Welcome back to our discussion on smocking knits! So far we have discussed Sewing Knits: Just the Essentials, Smocking Knits: Testing the fabric, and Smocking Knits: Pleating knit jersey. Today we are moving on to the next step: choosing a smocking design. Knits have unique qualities - they stretch and recover. It is what makes them so comfortable to wear. But those same qualities provide a few challenges when it comes to smocking knits, and choosing an appropriate design. O

How to prepare and pleat knit fabric for smocking. Full video tutorial.

Whip Tucks are a wonderful way to add heirloom, hand-made interest to a garment. Often Whip Tucks can be found on vintage baby clothes and vintage ladies blouses. They are simple, take up very little fabric and add a nice design interest, and can be added even after you have cut out the garment! I love regular tucks on clothes, (see Adding Tucks Tutorial), but traditional tucks need to be incorporated in the planning process. Even a 1/8 inch tuck can take up a significant