Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
smocking
Smocking refers to a specific embroidery technique that creates a stretchy, gathered effect. While it is primarily decorative, it serves a functional purpose by allowing a garment to expand and contract, making it particularly common in children's clothing where comfort and growth room are essential.
In terms of register and connotation, smocking is strongly associated with "feminine," "vintage," or "traditional" styles. It evokes a sense of craftsmanship, delicacy, and often a "cottagecore" or historical aesthetic. It is rarely used in modern, minimalist, or high-tech athletic wear.
When discussing smocking, it is often contrasted with "gathering" or "pleating." While gathering simply pulls fabric together, smocking uses specific stitches to hold those gathers in a structured, patterned grid, creating a distinct textured surface.
Meanings
Examples
The baby dress features delicate smocking across the chest.
I wonder if I can master the art of smocking by the end of the month.
She spent hours perfecting the smocking on the vintage blouse.
Look at the intricate smocking on that period costume.
The tailor suggested using smocking to give the bodice more stretch.
This fabric is perfect for smocking because it is so lightweight.
The royal gowns of the era often utilized elaborate smocking.
I should try adding some smocking to the cuffs of this shirt.