What exactly is the meaning of smocking? Smocking denotes an embroidery technique which gathers fabric together at regular intervals so that it shows a stretched fabric. In yester years, this technique was used in cuffs, bodices and necklines of garments. Today, this is used in various end products which would include bedsheets, kids clothes, napkins, curtains, table covers to name a few. We have 3 main types of smocking – Latin American, English and Lattice. Latin American smocking is a technique in which the pleats are gathered and formed in the fabric by the smocking stitchwork itself. English smocking is an historic technique of sewing the embroidery over pleats already sewn into the fabric. Lattice smocking involves stitching from the back side of the fabric, creating unique effects in the pleats and appearance, and is particularly good for heavier fabrics like velvet.

Check out a cute collection of firetruck smocking embroidery designs at Sew Many Designs. Aren’t they a beauty? These form part of a smocking collection by Carol Howard. A lot of detail has gone into the machine embroidery which includes a hose pipe, ladder, wheel bumpers, simple dotted patterns on the wheel and body which makes the whole design look really beautiful.

You also have the option of designing for the 5 by 7 hoops using applique machine embroidery techniques!

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