Have you ever wanted to sew a smocked garment but don't know where to start? Let me walk you through the process!
An Option to include Pre-Pleated Fabric!
If you know how to sew and are comfortable with a needle and thread, you can sew a beautiful smocked garment! Smocking is simply embroidery on pleated fabric and it is simple to do. Hand smocking is easily recognizable and I want to you to experience the satisfaction of creating a beautiful and unique smocked garment for the adorable child in your life. My two daughters always felt so special in the smocked dresses that I made them. Now my granddaughter experiences that same feeling when she receives and wears a "Gigi Made" dress in the mail. She knows that I took the time and effort to make something just for her. I want you to experience that same satisfaction!
But knowing where to start can be daunting! And if you start with the wrong fabric, pattern, or difficulty level, you may have a negative first experience like I did, (you can listen to that story here) and give up on smocking all together - I don't want that for you!
When I first created the Learn to Smock Course, the course taught how to stitch a smocked ornament. I reasoned that a small project with little sewing allowed you to focus and learn the smocking. I still stand by that sentiment, but I realize that many of you know how to sew and want to learn to smock so you can sew a smocked garment. So I have gone in and completely revised the course adding step by step instructions on how to smock 3 different patterns - Honey by Pink Hollybush, as well as Johnny (we have the boys covered) and Mary De by Children's Corner.
10 New Videos Added!
Smocking is a beautiful form of embroidery that dates from the Middle Ages. It is simple to do as you stitch over pleated fabric to make one of a kind heirloom garments. In today's fast paced society, smocking is a relaxing and meditative way to slow down & create something beautiful with your own two hands. I want to encourage you to take a few moments for yourself, expand your creativity, and experience the satisfaction of sewing your first smocked garment!
So who is this course for & some other questions you might have?
It's easy, I promise!
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This course is for anyone who has wanted to make a smocked garment, but doesn't know how to smock or where to start. It is also for the person who smocked years ago but needs a refresher.
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The course is designed to walk you through each step of the smocking process from preparing the fabric, to smocking the strip, and then inserting it into the garment or constructing the ornament.
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This isn't just how to make a smocked dress - one of the recommended patterns are overalls so the boys are covered!
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A Sewing Machine and basic sewing supplies are required if making a garment. No machine is necessary if making the ornament.
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This course assumes you know how to read a basic sewing pattern and to sew. It doesn't teach how to sew.
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The course includes a geometric smocking design because I don't recommend you start smocking with picture smocking!
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If making a garment, you do need to purchase one of the 3 recommended patterns: Honey by Pink Hollybush, Johnny or Mary De by Children's Corner. The Course does not come with the garment pattern.
Here's What is Included:
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20 lessons with detailed instruction walk you through every aspect of the project from picking out the correct pattern, the correct fabric and additional supplies that you might need.
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29 videos demonstrate each aspect of the process.
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Videos include how to stitch demonstrations for both right and left handed stitchers.
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Videos demonstrate how to prep the pleated piece for each of 3 patterns and then how to insert it into each of recommended patterns.
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For future reference, the course includes instructions on how to use a pleater or hand pleat (it is really easy and goes quickly!) but you have the option to purchase the course with a pre pleated strip of fabric so you can get started on your garment right away!
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Bonus materials include The History of Smocking, How to Center a Smocking Design, The Baby Wave Stitch, & How to alter a pattern to add a Garment Insert.
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Self paced and your access never expires.
"I can attest that Lisa's smocking course was wonderful. I learned everything from her and have been smocking clothes for my Granddaughters for 3 years."
-Ginny
Yippee!
So What Else is New?
I know that working through a course by yourself can be difficult & questions are going to come up...
So I have added a community! Get your questions answered and the support you need to get that garment sewn & finished, all without being on social media! The Learn to Smock group is hosted on the Pink Hollybush Website. I will be checking the posts Monday- Friday and answering any questions that you might have. Plus your fellow stitchers will be there to offer support and encouragement!
"My daughter wants you to know that you are a great teacher - she says my work/smocking/sewing has gone from above average to the next level above. She and my granddaughters thank you very much. Me too." Peggy D.
I am so glad you want to learn to smock!
Hi, I am Lisa and I am so glad that you want to learn to smock. Now is the perfect time to learn!I have been smocking for over 25 years, have my Artisan level certification in smocking from the Smocking Arts Guild of America and served as their national President from 2014-2016. I started Pink Hollybush Designs to share my love of smocking and sewing. I so love making one of a kind smocked garments first for my daughters and now for my granddaughter. An ornament is the perfect small project to get you started, or if you are comfortable with sewing, let's go for your first smocked garment! So grab a cup of tea, take a few moments for yourself, and let me teach you the beautiful art of smocking!
Revised Learn to Smock Course - Fabric
120
Learn the basics of smocking by stitching a simple smocked Christmas Ornament or Let's Stitch your First Garment!
Valid until canceled
30 lessons with detailed instructions.
29 videos demonstrate each aspect of the process.
Stitch demonstrations for both right & left hands.
Comes with pre-pleated strip of Fabric
Pattern & Fabric Recommendations for your First Garment
Demonstrations on prepping the insert for each pattern
Includes instructions on how to use a pleater or hand pleat
Self paced and your access never expires
Revised Learn to Smock - without Fabric
105
Learn the basics of smocking by stitching a simple smocked Christmas Ornament or Let's Stitch your First Smocked Garment!
Valid until canceled
Over 30 lessons with detailed instructions.
29 videos demonstrate each aspect of the process.
Stitch demonstrations for both right & left hands.
Pattern & Fabric Recommendations for your first garment
Video demonstrations of how to prep fabric for an insert
Includes instruction on how to use a pleater & hand pleat.
Self paced & your access never expires.
Choose the Course with or without fabric.
Let's get You Smocking!