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 Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   04-27-07 06:04

I really want to learn to smock, and I have registered for a beginning smocking class. However, after looking at the book instructions last night, I think that I have gotten in over my head. I am left-handed and wonder if this is do-able:)? Any suggestions? Also, I did see a book on-line by Sandy Hunter called Left Handed Smocking Book. Is anyone familiar with this and is it something that would be helpful to me? Thanks!
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Sew-N-Sew Girl 
Date:   04-27-07 14:18

I think if you are left handed you will just need to smock from right to left and not left to right. There are some stitches that must be worked right to left even for right handed people. I would order the book. If you are used to changing up instructions for left handers then you may not need it.

Smocking left to right -- Start on the left hand side of the piece; you insert the needle horizontally into the pleat from the RHS and come out on the LHS.

Smocking right to left -- Start on the RHS of the piece of work. Insert the needle from the LHS of the pleat and come out on the RHS. Go to the next pleat to the left and again start from the LHS of the pleat. If you keep the thread under the needle this will be an up cable. If you keep the thread above the needle this will be a down cable.

This should produce the same pattern and design. No one should be able to tell if you smocked it left to right or right to left once you get used to the tension . You want each stitch to be the same size which is a matter of keeping the tension the same as in the amount you pull up your stitches. Stop every so often and check that the stitches are uniform in size.

I am not left handed but I think this will work. Left handedness runs in my family. So if it does not work I will ask one of the lefties to check it out.

Sew-N-SewGirl aka MHT
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: KS in KS 
Date:   04-27-07 15:19

Gayle,
When you go to class sit facing your teacher as she does the stitches. It will be like looking in a mirror. I have taught many left handed smockers over the years.

There was a book years ago written especially for teaching left handed people to smock. I'll have to think real hard about who published it. Maybe someone else knows.

Kathy in KS
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: KS in KS 
Date:   04-27-07 15:25

Just Googled the book and found it at Elegant Stitches. I'm sure it is available elsewhere.

Back in Print!!
Left Handed Smocking Book
by Sandy Hunter
Clear, easy to see and read illustrations for the left handed stitcher. Step by step illustrations cover basic stitches to advanced plus combinations of designs. This stitch book will teach you all you need to know and more for a lifetime of smocking.
$10.00

Kathy in KS
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   04-27-07 15:29

You are all so great! And, very encouraging. I found the book by "googling" yesterday evening. I will order it today. I really appreciate your instructions and your willingness to help me. I have printed your suggestions. I'll let you know how I do.
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   04-27-07 15:42

Thanks, Kathy! I just ordered the book. Too bad it will take longer to get here than it did to order it:)! I am really excited about this. I don't have anyone to make any smocked things for, I have just always loved looking and hand embroidered and smocked items and decided that there was no reason not to learn.
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: KS in KS 
Date:   04-27-07 16:12

Gayle,
Once you learn to smock, you will be surprised who many people will ask you to smock for them. Baby bonnets are so quick to do and make wonderful gifts.
Make yourself a simple nightgown and ENJOY WEARING IT! You can make eye glass cases with smocked fold over flaps, you don't have to make only things for children. Smock an insert for a throw pillow for your bed or sofa. Smock an insert to dress up the top of some simple terrycloth slippers. Finish the edges off by machine or with lace, tack down the insert and you've made something really special for yourself or a friend.
The possibilities are really endless if you just let your mind go! Welcome to the wonderful world of smocking!!

Kathy in KS
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   04-27-07 18:17

Wow, I didn't realize the possibilities--I know I am going to enjoy this:)!
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: hcox1975 
Date:   04-27-07 18:20

Gayle, I am a left handed smocker and it can be done! I was taught by a right handed teacher. When I read to smock from right to left, I tried it and it hurt to hold my hand that way. So I smock vertical. I know it sounds weird but it works. I can help you if you need pictures.
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   04-27-07 20:24

OK:) You've got my attention. How do you smock vertically? We lefties are really inventive, aren't we;)?
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Sparkle 
Date:   04-28-07 09:39

I just called YD who is a lefty and she said she smocks with the needle in her left hand and she smocks right to left. I remember when I taught her I had her sit facing me just like Kathy said. It was easier than trying to teach her to knit which she never did really get.

I could see holding the pleats turned 90* and smocking them in a vertical postition but there is also a completely different technique called vertical smocking where you work up and down a set of 3 or 4 pleats rather than across the whole lot of them. Very different and pretty, too.
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   04-28-07 09:44

Well, that's encouraging:)! I knit and used to crochet, so if I can do those things, I think I should be able to master smocking---:)! Thanks.
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: hcox1975 
Date:   04-28-07 09:46

I can't knit or crochet and I have tried to learn several times.

The way you smock vertical is you go up and down instead of right to left. It looks the same when you are finished. It just looks weird when you are doing it! I start at the left and then turn vertical, then go down with my stitching. Does that make sense?
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   04-28-07 16:06

It "kinda, sorta" makes sense. I have never attempted smocking and I have not seen anyone actually doing it, so I guess I will understand better when I start the class on Tuesday. I think I can see how your method would work, though. Sort of like solving a math problem: there is always more than one way to find the answer;).
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: shirley-Calgary 
Date:   05-05-07 21:25

I put the A to Z book upside down on my lap or beside me on the table and start at the top of my smocking.

Shirley - Calgary
mom to Baxie (bichon) Bella, Dickens (Maltese) & Chi-Chi and Cowboy Apr 15/2010 at Rainbow Bridge Pistol - Cowboys littermate went today August 31/2010

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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   05-06-07 10:08

Thanks, Shirley! I got the Left Handed Smocking book and the diagrams in there are very much like looking at the "regular" diagrams upside down as you suggested. Tell me, do you like the A-Z book? They were out of them when I registered for the class, but I wanted to get one, especially if it will be a useful tool for me. I did get Martha's Joy of Smocking, though. And, I have been reading it. My first class was canceled for last week, and rescheduled for next week. So, I am still waiting to learn;). Please let me know what you think about the A-Z book.
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Sparkle 
Date:   05-09-07 06:16

OOO!!!! I LOOOOVE the A-Z books! I even have A-Z books for techniques I don't really do because the pictures and explainations are so good! You can usually get them from Amazon for a pretty good price. I'm expecting the new Whitework book for Mother's Day. IMHO these are the BEST technique books!
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   05-09-07 12:34

Sparkle, I looked at the A-Z for smocking at the shop and loved the photos. They were out when I registered for the class. But, may be in on Thursday when I go. Students get a 20% discount on class supplies. And, I have already put the A-Z sewing for smocking on my wish list at Amazon! Thanks for your input. I have a need to purchase books and sometimes get a lemon. This book was a little expensive, so I wanted someone else's opinion.
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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: shirley-Calgary 
Date:   05-09-07 22:05

Well at the time it was highly recommended so I bought it - the only person that I knew who smocked had a stroke : ((
I am wondering about Martha's smocking video - wish I could find a class here in Calgary.

Shirley - Calgary
mom to Baxie (bichon) Bella, Dickens (Maltese) & Chi-Chi and Cowboy Apr 15/2010 at Rainbow Bridge Pistol - Cowboys littermate went today August 31/2010

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 Re: Smocking for Left Handed
Author: Gayle 
Date:   05-10-07 07:14

I haven't seen the video, but it should be quite helpful--sometimes watching a technique makes things easier than reading it. And it is like attending a class, only you can't ask questions, but you can rewind:)! I did see the video in the catalog, as well as a notice that there is one coming out for beginning heirloom sewing by machine and serger--that looked interesting. And, there are coupons in the back of the catalog, so you could order the video and maybe one other thing (if you can restrain yourself:)) and use a coupon and get a discount.
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