Removing Pleating Under Arms on Smocked Dresses
This technique can be used on Mary De , Lee or Smocked Ruthie to remove pleats from under the arms prior to smocking. The skirt...
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Add Elastic to Pant Hem
Try this simple method to add an elastic hem to your pants for a sophisticated touch. Instructions 1. Turn under casing a 1/4", then turn...
Tips for Lilah Keyhole Sleeve
We love this Lilah puff sleeve featuring a keyhole opening with ties. This sleeve is the perfect touch for your next outfit. Susan shows...
Tips for Smocking "Simplicity" on Lee
Sometimes a smocking plate has more or less rows then needed for the pattern. Melissa suggests these alterations to make this...
Properly Measuring Your Child
Accurate measurements ensure a better fitting garment. Use this diagram as a visual to help you know where to place the tape measure on...
The Freezer Paper Technique
Try this method for preparing your smocked bodice for the Sleeveless Olivia Add-On! Melissa uses freezer paper to easily hold the bodice...
How to Choose Thread (Poly/Cotton)
Cathy and Emily talk about different kinds of thread (50 & 80 Weight Cotton Threads and Metrosene Poly Thread) and when we suggest to use...
How to Curve a Square Neck Pattern
Melissa explains how to adjust your square neck bodice pattern piece to into a rounded neck. You will need a round object (like a plastic...
How to Choose a Lining Fabric
Cathy and Emily talk about what to consider when choosing the lining fabric to use on your next garment. This includes considering the...
How to Wrap Piping for Storage
Try out this easy way to store your corded piping to keep it organized! Greta shows you this simple figure 8 technique and you will have...
Seam Free Pleating
Guest blogger Christine from House of Smocking (a smocking shop located in Evasham, England), shows a technique that we loved. In the...
Scalloped Hem Using DMC Floss
Use this edge finish along the tiny hem of a ruffle or sleeve. The machine will hem the edge as it scallops the DMC embroidery floss....
Heart Pocket
Kids love having a pocket to rest their little fingers or to hide away treasures they find throughout their day. It is even more fun when...
Special Occasion Pillowcase (Burrito Method)
Create this quick and easy pillowcase using the burrito method. Perfect for a festive pillowcase for any season and for any sewing...
Tech Support: Video Lessons
You've probably landed here because you need some technical guidance- we've got you covered! Watch the video below from 0:00-2:00 to...
Tech Support: Layered PDF Patterns
You've probably landed here because you need some technical guidance- we've got you covered! If you are new to Layered PDF patterns, the...
Crocheted Button Loop By Machine
No need to make the delicate crocheted button loops for your heirloom project by hand! Let us show you a way to do this quickly with your...
Tree Pocket
Kids love having a pocket to rest their little fingers or to hide away treasures they find throughout their day. Sewing for them, it is...
Yes, You Can Smock!
We are frequently asked questions like "Do you really think I can learn to smock?" or "I smocked for my children 25 years ago, and now I...
Pleated Ruffle Pocket
Pleated ruffled pockets are an easy addition to any projects. Kids love pockets, and this one boasts a beautiful pleated detail. Make...
Hope Pocket
Looking for inspiration, we went back and searched our archives and found a gem of a little pocket embellishment. Originally included in...
Expanding Sewing Gauge
There are some sewing notions that you will love for more than their intended purpose. If you never use your Expanding Sewing Gauge for...
Bishop Smocked Sleeve with Edging
The traditional Bishop dress usually features smocking on the sleeve. The smocking sits nicely around the bicep (for short) or wrist (for...
Our Favorite Beginning Smocking Plates
Learning to smock and need a recommendation for the perfect first smocking design? We have compiled a list of our favorite geometric...
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