Stitching Up a Sweet Easter Purse

I want to share a sweet little smocked purse pattern that came my way probably 25+ years ago! It is so easy to make and have as an addition to a little girl’s dress. It only takes about a 1/4 yd of fabric and 25 ” of a Swiss embroidered edging.
I’ll start the process today and send the remainder steps over the next couple of weeks.

First cut a 25″ piece of Swiss embroidered edging. There are many available or you might have a piece “in your stash”. Some are “themed”–Spring, Christmas, etc. If a 5″ wide piece of the edging isn’t available, then use a 25″ long piece of batiste by 5″ and add a bit of lace on the bottom. Stitch it on flat because the piece is put through the pleater. You might even choose to make a narrow “Fancy Band” on the end of the batiste.
Pleating edging for purse

Pleat about 7 rows on your pleater, putting the top row one pleater row away from the raw edge.

Remove pleater threads for about 1/4″ on each side. Then block the piece to 5″

Blocked edging for purse

OK, get these first couple of steps completed, find the center valley of the pleated piece, choose a smocking design to fit 5-6 rows and I’ll meet you back here next week for next steps.

Happy Smocking!!