Zip-Front Smock — Lulú Ferris

Project preview

This video is for members

Join Lulu Ferris to watch the complete class and sew along at your own pace.

What you’ll make

Sew a sleeveless zip-front smock with two large front patch pockets, shaping darts, and neatly bound armholes and front edges.

This practical layer can be worn for teaching, salon work, cleaning, or protecting clothes around the home.

What you’ll learn in this class

Stabilize the armholes, shoulders, neckline, and front opening.
Transfer and sew bust darts and diamond-shaped back darts.
Prepare, position, and reinforce large front patch pockets.
Join the shoulder seams and finish the raw allowances.
Apply bias binding to the armholes, neckline, and front edges.
Align and sew the zipper, then finish the side seams and hem.

Fabric and notions

Poplin or polyester works well for a practical smock. The documented samples use printed poplins, while a viscose sample shows the closed-front dress variation.

The class also uses bias binding and an open-end zipper. Fusible stay tape provides stability, with staystitching offered as an alternative.

Make it your own

Leave off the pockets, change their decorative stitching, or choose contrasting bias binding. Omit the zipper and close the center front for the dress variation.

The source also suggests leaving the front open for a vest-like layer.

Compare the Unisex Smock and Teacher’s Smock Apron.

Another workwear option is the George School Smock.

Sizing and measurements

The pattern includes grouped sizes 34/36 through 54/56, covering busts of 86–132 cm, waists of 64–110 cm, and hips of 90–136 cm.

Finished lengths range from 86.5–93.5 cm by size. A4 home-print and A0 copy-shop pattern files are provided.

The video class demonstrates the shaping, patch pockets, bound edges, zipper installation, and final assembly.

Pattern & materials

Patterns are included with membership

Active members can download every available PDF and materials list.

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