Today we will talk about the smock technique, the finish is very lovely, and you can apply it to various fabrics for your sewing projects!
The smock is a decorative technique with gathers that serves to give flight and adorn the garments.
This type of technique is recommended for thin and full-bodied fabrics.
This will help you carry out the task easier, but it can be used with practically any fabric.
If you plan to use this technique, it’s recommended to buy the fabric amount by multiplying the final measurement by 2 ½ to 3.
You can use it to decorate cuffs, bodysuits, bags, and waists and prepare your garments with a smock before assembling your garment.
To create it requires a dot grid, but this task is much easier if you decide to use a fabric with a dot or check pattern.
The gathering should be done at regular intervals and then embroidered.
The result varies depending on the stitch you use to connect the grid points.
You can use embroidery thread for these types of projects, either the same color or a contrasting tone to enhance your stitches.
Some sewing machines have decorative stitches that mimic smock stitches.
If your machine has them, go ahead and use them.
This is a technique that we generally see in girls’ dresses, but it can really be used on any garment or detail.
Traditionally this type of work is very detailed and is done by hand in each of the phases.
But today we are going to show you an option to make it much easier and faster on your sewing machine.
Please try it and apply it in fabrics for children’s garments, blouses, dresses, tablecloths, bags, bedding and endless options!
Now, check out the step-by-step in the following images that we prepared for you.
Step 1
Calculate the final size of your fabric canvas and multiply it by 3.
- For example, if your final piece should measure 30 cm wide, you should cut a canvas at 90 cm for the desired length.
Mark the seam allowance and draw parallel lines, 1/2″ or 3/4″ apart from each other.
Then sew a straight seam with the maximum stitch length and zero tension, sewing on each of the lines you marked.
When your canvas is the size you need, remember to leave loose threads of approximately 4in at both ends of the fabric.
Step 2
On the other end, pull the bobbin threads as you slowly work your way across the fabric canvas to form an even gather.
When you are finished and your fabric canvas is the size you need, knot the loose ends of the threads.
- If your piece requires hemming, consider whether you should hem before creating the gathers on the fabric.
Step 3
Prepare your machine with a resistant thread, we suggest using decorative thread.
We recommend using a lockstitch needle or Metallic if you use a metallic thread.
Many machines have a decorative stitch that is known as honeycomb.
This stitch is ideal for this technique.
Now, just adjust the maximum width and length that your machine allows.
- Note: If your machine doesn’t have a honeycomb stitch, you can try other stitches and choose the one you like best.
Step 4
Once you have set up your machine.
You can start sewing by following the basting stitches you used for gathering.
- We recommend sewing slowly, so your machine doesn’t make false stitches.
When you have finished sewing the whole piece, remove the basting stitches you did at the beginning and iron your fabric.
And you have finished!
Now you have a smocked finish that you can use on baby dresses, waistbands and cuffs of dresses or blouses, handbags and whatever you can think of.
So, what do you say?
These are 4 super easy steps to achieve the smock technique, apply it in your following projects!
We hope this info will inspire you to create amazing things!
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See you in another post! Bye for now!