How Do You Use A Pleater For Smocking?
Smocking is a beautiful sewing technique found in heirloom children’s clothing. It involves gathering the fabric in uniform pleats and then hand sewing a design on the tops of the pleats with embroidery thread. The pleats are formed with rows of gathering stitches that are later removed once the decorative embroidery is added. A pleater is a machine with a row of needles that automatically make gathering stitches for smocking. Look for pleaters at specialty sewing shops with heirloom sewing supplies. Here are some tips for using a pleater. Count the number of smocked rows in your pattern. Add two extra rows for holding rows at the top and bottom of the smocked design. Cut a length of thread for each row. Make each length of thread at least 8 inches longer than the width of the fabric you plan to pleat. Use the thread to thread the needles of the pleater. Lay the fabric out on a flat surface and carefully roll it around the dowel rod. Be very careful to get the fabric onto the rod evenl
