Grosgrain Rolling Pin Vs Smocking Rolling Pin?

Decorating By Cakepro Updated 17 Jul 2007 , 1:00am by sugarlove

Cakepro Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Cakepro Posted 30 May 2007 , 2:52pm
post #1 of 7

Hello,

I want to make gorgeous, textured bows like Sugarshack, Adven68, and others make here. I am loving the fabric-looking texture of bows like this one (http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=41551) and think I have narrowed it down to being accomplished with the use of a grosgrain rolling pin (available here http://caljavaonline.com/rollingpin1.htm at Caljava for 50 bucks). I've read other threads while searching on this subject that Bronwen and others use this for acheiving that particular texture as well.

However, as I was placing an order for several cases of fondant from a distributor here in Houston this morning, I discovered this little gem, which is called a "smocking" rolling pin - for 16 bucks from the distributor here. Here's a link to a picture from another company: http://www.globalsugarart.com/customer/product.php?productid=17420&cat=674&page=4

Does anyone know if these produce similar or are the same texture? I'd much rather pay 16 out the door than 50 plus shipping, although the pins are different sizes.

Thanks in advance!
Sherri

6 replies
ibmoser Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
ibmoser Posted 30 May 2007 , 10:52pm
post #2 of 7

I don't know about these specific pins, but, generally speaking, the grosgrain roller will have finer lines closer together and a smocking pin will give larger, undulating lines more like gathered fabric. Here's a bump to see if anyone knows about these products...

miriel Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
miriel Posted 31 May 2007 , 12:11am
post #3 of 7

I have the PME rolling pin but not the Caljava grosgrain so I can't compare the two. The PME produces very distinct parallel lines that resemble grossgrain so you can use it imho. When used for smocking, you will need to use tweezers to put two lines together to intersect.

doescakestoo Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
doescakestoo Posted 31 May 2007 , 12:47am
post #4 of 7

The second one will be great for the grograin look. The smocking look would be further apart. I have a smocking one that I picked up in the UK and the other I got from a pet store (never used by birds but works great for grograin look). You don't a big roller for ribbons. But if you want the look for a larger cake the Caljava is the one for you. I cut mine in half cause I only needed it for 6inches in width.

sugarlove Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sugarlove Posted 15 Jul 2007 , 11:40pm
post #5 of 7

save the $50 buck and go to home depot or lowes and buy a threaded metal rod. The lines are smaller and closer together than a smocking pin.

HTH

Cakepro Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Cakepro Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 12:38am
post #6 of 7

Wow, cool! In what area of HD would I find a threaded metal rod? What is it normally used for, and from what metal is it made?

Thanks!
Sherri

sugarlove Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sugarlove Posted 17 Jul 2007 , 1:00am
post #7 of 7

I can't remember the area...I think they are near the screws but a threaded rod looks just like a screw without the head just the rod part. They come in different lengths and thickness. I purchase one Nicholas Lodge it was cut from a longer rod piece for way too much. I rather buy the rod from HD or Lowes and cut have them cut to size myself.

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%