This book features every smocking stitch clearly explained for beginners but also has inspiring examples & new or little-known techniques to appeal to experienced smockers It shows how to work the stitches read graphs & select colours fabric & threads It teaches how to pleat & block a garment gives advice on different techniques such as ribbon weaving counterchange template & freeform smocking & much more It is bursting with hints ideas & inspirational photographs There is full advice on the fabric needles & thread needed & a glossary of smocking terms Interspersed throughout the book there are helpful hints for all the stitches & techniques & beautiful photographs of smocked garments to inspire the reader to pick up a needle