Smocking

[LordPaulet]

I have been doing a bit of research on smocking and as it turns out Smocking was used in cuffs and neckbands as elastic was not invented.  Does anyone have any info on how to do any smocking stitches.  I plan on hand pleating the fabric (ie not using a pleater).  If you do have the info on how to do the smocking stitches...info on how stretchy each stitch will be would be AMAZING.  Thanks so much!!!

[Cilean]

I have been doing a bit of research on smocking and as it turns out Smocking was used in cuffs and neckbands as elastic was not invented.  Does anyone have any info on how to do any smocking stitches.  I plan on hand pleating the fabric (ie not using a pleater).  If you do have the info on how to do the smocking stitches...info on how stretchy each stitch will be would be AMAZING.  Thanks so much!!!

Hello!

If you are close to Philadelphia, PA there is a Known World Costuming Symposium.  As such there are several classes I think anyone here would be interested in. 

Smocking is one of them!  Also draping a Men's Doublet and scaling up patterns from books even basic embroidery and stumpwork!
Here is the link: http://www.kwar09.com  Go to Classes and if you have a partner interested in Period sword work the Raiper Academy is also going on at the same time!

Here is a basic smocking how to guide: http://www.creativekeepsake.com/guide.html

Cilean