We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fashion

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Smocking Patterns?

By Janis Adams
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 16,118
Share

The design element of smocking, also referred to as a smocking pattern, can range from diamonds to flowers, from the herringbone pattern to the latticework, among a host of other patterns. These types of patterns are commonly chosen by what type of smocking they will appear on. Children's clothing, especially infant and toddler wear, commonly will feature roses and flowers on them. Little girls' dresses and costumes also will often have detailed smocking.

Smocking patterns are a specific design element made up of numbered or intentional stitch or row combinations. However, the term smocking pattern also refers to the instructions for sewing a certain design, pleating instructions, and all pieces necessary to bring the entire design to completion. While it is obviously important to consider what type of smocking pattern will best fit the sewer's purpose, it should be noted that three to four times the width of material will be used compared to the length of the finished piece. Whatever pattern will best suit the material and the seamstress is the most purposeful choice.

Smocking is an embroidery technique originally designed explicitly to hold pleats in place. Used to create elasticity within a garment before elastic was created, smoking was at first simply utilitarian. For this reason, the original patterns were simplistic. Smocking pattens can range from the most detailed of patterns to the most simplistic. Throughout the decades smocking has become both functional as well as decorative. Different types of smocking patterns have evolved and include not only the sewing instructions but cutting and pleating directions as well. The type of smocking pattern chosen is usually done for the sole reason of the comfort level of the seamstress who will be using them.

One type of smocking pattern is smocking dots. Smocking dots most often come in a transferable pattern, which is usually ironed on to the fabric, which will then be sewn. This type of patterning is also referred to as dot-to-dot smocking. The stitching in this type of pattern is limited to only where the dots fall.

Another type of patterning, as smocking patterns are at times referred to, is the smocking plate. The smocking plate provides a diagrammed design to be followed by the person doing the sewing. Along with the diagram, often detailed written instructions will be included for further clarification.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-smocking-patterns.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.