Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Smocking Dolly Dress for Little Girl


Yes, another new dress for my little Claire is done! This time I tried a new technique that I had always wanted to learn - smocking the fabric for easy wearing and comfortable fitting (also known as "shirring").

Doesn't she looks adorably dolly in her new dress? :)



Admiring at her own mirror reflection :)


One main reason that I like smocking dress is that - no buttons nor zip required! so the dress can easily fit onto little one even if she puts on weight or shrinks slightly.. Pretty cool isn't it? ;)


Here's a close up on the smoking effect. It creates a beautiful wave on the lower bodice too.




I like this fabric, it gives a homey feeling with all the kitchen utensils. I bought it few months back but was not sure what to make of it, i'm glad I finally find a design that fits its paster blue print.



Here's the front view of the dress (in fact, front and back are the same :), simple but sweet.




Interested to make one your little one or yourself? Smocking can be quite a challenge for beginner, so I've compiled some tutorials here for any dare-taker :)

What you would need:

  • Elastic thread

  • An empty bobbin (you need to hand wind the elastic thread)

  • About 1/2 yard of light cotton / quilt grade cotton for this dress I made (remember: for smocking you need to use up to double the fabric length. Eg if you intend to make a dress with width of 50cm then you need up to 100cm of fabric)

  • Thread of matching color with your fabric

  • Lastly, you definitely need a sewing machine :)



  • Reference Links:
    Pictorial guide on making the smocking dress is available on www.makeit-loveit.com. The most helpful I've found so far.

    http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/11/sewing-tip-shirringsmocking-with-elastic-thread.html

    If you are having a Brother sewing machine, you probably will need this troubleshooting guide if somehow smocking doesn't works on yours.



    Thanks for reading, till the next post, happy crafting!


    Fun With Little Ones with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

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