Smocked Gingham Pillow
 

Does anyone have instructions or know where I can find instructions for smocking 1-inch gingham fabric? I made two of these when I was a teen (many years ago) and I think someone just showed me how. A friend in my quilt group wants to learn to do this and I told her I'd try to find instructions. I think they would be great to quilt around the smocking and make pillow tops with the resulting fabric. Thanks so much for your help.

I remember doing chicken scratch embroidery years ago. The gingham has to have square checks. Ordinarily gingham has little rectangles. Is this the same thing? I googled it and it brought back memories of some of my first projects!

Check this link: http://thecraftsdept.marthastewart.c...h-gingham.html

Sigh, that is another thing I want to learn-I have a pleater and used it 10 years ago - maybe I will dig it out again and learn ( 0r relearn) how to use it.

You can machine the lines for gathering with a large stitch and pull all up to make them into pleats.
NOW. Put some stabiliser at the back. Using sewing machine select embroidery stitches and have a go at faux smoking.
This is a quick instruction from memory from Pauline inse books heirloom quilts. Does work on a small project would not like a larger one. I do did smoking on dresses for 3neices and had a wonderful time.
Try amazon for smoking books they do sell old books . I do have patterns but Texas not on my travel list today. PM

Ditto! Ditto! snipforfun. I too did chicken scratch many moons ago. Even remember doing the smocking...

I tried smocking many years ago. I just couldn't understand and follow the directions. I was going to do chicken scratch but, years later I donated the gingham checked fabric. My gingham had squares.

This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much.

What I wanted wasn't Chicken Scratch, but what "thanneaKS" sent the link for.

Thanks to all who responded. I appreciate your time. Have a great Thursday.