Smocking > Basic Stitches > Chain Smocking Stitch (straight)

Instructions

Stitch one row of cable stitch beginning with a down cable.
Stitch a second row of cable a needled breadth below
the previous row. Start with an up cable.
Place the stitches so that the alternate stitches touch.

Use your needle to align uneven stitches by pushing them into shape.
Always keep your needle parallel to the gathering row and perpendicular to the pleats.
Give a gentle tug upward as you finish the stitch.
Avoid ending off and joining on in the center of the row, as this
usually shows as an uneven stitch. (Use a long piece of thread).
Untwist your thread by holding the fabric up and letting the
needle hang down freely.
Try to keep the depth (bite) of your stitches the same.