Smocking with Iron-On Dots
The smocking method that uses iron-on transfer dots to form a
pattern is known as North American Smocking. The pattern consists of
a definite grid as there are no pleating threads to form your
smocking piece. The smocking design is stitched simultaneously as
the pleats are formed when using this form of smocking.
A tailor who started the Butterick Pattern Company is also
responsible for creating, then promoting, smocking with his
invention of smocking transfer dots. He then translated the method
of various stitches on top of pleats so as to create the pleats
while embroidering. This is commonly used in counterchange smocking,
which is embroidering on gingham or striped material.
With the iron-on dots, you need to take the needle and embroidery
thread and get a hold of the transfer dots; pick up the dots to form
the pleats and determine your gauge. When you have determined your
gauge, you can prepare the fabric for smocking by ironing on the
dots and picking them up to make the pleats. This is quite a
challenge to keep focused on each of the dots.
If you need to, you may create your own grid of dots in the gauge
you need to smock, then transfer the dots to your fabric with an
iron on pencil. You will be creating your own iron on transfers. The
iron-on dots will work on nearly any fabric.
The English smocking method is the preferred method of smocking
today since the pleats are much more uniform when formed on a
pleater rather than iron-on dots.
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