English Smocking History
English smocking is a very old form of embroidery that has been
passed down for generations. It is believed that evidence of English
smocking has been seen in pictures as far back as 1175 BC. In fact,
English smocking is seen on paintings from the Italian and German
Renaissance eras where it is depicted on men's shirts and ladies
chemises. Today it is used primarily on infant's and children's
clothing, but may also be used on decorative items such as accent
pillows.
It is not known for certain exactly when or how English smocking
originated. However, there are some indications as to its origin
since the art was passed down from generation to generation.
Smocked garments in the form of smocks (loose garments) were very
popular for the rural people of the British Isles from the late 17th
century up until the Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century.
These clothing items were made out of flax linen or common linen of
nettles or hemp. By wiping the garments down with linseed oil, they
would become waterproof. In addition, large collars were added to
keep the people warm and protect their throats from the inclement
weather. It is believed that the smocks were embroidered with the
trade of the wearer, whether it was a baker, farmer, blacksmith or
some other occupation. Clothing was worn underneath the smock and
could be protected by the smock when working.
During the Industrial Revolution, the smocked frocked came to an
abrupt end in the workforce as those voluminous garments were
considered dangerous to the new reaping machines. However, they were
worn to church and for some social functions, in fact, they became
fashionable.
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