SMOCKING.
One of the prettiest effects in backgrounds is made by “smocking,” or catching the material into little squares, as is shown in the illustration. I have used this method in many windows, and always with good success. For paneling, pillars, etc., it will be found very desirable and attractive.
First cut your goods one-fifth larger than the space you wish to cover, sewing breadths neatly together. Then lay the cloth in even folds, and on each fold make dots with colored chalk or pencil, to show where the squares are to be caught up. These squares show plainly in the picture. They should be caught together with a needle and thread of a color to match the cloth. If the work is neatly done it will more than repay you for your trouble; and, indeed, once you have caught the knack of doing it, you will find it easy and quick work. So little material is used that it is the least expensive of any fancy background. I generally use bleached muslin, but the light shades of bunting or surah silk are equally adaptable.
