~Counterchange Smocking on Gingham~

Purchased this gingham fabric that already had been embroidered with chicken scratch. Made a small hem on the sides and across the top to prepare to smock the waist.

Used a vintage apron pattern that I purchased off Ebay previously to design the smocking waist.

Here is a copy of the pattern showing the needlework that will be done using 6 strands of embroidery floss.

Smocking the waist using the counterchange method.

Counterchange smocking at the waist and chicken scratch on the hemline makes a nice combination on this vintage apron recreation!

Purchased this gingham fabric that already had been embroidered with chicken scratch. Made a small hem on the sides and across the top to prepare to smock the waist.

Hand smocking on gingham is a fun way to bring a little texture to fabric creations! Here is an apron that was made out of fabric that was 'smocked' by counterchange method!

Counterchange is typically done on stripes, checks, or patterns that are square. It changes the colors on stripes when you pleat with the stitches. Also, there is no stretch in counterchange smocking as opposed to regular smocking which stretches tremendously without stabilization.

Pattern or design used: My own design

gossjean, member
Posted on Mar 5th, 2009 in garment construction, embellishments, embroidery, reader's closet

Comments (6)

Swampcirtter writes: Ann where can I get your book?
Posted: 10:25 pm on February 1st

AHallay writes: In 1990 I published the book "Counterchange, the art of pleaterless smocking", now in it's 18th printing. I also publish 30 design plates and two patterns for Counterchange garments, a bikini and a baby gown. I also did the patterns for McCalls. Counterchange is my baby and I am always happy to help!

Ann Hallay Fitzner
Posted: 1:48 pm on January 7th

Swampcirtter writes: I would love to help you but it has been over 40 years since I have smocked on gingham. that is why I am trying to find instructions and pattern online now. The pattern books used to have them but of course not any more...
Posted: 9:33 am on November 6th

gossjean writes: You can google counter change smocking and get a few websites. Or you could join our Texas FCS Teachers at...

www.texasfcsteachers.ning.com

...and join the "Apparel" group, where the links that we use for counterchange smocking are posted!

Good luck...

Jean
Posted: 12:53 pm on August 8th

amm writes: Hi Gossjean,

I work at Threads, and I received an email from someone who asked about your blog entry. I'll let her know I contacted you. You may contact her directly via email if you want to, but you are under no obligation to do so. The "uai.com.br" in her email address tells me she's not from the US, but I'm not sure where it is from. I'm not certain I know what her question is. Her email follows mine.

Thanks.
April Mohr, Threads Editorial Department

Dear Threads

I want know the name book a issue March 5th, 2009 Gossjean, member; about Counterchange Smocking on Gingham!
"Used a vintage apron pattern that I purchased off Ebay previously to design the smocking waist."

Please, what name book?
E-mail: marisabueno@uai.com.br

Thank You!

Marisa Bueno.

FirstName: Marisa Bueno
Email: marisabueno@uai.com.br

Posted: 8:32 am on July 7th

DScott55 writes: I really want to know and learn to do counterchange smocking on gingham, anyonw wanna help me? Thanks with a big smile
Posted: 5:45 pm on June 20th

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