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 fullness then is pushed toward the front of the dress giving more pleats in the front and more densely packed pleats. Space under the arms is flat making dress construction easier. This is especially recommended for picture smocked dresses.

Instruction by

Melissa Sansom