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Smocking

Want to have fun and make something absolutely darling for someone special? Then smocking is for you! Smocking Picture
Yoke Picture

What is smocking?

Smocking is an embroidery technique in which fabric is gathered so that it can stretch. Originally developed in England in the Middle Ages, smocking is functionally a predecessor to elastic and was used in cuffs, bodices, and necklines in garments. Smocking derives its name from the word "smock", meaning a farmer's work shirt, because it was a very practical method of making garmets fit well and flexible.

Today, smocking is commonly used to make young girls' dresses as depicted on this page. And, there are many decorative designs available that one can use to create just the right effect and complement to the fabric!

We carry a full line of smocking supplies including design plates, patterns, floss, cording, pleaters, pleater needles, books and thread. Additionally, we offer the following smocking classes on an ongoing basis:

  • Beginning Smocking,
  • Basic Yoke Construction, and
  • Advanced Smocking.

    And, from time-to-time, we have seasonal smocking-related classes, so please consult our class list page or our calendar page for our current class offerings.

    Finally, we offering a pleater service for those who do not wish to do the pleating themselves. You may drop the fabric to be pleated off and then pick it up when it's done, or ship it to us and we'll ship it back to you. General pleating service cost information is as follows:

    Bishop neck $5.00
    $8.00 (with sleeves)
    Straight yoke $5.00 (up to 10 rows)
    $10.00 (11 - 24 rows)
    Must be quoted above 24 rows

    Web site last updated January 20, 2012

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    • 1451 Montiel Road
    Suite 140
    Escondido, California 92026
    (760) 738-9677
    (760) 738-9877 (fax)
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