Fully Smocked April Bodice

Inspired by Olivia's fully smocked bodice, we were inspired to make the April bodice fully smocked with a fun geometric design. This technique is quite difficult so be sure to consult the instructions below.

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Pattern: April 

Fabric: Baby Blue Dot by Fabric Finders Smocking Plate: Bandeau Bodice Smocking from Rocking Smocking DMC Floss: 704, 809 (Purchase Match Your Floss and note numbers.)

*Available at childrenscornerstore.com while supplies last.

Instructions

1. Trace the Center Front Bodice, Front Lining, Center Back Bodice, Back Lining.

2. Change neckline to be rounded per video below.

3. Cut a full center front bodice using a folded piece of light weight non-fusible interfacing.  This will be used as the front template.

4. Measure the width and height of the template and add 2” to both measurements.  Multiply 3 – 3.25 times the width.  This is the width of fabric to be pleated. Pleat the fabric using enough rows for the height of the fabric.

5. Tie the pleater threads 2 to 3 at a time to the width of the template + 2”.

6. Smock.

7. Cut a piece of light weight lining fabric the same size as the smocked bodice and place on the wrong side and pin along the outer edges. This will serve as a “stay” to keep the shape of the smocked bodice.

8. Pin the front template onto smocked bodice.

9. Stitch close to the edges of the template using a stitch length of 1.5. Repeat. Trim close to the stitching.

10. Stitch the shoulder seams of smocked bodice to the center back bodice. Press seams toward the back.

11. Stitch corded piping to the neckline and the outer edge of the front and back center bodice.

12. Continue with April instructions.

13. After the sides of the bodice are stitched in place, trim the seam allowance and whip stitch this seam allowance to the back of the smocking.

14. Finish according to April instructions. Instructions by Susan Whitman

Click the printer icon below for printable version.