The A-Z of smocking is designed to reveal every secret and answer every question you have on this timeless art. Over a thousand step-by-step photographs bring smocking within reach of anyone who can thread a needle.

A treasury of smocking expertise and inspiration

This comprehensive guide reveals every secret and answers every question you have on this timeless art. Over a thousand step-by-step photographs bring smocking within reach of anyone who can thread a needle. Every smocking stitch is clearly explained for beginners with step by step photographs, but there are also inspiring examples and new or little-known techniques to appeal to experienced smockers. Learn how to pleat and block a garment, create ribbon weaving, counterchange, template and freeform smocking and much more. Beautiful photographs of finished garments complete this inspirational guide.

This book features every smocking stitch, clearly explained for beginners, but also has inspiring examples and new or little-known techniques to appeal to experienced smockers. It shows you how to work the stitches, read graphs, and select colours, fabric and threads. Learn how to pleat and block a garment, with advice on different techniques such as ribbon weaving, counterchange, template and freeform smocking and much more. It is bursting with hints, ideas and inspirational photographs. There is full advice on the fabric, needles and thread needed and a glossary of smocking terms. Interspersed throughout the book there are helpful hints for all the stitches and techniques, and beautiful photographs of smocked garments to inspire the reader to pick up a needle.