Learn to Smock with a Christmas Ornament
- Lisa Hawkes
- Nov 16, 2016
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 20
In the knitting world, one learns the craft by starting with a scarf. In the smocking world, may I suggest one start with an ornament. Why an ornament? First, It is a small project. Instant, or at least quick gratification, helps when one is learning a new skill. Second, it has minimal sewing. I love to sew and enjoy sewing as much as smocking, but if one's goal is to learn smocking, then being able to bypass the sewing portion of a project can be a big help. Finally, it is a small commitment in terms of time and money. You can hand pleat a strip of fabric or for a few dollars purchase a pre-pleated strip of fabric from Pink Hollybush and give smocking a try. If its not for you, move on. You haven't invested much of your time or finances determining if this is an art form you enjoy. In case you already enjoy smocking, and I hope you do, you might still want to give an ornament a try for all the reasons I have already listed. Everyone could use a little instant gratification in their lives!
So now that I have convinced you to try to smock an ornament, how do you get started? The first resource I have for you is our new Christmas Smocking Ornament Book. This book contains 6 different smocking patterns, step by step directions in full color for each step of construction, and a step by step glossary of each smocking stitch used. For a crafty person who is comfortable with a needle and thread, this book will have you smocking an ornament in no time.
This video will show you all the ornaments. No pleater, no problem - we have pre-pleated fabric for ornaments.
If you are a visual person and would prefer to learn from video instructions rather than a book, then check out my Learn to Smock Course! Each step is demonstrated. Each stitch is demonstrated, including smocking for both left and right handed. You can even preview the first lesson for free.
I hope you give stitching a smocked Christmas Ornament a try this year, and if you haven't don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and receive the Free Daisy Smocking plate!
Happy Stitching!