Madeira - Smocking (ruffled effect yarn)

TheSmokingMadeira is a technologically sophisticated specialty yarn (gathering effect yarn) that creates decorative structures in fabrics through thermal shrinkage. In this application, the yarn is used as the bobbin thread, which reacts more strongly to heat than the fabric itself. After the embroidery is complete, the embroidered area is heated (for example, with an iron or steam), causing the yarn to shrink and leaving the fabric – which reacts very little to heat – in fine gathers. This creates a reproducible gathered effect pattern. According to the manufacturer, neither fabric reinforcement nor special needles are required – the yarn works with all standard household sewing and embroidery machines.

Madeira's smoking yarn is characterized above all by its targeted usabilityGathering effectFrom: Through the thermal reaction of the bobbin thread, it creates controlled gathers in the fabric without the fabric itself shrinking. Its use is incredibly simple—the thread behaves like normal thread in the embroidery machine, requires no additional reinforcement or special needles, and is compatible with all standard household sewing and embroidery machines. The thread is made of durable polyester, which is robust against mechanical stress. Supplied on 200m snap spools, it is ready to use immediately for medium-sized embroidery projects. The effects can also be finely graduated: Depending on the stitch type, stitch density, heat treatment, and material choice, you can vary from subtle waves to striking pleats. This makes smocking thread an elegant solution for adding dimension to textiles, enhancing designs, and creating creative gathers.

1. Choose the desired embroidery design (not full embroidery) and program the embroidery machine or select your desired stitch on the sewing machine.
2. Thread the smocking yarn as the bobbin thread.
3. Perform the embroidery process as usual — the fabric lies flat under the stitch plate.
4. After embroidering, treat the embroidered area with heat (e.g., iron, steam, textile press).
5. The heat causes the yarn to contract, creating a defined puckering in the fabric.
6. Optional: Fine-tuning through repeated heat treatment or targeted spot heat creates specific wrinkles.
7. Check the result and, if necessary, fix it by light steaming or ironing with a cloth.

Name: MADEIRA Garne - Ulrich + Michael Schmidt & Co. GmbH
Anschrift: Hans-Bunte-Straße 8D, 79108 Freiburg, Deutschland
E‑Mail: garne@madeira.de