Embroidery: Counterchange Smocking How-To

rollover image to zoom

Counterchange Smocking How-To Pattern

Category:

Embroidery

Type:

Hand Embroidery

Skill Level:

Novice

Basic Skills Necessary:

Thread a needle; tie a knot; make a small stitch

Pattern Description:

Counterchange smocking is a fun, striking form of embroidery that can be used to create embroidered, gathered areas for skirts and cuffs, or create flat areas for a bodice or household furnishings. It is quick to do, requires no pre-pleating or iron-on dots, and works on any fabric with an even stripe or gingham check pattern. This PDF shows how to do the basic steps of Counterchange smocking, with photos. Once you have learned how to do the basic stitch, you can download some of my patterns for more complicated shapes. Please leave comments and ask me if you'd like me to design a particular shape!

Sizing / Finished Measurements:

Counterchange smocking reduces the width of the fabrc to half its original width.

Materials:

Fabric with an even stripe or gingham check pattern - at least 30cm (12") square to practice on
Sewing needle with long eye
Stranded embroidery floss
Scissors