Sarah, I'm so glad to see that you and a few others are keeping the English smocking and French hand (or machine) sewing traditions alive. While Martha Pullen and her coterie were producing smocking plates, videos, and keeping those traditions alive, I was working and launching my children as a single mother. Never had either the time or the money to spare. Once I retired, the ladies who were holding seminars and retreats ALSO retired. I can at least now keep my hand in with your channel. My pace is slower than it used to be, but at least I'm (sort of) fulfilling my heart's desire in some small way. Thank you for that.
Thank goodness you are giving your time and energy to guiding us through this journey. Hardly anyone else does smocking videos and you are so calm and make it so easy , it encourages us all to give it a go.
This is so captivating and impressive. If I say I'm a newbie to the sewing world it would be an understatement so watching this has been purely aspirational. BUT I have been mesmerised by your calming voice and honestly you made me want to at least dip my feet into the world of smocking and pleating and intricate sewing artistry. You're a kind soul for putting this together because I am sure this took a hot minute, so much knowledge. Thank you !
Been pleating and smocking for a couple months. I can't stop. I do believe completing the sewing and the smock is my way. Also thanks for the freezer paper idea. Good teaching.
I’ve recently decided to start sewing again and I have been binge watching your videos. I’ve never smoked before and I’m starting now! I’ve ordered the items you suggested from Farmhouse Fabrics and a relative is letting me borrow a pleater. This video has come at a great time for me to get started! Thank you so much!!
yayy! there's going to be a daily video diving into topics around beginning to use a smocking pleater and smocking construction. i so hope you find them helpful! and if you have any questions, please let me know. It's been a while for me since I learned ;-) thanks!
So happy I just discovered you! I used to do smocked and French-sewn garments for my little girls. Unfortunately, I "lent" those things to a relative for her children, but haven't seen them since! I have a new granddaughter arriving in October, so I pulled out some batiste and am making her first little bishop dress. It's been a LONG time, but you are great for a refresher!
I am so thrilled to discover your channel! I never knew anyone who was interested in heirloom sewing or smocking who was younger than I am, and I'm 42 now. I started in middle school. There were still fabrics and laces at local quilting stores in many towns. Sadly, they all started closing and the internet became the best option with only a few online stores. I would sit in tatting classes and such in sewing shops with retired ladies when I was in high school. They loved seeing me there. My children are too old for these clothes now, and I'm too busy to sew. I plan to start sewing for future grandchildren when they head to college. I always gifted what I made for others. People wouldn't pay enough for custom clothes when internet sales made smocked garmenta so reasonable. I love that you are able to turn this craft into vlog material! U tube wasn't big when I was sewing all time. You're doing a wonderful job!
Having smocked for almost 30 years, you have provided a terrific summary of all those questions I have finally answered after try and fail and try again which is what I did for years!! As a matter of fact you answered another question I have never answered for myself...... how do you get that row of smocking at the neckline under the bias........I had decided to do what you suggested, but never have seen or read about this particular row of smocking!! Excellent video of information !!! Thank you!!!!
I have so enjoyed your videos. I can't even do my work lol. Anyway, I have ordered from your site so I am in love. I've been sewing and embroidering all my life but now I have a new look on my life. I have a grandson your age. I have several UFO's so have gone through them all to get them done even though I have no one to wear them. Hehe thank you so very much for your inspiration. ❤
You are AMAZING. Don't know how you can have 3 children under three and produce such informative videos. Thank you !!!! (Congrats on the birth of your baby).
This video was really helpful. Your visual snippets and links take a lot of time and I thank you for your time and talent. I am encouraged to just take your advice and just jump in. No police around. LOL. Peace and blessings.
finally, after 20 years of my own children becoming adults, getting married, and deciding NOT to have children, my youngest (son), got married, and they are expecting. I bought a pleater years ago, but set it aside, although I cross stitch, quilt, make dolls etc, I haven't approached my desire to learn to make smocked and heirloom children clothes. I was interested in it 30 years ago when Martha Pullen had a tv show, and bought patterns, books etc also, but never tried it with my own children as they were older and would have poo poo'd the clothes, they were all about jeans back then. NOW, I get to immerse myself in learning, mostly from YOUR video's, I'll be rewatching them all, and hopefully, I'll have lots of beautiful keepsakes for the new baby girl our family is expecting in June 2021
I did it !!! Finally, after drooling over everything smocked forever, I made my first swatch ! Its only a 20 inch piece, hand pleated to about 4 inch long.. And I did my first every embroidered smocking, but its a start and it has given me the confidence I never would have had if not for your videos and your infectious passion ! Thank you for taking the time for making these vids, keep doing what you do !!
Can I ask if I understand OK (I am a French Canadian) : your fabric was 20 inches before you make the pleats and after that, it was just 4 inches?? If not, can you tell me how much more fabric I must pleats to have says 10 inches finish with the pleats??
@@claudettemonty4077 yes my fabric was 20 inches wide (horizontal). Since it was just a practice swatch it was 5 inches in length (vertical) so the length is good enough for making an insert. I did a 1 cm grid, that means my dots were 1 cm apart. I made the dots by hand using a simple ruler and hand pleated it by using a running stitch across the dots. There are more vids on Sarah's channel explaining everything about grids, their distance etc. I just opted the quickest thing for the swatch. The pleated piece was about 4 inch wide (horizontally) and after embroidery and removing the pleating thread, it was more elastic and had 1 inch give, so it could strech to 5 inch without making the pleats look too streched. I think the size of your pleated piece will depend on how close the pleats are. I really don't know the math but from my experience, I need 4 times more fabric to get the finished width I want. Meaning for me, I would need 40 inches wide piece of fabric to make a finished 10 inch wide smocked piece. Some people say the ratio is 3 to 1, that is, 3 times more fabric than the required finished width (30 inch fabric to get 10 inch smocked piece) but then make sure the distance of the dots is according to that ratio. I'd say a little extra is probably better than a little short, after all the hard work, we wouldn't want to end a few inches short right ?!. Hope it helps 😊
Thank you Sarah for the information. I bought the paper “interfacing” one for blocking. I purchased a round cork board from Ikea and covered it with it. It works great for bishops.
New at pleating my smocking garments as lost my source for getting fabric pleated, also I am not finding the links to companies you have mentioned. Thank you..Love your videos, to the point, and "you do you".... great
Hi Sarah, I am a beginner smocker and I am enjoying your videos and find them very helpful. Since I am also a beginner sewer I think that starting with inserts and learning how to put them in a pattern might be the easiest for me to do. I have a pleater however I do not know how to figure out much material I need to pleat a generic insert.
hey there! welcome! it depends on the fabric being used and your application/preference, but generally 2.5x is about right for most batistes. ua-cam.com/video/4HDLN5XpoVE/v-deo.html
Sarah meu maior sonho e ter uma máquina dessa sua pra preguiar meus vestidinhos de bebê gostaria que você me entendese que pena não entendo uma palavra do que você diz mas adoro ver seus vídeo você também não vai entender nada 😘😘😘😘😘
Such a helpful video. I'm very motivated to learn classic sewing and heirloom sewing to some day teach my daughter. I've attempted a smocked bishop three times previously, and have always ended up with a turtleneck effect. It's important to note, the smocked bishop was my first garment I ever sewed. (ambitious I know). I've since made several dresses and feel a bit more confident. As I'm learning though, my daughter is growing and is wearing between a 4-5T in store bought clothing. Is there a pattern you recommend for older girls? She is 2, but almost 38lbs now and 3ft tall. Again, thank you for all of your videos. I just love watching you teach.
hey there mama! audrey is similar to your little ones sizing. seems like she grows straight up, but she's almost 4 and has been in 5t since she was 3.5 years. anywho, I think the two that would offer the best bang for your buck (lend well to all sorts of embellishments) are cc louise (or cc victoria if you want darts in the bodice) and cc lee. cc ruthie is out of print, but such a lovely dress ify ou can find it. cc mary de is very classic and cute. cc frannie and cc lucy are very quick, easy makes. i'm not at all sponsored by children's corner, but I think their patterns are classic in shape and I love that they are not netted. I use the bodice pieces as is for Audrey, but I lengthen the skirt as necessary. hope that helps! thanks so much
Hoping🤞you’re still checking your older tutorials for questions. When hand pleating, how tightly do you gather the fabric? Is there any sort of rule of thumb, such as: draw the gathering in 1/4 or 1/2 the size of the original piece of fabric? I’m a bit over zealous when it comes to this sort of task (which is why I could never knit). My original practice piece of fabric was 12” square. I placed my marking dots: vertical columns dots were 1/4” apart and horizontal rows were 1/2” apart. After gathering, my practice piece is only 3” wide 🙄. I’m guessing I gathered too tightly? Thanks so much and speedy recovery from your recent surgery.
Hi. I'm totally new to smocking. I'm not sure why i should be because i sew, embroider, cross stitch, etc, but never smocked. I'm 69 and am desperate to start. I'm in the UK so not sure if some of the things you mentioned are available here. What i do need to know is how do i work out how much fabric i need for a piece. I want to smock on some handmade cushions. Stay safe and stay well. Shirley from the UK. X
hi there! welcome to the world of smocking :-) the easiest way is to do a test piece so you can establish a pleating ratio. that pleating ratio depends on the fabric type, your preference, and the type of smocking youre going to do. I have some videos that go over this as well as a little cheatsheet. ua-cam.com/video/NaMQCKBI5FQ/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/gbj9teGci7g/v-deo.html sarahclassicsewing.com/collections/pdf-instant-downloads/products/pdf-the-fabric-cheat-sheet-to-pleating-for-smocking
Hi Sarah, thank you so much for these videos. I started smocking 20 years ago but only made a few dresses before my youngest felt she was too big for smocked clothing so I quit and now I am wanting to get back into it but I’m just having a hard time starting again. I do not see any links you mentioned you would link below. Thank you. Can’t believe how much you do with all your little ones. My daughter had 3 under three by January of 2019. 😊
@@sarahclassicsewing too funny you ask. I’ll have to go back to the video and watch as I have already forgotten. Busy and crazy few days since I sent that.
Your channel is amazing and I've been slowly working my way through my first smocked garments, but my focus has been on womenswear rather than childrenswear. I feel like the learning curve has been fairly steep, both learning the method and translating non-smocked patterns to something that would be more suitable to smock with. Anyway. I have some questions. 1) Do you use a special machine foot for sewing binding onto the holding row of pleats? I'm finding that my sewing machine tends to crush the pleats and make the entire neckline uneven. Freezer paper helps this, but doesn't solve it. 2) I'm finding that on my samples, when I remove the holding rows of stitches after I have smocked/embroidered, it seems like the sample just entirely comes apart-- as in, the stitches aren't really holding the pleats together on their own. A local store here in Houston told me that perhaps I wasn't using enough fabric to pleat, and then spreading the pleats too far apart before smocking. Does this sound right? I've sort of cheated by using ultra-thin elastic threads in my smocking needles, and then keeping the pleating rows in, but this just feels like a duct tape sort of solution. 3) Are there ever, at all, any circumstances where you wouldn't take out the stitches that a pleater put in? Again, the lady at my local store looked at me like I was insane, but it seems like if I smocked with either a very strong thread, or a very elastic thread, I could just leave them in. I feel like the lady at the store was so attached to what is normally done, that she couldn't really give me an actual answer for why it was a bad idea. Finally, just thank you again. I feel like smocking is a dying art, and it's just been such an inspiring medium for me lately. You've really brought the subject to life through these videos.
hey there, that's awesome. I did a handful of dresses for myself with smocking and some lacework before having children... so fun! 1. no, the freezer paper has saved the day for me with all of this. are you making sure to let it cool down before stitching? 2. eh... nah, that explanation doesn't really make sense to me. okay so couple of things.. look at your stitches, is there a lot of slack? smocking with elastic thread also sounds like it could be trouble (although I can't speak from experience). but smocking is already stretchy (it's actually what they used before elastic was invented on garments for workers). so the stitches (from a non-elastic fiber) provide some stability. also, smocking requires a bit of fabric, and when you bring that to women's wear, it's soo much fabric. So I remember making my garments too small when they were pleated, and then when the pleating threads were taken out (like after the garment was smocked), then the garment opened up and fit. also, I spread my pleats out more than usual to also help with the amount of fabric. if any spots needed some more stabilization, then I would backsmock that area on teh tigher side. 3. hahaa yeah.. I hear you. I remember asking about smocking after you construct, and the ladies looked at me like I had 3 heads. okay so you could definitely leave the pleating threads if you wanted to - truly, it's sewing, you do you. that actually could be quite pretty. you would want to pick a fiber that wouldn't fray easily from fabric being moved over it constantly. And that's the other thing - the pleats will move around. and that might be okay with you. so happy youre experimenting! you'll learn so much :-) also... it's not at all dying, I'm happy to be able to say that with the proof of my analytics ;-) happy sewing!
@@sarahclassicsewing Thank you so so much for your incredibly helpful response! I wasn't clear on #2, sorry. I'm using elastic not as the top embroidery thread, but in the needles in my pleating machine, so it ends up vaguely like machine smocking, except with those gorgeous uniform pleats that you get with a proper pleater. Regular embroidery floss on the top. I do think there's too much slack in the stitches though-- this has probably solved it. Backsmocking also would solve it, so you've helped me twofold. That's a really excellent point about picking a fiber that won't easily fray from fabric being moved constantly, and I hadn't even considered it. So helpful. Thanks so so much
Sarah, do you have any tips/advice on creating your own smocking plates for picture smocking? I am working on a project for my first granddaughter, who is due in mid October. I want to picture smock a design to match the print on the main fabric. I am using an insert for the smocking. I have two different projects I am going to complete, first one is using a sunflower and bee print and the other one is a peaches print. I would also like to know where you get your pearl cotton. Thank you and Happy Smocking!!!
For picture smocking, you can kinda color in the design on blank smocking paper and see where the stitches fall, and design from there. Pearl cotton isn't ideal for picture smocking, but I have it on my website, sarahclassicsewing.com. sounds like fun projects! I adore sunflowers 🌻congrats on your granddaughter! 💕
@@sarahclassicsewing I completed both the peach and sunflower smocked dresses using my own designs. I will email you pictures of the finished products. Apologies for taking so long to get back to you on it, life gets in the way sometimes, lol. Getting ready to start a new project as soon as the fabric arrives. Trying a viscose batiste with classic Toile du Jouy design. Worried that the pattern repeat and voids may be troublesome, so I may have to make this dress using an insert.
I have a question. I just got an amanda jane pleater and was trying it for the first time. When I start rolling my material through the needles keep on coming out of the pleater as I’m rolling. They will not stay in on the curve. Am I doing something wrong ?
I'm going to try smocking for my niece's baby due in Oct. I've chosen swiss flannel. Do you recommend the perle cotton or the DMC and how many strands 2 or 3? Thanks, Paula
If it's your first time, you may want to try pearl cotton since it's easier to get the stitches to lay flat (just one strand, you dont separate it, and i like size 12 for fresh babies). Ive also used two strands of dmc floss for fresh ones and like the look of that, too. Two strands of dmc is easier to keep neat than three strands, and i have a smocking video that goes over how to keep your thread flat and nest. Search for the updated how to smock video. Take care!
Hi. I am enjoying your videos but can't find the links you refer to. I am in need of guidance for the needles you use and the size of the beads that work with them. I am in Canada and would need to order them online I think. If you could send me the details I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you
Olá Sarah! Me chamo Cleane, sou brasileira e apaixonada por seu trabalho. Eu comecei a assistir seus vídeos e me apaixonei pelo ponto smook. Quero comprar a máquina de franzir mas não acho no Brasil. Vc me indicaria um site onde eu pudesse comprar?
that's a really good idea about the supply list. and yes, I have two kits... one is massive and the other one is a single gown. single gown: sarahclassicsewing.com/pages/mini-heirloom-starter-kit massive kit (4 gowns): sarahclassicsewing.com/pages/the-heirloom-starter-kit
yeah, a ton in the past year... go check out the video tab under my channel. not sure what causes youtube to do this to some people, but check your subscription status and notification settings. thanks!
I can't for the life of me find how much fabric I need to pleat. I've never smocked before and am about to do Creations By Michie #123 with the smocked insert for 18 month size. It has a "blocking guide" but doesn't say how long I should cut the fabric. I've seen some places say to cut the fabric 3 times the width of the final piece, so my MIL did that for me since she has a smocking machine. But the piece looks not wide enough to me. Please help! 😁
it's been a while since I made that pattern, but there should be a pattern piece for the insert.. or maybe a chart inside on the instructions? ua-cam.com/video/EH4iQCXCRAs/v-deo.html
So I have watched that video, but you didn't say how to figure out how much fabric you need to cut. In the pattern, there is just a rectangle pattern piece that is the "blocking" piece for the smocking. It doesn't say if you should measure that and multiply times 3 or 4, etc. What is your general rule of thumb for how to calculate how long to cut the fabric?
well... it depends on the fabric, the look you're going for, and the type of smocking, but I do have this download with a bunch of information sarahclassicsewing.com/collections/pdf-instant-downloads/products/pdf-the-fabric-cheat-sheet-to-pleating-for-smocking. I tend to like my pleats a little bit on the more separated side as far as this pattern, I just pulled it out and it's on the bottom of page 1 of the instructions.
Ok thanks! So I actually found in the instructions it recommends 36" long piece of fabric...🤦♀️ Don't know how I missed that. 😅 Thank you for your help!
Do you have any idea what the name of the pattern is of the dress you show that is right at 9:00 minutes? Also, what is the fabric? Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks. Oh, like many others have said, your videos are awesome and thank you sor so much information. I have been watching for years.
thanks so much, it's an embroidery design that I created (it's available for download from my website) and i've got several videos on it, ua-cam.com/video/XHtgeV7VNFQ/v-deo.html. the fabric is cotton voile, it's linked in those videos.
Oi sarah tudo bem? Morro aqui no Brasil. Nao entendo o que vc falar. Vc vende essa máquina na sua loja Vitual aqui nao Brasil nao tem nenhuma distribuído?.
Absolutely new to pleating. Can someone explain the wax paper method? Does the plastic coating wax paper adhere to the fabric and then you peal it off like a sticky back stabilizer?
Just feed the wax paper thru the pleater like you would fabric, but just by itself. It's supposed to coat the needles somehow and provide some lubrication 🤷♀️ welcome to pleating! 💕
Hello sarah,i,m from malaysia ,how i,m can follow you ,can you help me,where i,m get the knot smocking,howmuch n machine pleater how much in RM(malaysia)
Sarah, I'm so glad to see that you and a few others are keeping the English smocking and French hand (or machine) sewing traditions alive. While Martha Pullen and her coterie were producing smocking plates, videos, and keeping those traditions alive, I was working and launching my children as a single mother. Never had either the time or the money to spare. Once I retired, the ladies who were holding seminars and retreats ALSO retired. I can at least now keep my hand in with your channel. My pace is slower than it used to be, but at least I'm (sort of) fulfilling my heart's desire in some small way. Thank you for that.
I soo feel your words
Thank goodness you are giving your time and energy to guiding us through this journey. Hardly anyone else does smocking videos and you are so calm and make it so easy , it encourages us all to give it a go.
Thanks so much, jump on in! 💕
This is so captivating and impressive. If I say I'm a newbie to the sewing world it would be an understatement so watching this has been purely aspirational. BUT I have been mesmerised by your calming voice and honestly you made me want to at least dip my feet into the world of smocking and pleating and intricate sewing artistry. You're a kind soul for putting this together because I am sure this took a hot minute, so much knowledge. Thank you !
You can definitely do this 💕
Been pleating and smocking for a couple months. I can't stop. I do believe completing the sewing and the smock is my way. Also thanks for the freezer paper idea. Good teaching.
I’ve recently decided to start sewing again and I have been binge watching your videos. I’ve never smoked before and I’m starting now! I’ve ordered the items you suggested from Farmhouse Fabrics and a relative is letting me borrow a pleater. This video has come at a great time for me to get started! Thank you so much!!
yayy! there's going to be a daily video diving into topics around beginning to use a smocking pleater and smocking construction. i so hope you find them helpful! and if you have any questions, please let me know. It's been a while for me since I learned ;-) thanks!
Sarah Classic Sewing
Oh that works out perfect! Thank you again. I will certainly ask questions.
So happy I just discovered you! I used to do smocked and French-sewn garments for my little girls. Unfortunately, I "lent" those things to a relative for her children, but haven't seen them since! I have a new granddaughter arriving in October, so I pulled out some batiste and am making her first little bishop dress. It's been a LONG time, but you are great for a refresher!
I am so thrilled to discover your channel! I never knew anyone who was interested in heirloom sewing or smocking who was younger than I am, and I'm 42 now. I started in middle school. There were still fabrics and laces at local quilting stores in many towns. Sadly, they all started closing and the internet became the best option with only a few online stores. I would sit in tatting classes and such in sewing shops with retired ladies when I was in high school. They loved seeing me there. My children are too old for these clothes now, and I'm too busy to sew. I plan to start sewing for future grandchildren when they head to college. I always gifted what I made for others. People wouldn't pay enough for custom clothes when internet sales made smocked garmenta so reasonable. I love that you are able to turn this craft into vlog material! U tube wasn't big when I was sewing all time. You're doing a wonderful job!
Aww thanks so much! You're too sweet, i really appreciate that 💕 and welcome!
Having smocked for almost 30 years, you have provided a terrific summary of all those questions I have finally answered after try and fail and try again which is what I did for years!! As a matter of fact you answered another question I have never answered for myself...... how do you get that row of smocking at the neckline under the bias........I had decided to do what you suggested, but never have seen or read about this particular row of smocking!! Excellent video of information !!! Thank you!!!!
I have so enjoyed your videos. I can't even do my work lol. Anyway, I have ordered from your site so I am in love. I've been sewing and embroidering all my life but now I have a new look on my life. I have a grandson your age. I have several UFO's so have gone through them all to get them done even though I have no one to wear them. Hehe thank you so very much for your inspiration. ❤
Your videos are so helpful and encouraging. I have always loved smocking, but never did it. This video is encouraging me to do it.
yayy! love hearing that! truly, go for it... and if you need some help, just ask away :-) I really do answer.
You are AMAZING. Don't know how you can have 3 children under three and produce such informative videos. Thank you !!!! (Congrats on the birth of your baby).
This video was really helpful. Your visual snippets and links take a lot of time and I thank you for your time and talent. I am encouraged to just take your advice and just jump in. No police around. LOL. Peace and blessings.
thanks so much Chris! and thank you for all your kind comments, they mean so much to me and really help the channel
Thanks Sarah!! Another great video, super helpful for beginners and for not so beginners
finally, after 20 years of my own children becoming adults, getting married, and deciding NOT to have children, my youngest (son), got married, and they are expecting. I bought a pleater years ago, but set it aside, although I cross stitch, quilt, make dolls etc, I haven't approached my desire to learn to make smocked and heirloom children clothes. I was interested in it 30 years ago when Martha Pullen had a tv show, and bought patterns, books etc also, but never tried it with my own children as they were older and would have poo poo'd the clothes, they were all about jeans back then. NOW, I get to immerse myself in learning, mostly from YOUR video's, I'll be rewatching them all, and hopefully, I'll have lots of beautiful keepsakes for the new baby girl our family is expecting in June 2021
yayy!! congratulations grandma, excited for you!
I did it !!!
Finally, after drooling over everything smocked forever, I made my first swatch !
Its only a 20 inch piece, hand pleated to about 4 inch long.. And I did my first every embroidered smocking, but its a start and it has given me the confidence I never would have had if not for your videos and your infectious passion !
Thank you for taking the time for making these vids, keep doing what you do !!
Can I ask if I understand OK (I am a French Canadian) : your fabric was 20 inches before you make the pleats and after that, it was just 4 inches?? If not, can you tell me how much more fabric I must pleats to have says 10 inches finish with the pleats??
@@claudettemonty4077 yes my fabric was 20 inches wide (horizontal). Since it was just a practice swatch it was 5 inches in length (vertical) so the length is good enough for making an insert.
I did a 1 cm grid, that means my dots were 1 cm apart. I made the dots by hand using a simple ruler and hand pleated it by using a running stitch across the dots. There are more vids on Sarah's channel explaining everything about grids, their distance etc. I just opted the quickest thing for the swatch.
The pleated piece was about 4 inch wide (horizontally) and after embroidery and removing the pleating thread, it was more elastic and had 1 inch give, so it could strech to 5 inch without making the pleats look too streched.
I think the size of your pleated piece will depend on how close the pleats are. I really don't know the math but from my experience, I need 4 times more fabric to get the finished width I want. Meaning for me, I would need 40 inches wide piece of fabric to make a finished 10 inch wide smocked piece.
Some people say the ratio is 3 to 1, that is, 3 times more fabric than the required finished width (30 inch fabric to get 10 inch smocked piece) but then make sure the distance of the dots is according to that ratio.
I'd say a little extra is probably better than a little short, after all the hard work, we wouldn't want to end a few inches short right ?!.
Hope it helps 😊
Thank you Sarah for the information.
I bought the paper “interfacing” one for blocking. I purchased a round cork board from Ikea and covered it with it. It works great for bishops.
That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing
Sarah hello from Australia. I am using a cotton voile for my garment for my grand daughter
New at pleating my smocking garments as lost my source for getting fabric pleated, also I am not finding the links to companies you have mentioned. Thank you..Love your videos, to the point, and "you do you".... great
Hi Sarah, I am a beginner smocker and I am enjoying your videos and find them very helpful. Since I am also a beginner sewer I think that starting with inserts and learning how to put them in a pattern might be the easiest for me to do. I have a pleater however I do not know how to figure out much material I need to pleat a generic insert.
hey there! welcome! it depends on the fabric being used and your application/preference, but generally 2.5x is about right for most batistes. ua-cam.com/video/4HDLN5XpoVE/v-deo.html
I HATE pleating corduroy! Great video! You are superwoman filming this and carrying a baby! You rock!
Sarah meu maior sonho e ter uma máquina dessa sua pra preguiar meus vestidinhos de bebê gostaria que você me entendese que pena não entendo uma palavra do que você diz mas adoro ver seus vídeo você também não vai entender nada 😘😘😘😘😘
Thank you. This was so helpful
Nice refresher. Haven't smocked in years.
Such a helpful video. I'm very motivated to learn classic sewing and heirloom sewing to some day teach my daughter. I've attempted a smocked bishop three times previously, and have always ended up with a turtleneck effect. It's important to note, the smocked bishop was my first garment I ever sewed. (ambitious I know). I've since made several dresses and feel a bit more confident. As I'm learning though, my daughter is growing and is wearing between a 4-5T in store bought clothing. Is there a pattern you recommend for older girls? She is 2, but almost 38lbs now and 3ft tall.
Again, thank you for all of your videos. I just love watching you teach.
hey there mama! audrey is similar to your little ones sizing. seems like she grows straight up, but she's almost 4 and has been in 5t since she was 3.5 years. anywho, I think the two that would offer the best bang for your buck (lend well to all sorts of embellishments) are cc louise (or cc victoria if you want darts in the bodice) and cc lee. cc ruthie is out of print, but such a lovely dress ify ou can find it. cc mary de is very classic and cute. cc frannie and cc lucy are very quick, easy makes. i'm not at all sponsored by children's corner, but I think their patterns are classic in shape and I love that they are not netted. I use the bodice pieces as is for Audrey, but I lengthen the skirt as necessary. hope that helps! thanks so much
Hoping🤞you’re still checking your older tutorials for questions. When hand pleating, how tightly do you gather the fabric? Is there any sort of rule of thumb, such as: draw the gathering in 1/4 or 1/2 the size of the original piece of fabric? I’m a bit over zealous when it comes to this sort of task (which is why I could never knit).
My original practice piece of fabric was 12” square. I placed my marking dots: vertical columns dots were 1/4” apart and horizontal rows were 1/2” apart. After gathering, my practice piece is only 3” wide 🙄. I’m guessing I gathered too tightly?
Thanks so much and speedy recovery from your recent surgery.
Can you sew directly with no grid and just guess it?.... sorely the historical sewers didn't use pens and rulers?
Hi. I'm totally new to smocking. I'm not sure why i should be because i sew, embroider, cross stitch, etc, but never smocked. I'm 69 and am desperate to start. I'm in the UK so not sure if some of the things you mentioned are available here. What i do need to know is how do i work out how much fabric i need for a piece. I want to smock on some handmade cushions. Stay safe and stay well. Shirley from the UK. X
hi there! welcome to the world of smocking :-) the easiest way is to do a test piece so you can establish a pleating ratio. that pleating ratio depends on the fabric type, your preference, and the type of smocking youre going to do. I have some videos that go over this as well as a little cheatsheet.
ua-cam.com/video/NaMQCKBI5FQ/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/gbj9teGci7g/v-deo.html
sarahclassicsewing.com/collections/pdf-instant-downloads/products/pdf-the-fabric-cheat-sheet-to-pleating-for-smocking
very good the video is very useful .... make more and more .... hopefully this channel will be even more successful
Hi Sarah, thank you so much for these videos. I started smocking 20 years ago but only made a few dresses before my youngest felt she was too big for smocked clothing so I quit and now I am wanting to get back into it but I’m just having a hard time starting again. I do not see any links you mentioned you would link below. Thank you. Can’t believe how much you do with all your little ones. My daughter had 3 under three by January of 2019. 😊
Oh links... long story. What are you trying to search for?
@@sarahclassicsewing too funny you ask. I’ll have to go back to the video and watch as I have already forgotten. Busy and crazy few days since I sent that.
@@lorantexs1 lol I understand 🤪😅
I am new to your channel. I am grandma to a one year old “WAYLYNN”
I can’t wait to smock with you. :)
Your babies are so adorable! As are you!
Mis respetos para usted eres maravilloso 🙏🙏🙏🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴
Love the video- do you give smocking classes?
Your channel is amazing and I've been slowly working my way through my first smocked garments, but my focus has been on womenswear rather than childrenswear. I feel like the learning curve has been fairly steep, both learning the method and translating non-smocked patterns to something that would be more suitable to smock with. Anyway. I have some questions.
1) Do you use a special machine foot for sewing binding onto the holding row of pleats? I'm finding that my sewing machine tends to crush the pleats and make the entire neckline uneven. Freezer paper helps this, but doesn't solve it.
2) I'm finding that on my samples, when I remove the holding rows of stitches after I have smocked/embroidered, it seems like the sample just entirely comes apart-- as in, the stitches aren't really holding the pleats together on their own. A local store here in Houston told me that perhaps I wasn't using enough fabric to pleat, and then spreading the pleats too far apart before smocking. Does this sound right? I've sort of cheated by using ultra-thin elastic threads in my smocking needles, and then keeping the pleating rows in, but this just feels like a duct tape sort of solution.
3) Are there ever, at all, any circumstances where you wouldn't take out the stitches that a pleater put in? Again, the lady at my local store looked at me like I was insane, but it seems like if I smocked with either a very strong thread, or a very elastic thread, I could just leave them in. I feel like the lady at the store was so attached to what is normally done, that she couldn't really give me an actual answer for why it was a bad idea.
Finally, just thank you again. I feel like smocking is a dying art, and it's just been such an inspiring medium for me lately. You've really brought the subject to life through these videos.
hey there, that's awesome. I did a handful of dresses for myself with smocking and some lacework before having children... so fun!
1. no, the freezer paper has saved the day for me with all of this. are you making sure to let it cool down before stitching?
2. eh... nah, that explanation doesn't really make sense to me. okay so couple of things.. look at your stitches, is there a lot of slack? smocking with elastic thread also sounds like it could be trouble (although I can't speak from experience). but smocking is already stretchy (it's actually what they used before elastic was invented on garments for workers). so the stitches (from a non-elastic fiber) provide some stability.
also, smocking requires a bit of fabric, and when you bring that to women's wear, it's soo much fabric. So I remember making my garments too small when they were pleated, and then when the pleating threads were taken out (like after the garment was smocked), then the garment opened up and fit. also, I spread my pleats out more than usual to also help with the amount of fabric. if any spots needed some more stabilization, then I would backsmock that area on teh tigher side.
3. hahaa yeah.. I hear you. I remember asking about smocking after you construct, and the ladies looked at me like I had 3 heads. okay so you could definitely leave the pleating threads if you wanted to - truly, it's sewing, you do you. that actually could be quite pretty. you would want to pick a fiber that wouldn't fray easily from fabric being moved over it constantly. And that's the other thing - the pleats will move around. and that might be okay with you.
so happy youre experimenting! you'll learn so much :-) also... it's not at all dying, I'm happy to be able to say that with the proof of my analytics ;-) happy sewing!
@@sarahclassicsewing Thank you so so much for your incredibly helpful response!
I wasn't clear on #2, sorry. I'm using elastic not as the top embroidery thread, but in the needles in my pleating machine, so it ends up vaguely like machine smocking, except with those gorgeous uniform pleats that you get with a proper pleater. Regular embroidery floss on the top. I do think there's too much slack in the stitches though-- this has probably solved it. Backsmocking also would solve it, so you've helped me twofold.
That's a really excellent point about picking a fiber that won't easily fray from fabric being moved constantly, and I hadn't even considered it. So helpful.
Thanks so so much
Thank you.. Benditions 😇👐👐❤
Love all your videos but can never find the links you refer to.
Where did you purchase your pleater?
very nice things you do. Do you have the patterns available?
How do I know how much material needed to pleat for a pattern of a dress?
Sarah, do you have any tips/advice on creating your own smocking plates for picture smocking? I am working on a project for my first granddaughter, who is due in mid October. I want to picture smock a design to match the print on the main fabric. I am using an insert for the smocking. I have two different projects I am going to complete, first one is using a sunflower and bee print and the other one is a peaches print. I would also like to know where you get your pearl cotton. Thank you and Happy Smocking!!!
For picture smocking, you can kinda color in the design on blank smocking paper and see where the stitches fall, and design from there. Pearl cotton isn't ideal for picture smocking, but I have it on my website, sarahclassicsewing.com. sounds like fun projects! I adore sunflowers 🌻congrats on your granddaughter! 💕
@@sarahclassicsewing I completed both the peach and sunflower smocked dresses using my own designs. I will email you pictures of the finished products. Apologies for taking so long to get back to you on it, life gets in the way sometimes, lol. Getting ready to start a new project as soon as the fabric arrives. Trying a viscose batiste with classic Toile du Jouy design. Worried that the pattern repeat and voids may be troublesome, so I may have to make this dress using an insert.
I have a question. I just got an amanda jane pleater and was trying it for the first time. When I start rolling my material through the needles keep on coming out of the pleater as I’m rolling. They will not stay in on the curve. Am I doing something wrong ?
Thank you very much for your videos
I'm going to try smocking for my niece's baby due in Oct. I've chosen swiss flannel. Do you recommend the perle cotton or the DMC and how many strands 2 or 3? Thanks, Paula
If it's your first time, you may want to try pearl cotton since it's easier to get the stitches to lay flat (just one strand, you dont separate it, and i like size 12 for fresh babies). Ive also used two strands of dmc floss for fresh ones and like the look of that, too. Two strands of dmc is easier to keep neat than three strands, and i have a smocking video that goes over how to keep your thread flat and nest. Search for the updated how to smock video. Take care!
I like smocking i reallly want to learn
Hi. I am enjoying your videos but can't find the links you refer to. I am in need of guidance for the needles you use and the size of the beads that work with them. I am in Canada and would need to order them online I think. If you could send me the details I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you
Olá Sarah! Me chamo Cleane, sou brasileira e apaixonada por seu trabalho. Eu comecei a assistir seus vídeos e me apaixonei pelo ponto smook. Quero comprar a máquina de franzir mas não acho no Brasil. Vc me indicaria um site onde eu pudesse comprar?
Do you have a printable supply list? Do you have a starter kit?
that's a really good idea about the supply list. and yes, I have two kits... one is massive and the other one is a single gown.
single gown: sarahclassicsewing.com/pages/mini-heirloom-starter-kit
massive kit (4 gowns): sarahclassicsewing.com/pages/the-heirloom-starter-kit
As always a great video!!!
Hi I’m
Beginner for smocking , I would like to purchase smocking pleter machine ! Where I can find it ? Pls share link .
Are you still making videos? I can't seem to find any earlier than 11 months ago. I hope your able to continue with them. I love your work. 🥰🥰
yeah, a ton in the past year... go check out the video tab under my channel. not sure what causes youtube to do this to some people, but check your subscription status and notification settings. thanks!
Thank you for sharing
I can't for the life of me find how much fabric I need to pleat. I've never smocked before and am about to do Creations By Michie #123 with the smocked insert for 18 month size. It has a "blocking guide" but doesn't say how long I should cut the fabric. I've seen some places say to cut the fabric 3 times the width of the final piece, so my MIL did that for me since she has a smocking machine. But the piece looks not wide enough to me. Please help! 😁
it's been a while since I made that pattern, but there should be a pattern piece for the insert.. or maybe a chart inside on the instructions? ua-cam.com/video/EH4iQCXCRAs/v-deo.html
So I have watched that video, but you didn't say how to figure out how much fabric you need to cut. In the pattern, there is just a rectangle pattern piece that is the "blocking" piece for the smocking. It doesn't say if you should measure that and multiply times 3 or 4, etc. What is your general rule of thumb for how to calculate how long to cut the fabric?
well... it depends on the fabric, the look you're going for, and the type of smocking, but I do have this download with a bunch of information sarahclassicsewing.com/collections/pdf-instant-downloads/products/pdf-the-fabric-cheat-sheet-to-pleating-for-smocking. I tend to like my pleats a little bit on the more separated side
as far as this pattern, I just pulled it out and it's on the bottom of page 1 of the instructions.
Ok thanks! So I actually found in the instructions it recommends 36" long piece of fabric...🤦♀️ Don't know how I missed that. 😅 Thank you for your help!
Do you have any idea what the name of the pattern is of the dress you show that is right at 9:00 minutes? Also, what is the fabric? Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks. Oh, like many others have said, your videos are awesome and thank you sor so much information. I have been watching for years.
thanks so much, it's an embroidery design that I created (it's available for download from my website) and i've got several videos on it, ua-cam.com/video/XHtgeV7VNFQ/v-deo.html. the fabric is cotton voile, it's linked in those videos.
Oi sarah tudo bem? Morro aqui no Brasil. Nao entendo o que vc falar.
Vc vende essa máquina na sua loja
Vitual aqui nao Brasil nao tem nenhuma distribuído?.
Sarah thanks for all your help and I remember you saying that you used something other than floss to smock with....what is that please? was it Floche?
Yes, I like using floche, size 12 pearl cotton, and coton a broder... but floss is still fun here and there
Thanks Sarah, I’m in Canada so I’ll see if I can source it up here....thanks again
@@barbginn6569 okay, and I do have a floche international pack that qualifies for free shipping... just fyi if your search falls flat
How much is this machine
❤️Love This Thank You❤️
Absolutely new to pleating. Can someone explain the wax paper method? Does the plastic coating wax paper adhere to the fabric and then you peal it off like a sticky back stabilizer?
Just feed the wax paper thru the pleater like you would fabric, but just by itself. It's supposed to coat the needles somehow and provide some lubrication 🤷♀️ welcome to pleating! 💕
I don't see the link for what needles to use.
Moro no Brasil e gostaria de adquirir uma máquina de smock, como fazer para comprar,pois aqui não encontra.
Hello sarah,i,m from malaysia ,how i,m can follow you ,can you help me,where i,m get the knot smocking,howmuch n machine pleater how much in RM(malaysia)
Amaizing
Como comprar a máquina de fazer smocking ?
Where can I get a pleater in USA hawai
What happened to the links….I’m very new to this.
Hy i want to buy smoking pleater machine . Can u help me to parchase it?
What is the name of that thread? I can't get a drop down on here for links
the thread that goes into the pleater? hand quilting thread
Dónde la puedo comprar soy de Chile
hi .mam plz tell me we need how much fabric for 15 inch width fitting for ya young girl and tell me which type of fabric we can use and how much
So beautiful
Do you take online classes
like do I offer them? not currently but there's talk about building up a program. but no, I don't take online sewing classes as of now
@@sarahclassicsewing Thanks for the response
Estoybuscando trabajo debordar
Hello hermosa saludos desde piura Perú
Dónde puedo conseguir las agujas por favor
where to buy the smocking needles, please