Smocked

The past participle of the verb 'smock', meaning to decorate a garment with gathers, often in a honeycomb or other patterned stitch, using parallel rows of decorative stitching to gather fabric into a decorative pattern. This technique is frequently employed on bodices, cuffs, or yokes of dresses, blouses, and children's clothing to create a visually appealing and often stretchy effect. The gathered fabric provides comfort, flexibility, and a distinctive textural element to the garment, offering a homespun or traditional aesthetic.

Smocked meaning with examples

• The little girl twirled in her new dress, the bodice beautifully smocked with pastel threads. It highlighted her playful silhouette and the intricate design shimmered in the sunlight.
• The antique quilt included several smocked squares. The details of the technique showed the time and care that went into creating each unique embellishment in the textile art.
• The designer created a collection featuring dresses and blouses, some with carefully smocked cuffs. The elastic, gathered cuffs gave the garments a bohemian flair and accentuated their overall aesthetic.
• The artisan displayed a collection of handmade children's clothes, the bibs all beautifully smocked. These clothes were made of the finest soft cotton, designed to be comfortable yet stylish for children.
• Her grandmother's wedding dress was delicately smocked at the yoke, a testament to her skill and a treasured family heirloom that still looked stunning after all these years.