Nov 13 | SCRAP Sewing Workshop: Spine Smocking! 🪡 | Ages 16+

About this event

This Friday, learn a unique, beautiful, specialty hand-sewing technique called spine-smocking !

Also known as arrow-smocking, this hand-sewing technique uses a needle and thread to cinch fabric in an intricate-looking pattern. Instructor Kate (she/her) will teach students the steps to lay out a smocking design and follow the steps to a gorgeous finish, using upcycled and donated materials and tools!

Students are welcome to bring a shirt to smock the "spine" of (ideally one that's at least 2 sizes too large for the wearer , as the technique cinches the fabric and shrinks the width), or use one of our scraps to make a gorgeous smocked piece (you could even frame it!).

In this workshop, we will:

• Get an introduction to the world of smocking ("fancy pleats"!)

• Explore arrow/spine-smocking, and learn about other smocking techniques

• See a smocking pleater machine up close and in action!

• Begin progress on personal smocking projects!

This workshop will get definitely you started on a smocking project, but not everyone is guaranteed to finish (detailed hand-sewing can sometimes take even longer than 3 hours)! So... your ticket will also get you free entry to Studio Drop-In on Thursday, November 19 from 4-6pm (Third Thursdays!).

Accessibility Note/Advisory

This is a technique that requires high manual dexterity, as the threading, stitching, and stitching are finely detailed. We'll be working during the best daylight hours, so stitchers should have good light; for stitchers with lower vision, we also have 2 magnifying lights that may come in handy. Please email us before purchasing a ticket if you have any questions about accessibility around this craft!

12-3pm | Ages 16+

Youth ages 16-17 must have their ticket purchased by a parent/guardian.

All tools and materials provided; for optional shirt-smocking variation, shirts will not be provided, and should be brought from home.

Mask-friendly environment

Location: The new SE SCRAP Education Studio! 619 SE 6th Ave 😊

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Reserve your seats before the event!

SCRAP prioritizes access to affordable art materials and expression, so we’re offering tiered ticket options:

• Ambitious Artist ($20) - This ticket reflects the “true value” of the event.

• Patron of the Arts ($25) - Your extra support contributes to continued ticket accessibility — thank you so much!

• Curious Crafter ($15) - Our most accessible option for community members experiencing financial hardship.

All event ticket sales are final and non-refundable. If you cannot make it to the event, feel free to send a friend in your place— we’d love to host them! Thank you for understanding and supporting our SCRAPpy little creative reuse non-profit!

A smocking pleater machine and smocked fabric!

Your instructor, Kate, working on smocking pleats!

From SCRAP PDX