Smocking, if you didn't already know, is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric, allowing it to stretch. It was used before elastic, on details such as cuffs and necklines in clothes where buttons were undesirable. It has an interesting history - developed in England back in the Middle Ages, and worn most commonly by labourers, which is particularly interesting given it’s intricate work and, I think, really pretty effect.Smocking requires lightweight fabric with a stable weave that gathers well. Cotton and silk would be the favourites then, although according to Good Housekeeping: The Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts, "Any type of fabric can be smocked if it is supple enough to be gathered."
We have a number of girls dresses which boast smocking, take a look here and here. They make wonderful occasion dresses, for weddings, birthdays and christenings. Proof indeed that the times are changing again, and a long forgotten art form is coming back into vogue.
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