Smocking > Basic Stitches > Half Wave Smocking Stitch (traveling/zigzag)

Instructions

Begin with a down cable a needle's breadth above the
second row of gathering.
With the thread below the needle, sew the next pleat
at the 'halfway mark' above.
Change the thread position to above the needle and sew the
next pleat, at the same level, to make an up cable stitch
at the 'halfway mark'.
Keep the thread above the needle, sew the next pleat in
the gathering row below.
With the thread below the needle make another down cable.
Complete the row.

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.