stretch considerably, as it has lots of tight gathers...
Question #2:
Has anyone ever used this technique, & is it as difficult/time-consuming as it looks? The end result is lovely, but I really don't want it to take weeks to finish a small piece. Thanks!
2007-07-15 05:53:00 · 2 answers · asked by dogwalker 3 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
Thanks you both who answered, very helpful info..I guess what I was trying to create was the elasticized bodice that is found on many types of tubetops or swimsuit cover-ups, where the entire chest area looks "smocked" but is very stretchy. I thought this technique would do it...If not, what thecnique does??
2007-07-18 03:15:48 · update #1
It is an old technique, from before elastic came around.
If you do it right you can control how much give there is in the piece, as each stitch has a different amount.
It is a lot of work, normally you would start with a blouse, or so, with just a small strip at the wrist or neckline, or just a small panel on the front.
How much time it really takes also depends on your work speed and how precise you are, but if you work the way it used to be done it can take a lot of time.
2007-07-15 06:08:15 · answer #1 · answered by Willeke 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you say "sewn" smocking, do you mean on the sewing machine or by hand? Machine smocking, which a purist would not call smocking at all :-) has no elasticity. Hand smocking elasticity varies by stitch type but just about every stitch with the exceptions of picture smocking have some give.
I have done handsmocking for about 15 years now. It is time consuming at first, but if you have a pleater (or someone to pleat for you) and give it some time, it can go quickly and the results are worth the work!
Did the book you found have directions? If not, I'll be happy to give you some book titles and websites that can start you on your way.
j
2007-07-15 20:20:35 · answer #2 · answered by im58jwell 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋