Smocking patterns (called smocking plates) are not too abundant on the internet for free. Most smocking plates must be purchased from a designer or a company, unless you subscribe to magazines such as Australian Smocking and Embroidery, published by Country Bumpkin. I have managed to find one beautiful free smocking pattern online, so I thought I would share it with readers.
You might wonder why, all of a sudden, I’m on a smocking kick, since I already wrote once about smocking this week. This summer, I plan to smock some baby bonnets, either to use as gifts or to sell. Truthfully, I don’t think I’ll be able to sell them at a price suitable to pay for my time, but I think it’s fun, now and then, to “test the market” on certain hand-made goods. We have several fine gift stores in town which take quality goods on consignment, so I might give that a whirl. We’ll see!
So that’s the interest in smocking, besides the fact that I just like the look of beautifully smocked baby goods! So don’t be surprised if I do mention smocking off and on in the next few months. It’s not my “strong point” (I’ve only smocked one other item in my life), but I’m eager to experiment with the technique!
Back to the pattern – I found this on the Country Bumpkin website, and it’s really lovely. It’s called Symphony of Roses, and it requires Adobe in order to view it. You may have to register (for free) at Country Bumpkin, but I think it’s worth it – they have some nice stuff on there!
The most difficult stitch on the design is the bullion. If you haven’t learned to create bullion knots yet, I suggest my bullion knot video tutorial or the video tutorial on bullion rose buds.
If you don’t know a thing about smocking, and want to see how it’s done, check out the beginner’s guide to smocking on Creative Keepsakes. The instructions are good, and it’s enough to get you started – once you have something pleated to adorn! I’ll be working on ready-to-smock baby bonnets from The Old Fashioned Baby. These are a great way to go, if you don’t have a pleater and want to make a special, personalized gift.
In addition to the instructions on Creative Keepsakes, they also have instructions for smocked gift bags, which I think are really cute. Since they’re made out of gingham, they can be pleated easily by hand without a pleater.
If you find you like smocking, invest in a pleater! These bonnet patterns are so simple, so I imagine they don’t take long to make up. My sister is a veteran smocker, and she almost choked when she found out I spent money on pre-pleated bonnets when she could have done it for me! Live and learn!
I’ll keep you up-to-date on these projects when they start to materialize, and post plenty of photos along the way.
I have viewed your site in the past and love it! But I’ve been so busy with my projects I haven’t been back for a long time. I googled “guide for smocking” and got the Creative Keepsakes site and then it linked me to you.
I read about your baby bonnets and was wondering how did they come out? Have you posted pictures? I didn’t notice if you had, but I will look around to see if you did. You are now saved into my favorites. Your site was an excellent site when I started with projects in the past. I will recommend you to many others.
Thank you for your efforts and information.
Hi, cherwill –
No, I’m afraid I haven’t tackled the bonnets yet. I have four now, waiting to be smocked. I just haven’t had the chance to dig them out and work them! I’m thinking about passing them on to my niece, who loves smocking and does a beautiful job. Or, maybe one of these days… I’ll get to it!
Thanks for reminding me, and for stopping back in!
Best regards,
Mary
I remember many years ago smocking on gingham fabric a sun hat for a toddler. It’s not a bonnet. It’s a sunhat. Can you help direct me where I can find a child’s sunhat smocking pattern. It’s not a pleated smocking it was smocking on the gingham squares and it made a honeycomb diamond shape. I’d like to create something easy like the sun hat. Can you help.
Hi,
You might wish to try companies like Country Bumpkin, where they have many smocking books and magazines. Here’s a link:
http://www.countrybumpkin.com.au/
Hope that helps!
Hi Mary!
I have made a cute english smocking outfit for my grandaughter. I have inherited the Martha Pullen Pleater from my Great Aunt and am blessed to have it.
My daughter gave me the news to be expecting my second grandaughter coming this May! Well, I am into smocking now and is loving it. I came here to see about a pattern for the bonnet. It is a beautiful pattern, I am aware that you have purchased the bonnet pre-pleated. What I am looking for is the size of the bonnet before pleating. Would you happen to know what the size of the bonnet fabric is before pleating. I have bolts and bolts of natural muslin to use up!!
Thank you so much!
Karrieann
There is no way you can ever price anything that is hand smocked enough to pay for your time. I sell my stuff and basically due labor for free! But I'm so addicted to it that I don't care, it's my stress reliever.
if you want ideas for children, try “hand embroidered country scenes” by me. the little meadow should be within their capabilities. good luck. sue
I want to know how to smock.