Smocking > Basic Stitches > Multi Step Trellis Smocking Stitch (traveling/zigzag)

Is usually used to create the bottom part of a heart
Is more elastic as you increase the number of steps
Is worked between multiple gathering threads
Uses an up or down cable when changing direction
Work as you would for 3 or 4 step trellis but instead of changing direction when you sew the stitch at the gathering thread, you will continue in the same direction, sewing into the next space.
For example: If you were working between gathering thread 1 and 2 you will continue in the same direction working between gathering thread 2 and 3. Continue in this direction until you are ready to turn (change direction). As you change direction remember to sew a cable stitch. This can be at any point ¼, ½, etc.
The example below covers 1¾ rows using the 4 step trellis.

Instructions

Start just above gathering row three.
Make a down cable by stitching the second pleat at the same level with the thread below the needle.{count: "down cable"}
With the thread below the needle, sew into the next pleat (pleat 3) ¼ of the way up to the top gathering row. {count: "¼"}
Sew the 4th pleat at the 'halfway mark', keeping the thread below the needle. {count: "½"}
Sew pleat 5 at the ¾ mark between gathering thread 1 an 2, still keep thread below the needle. {count: "¾"}
Sew pleat 6 just below the top gathering thread, still keep the thread below the needle. {count: "1"}
Continue into the space between gathering rows 2 and 3.
With the thread below the needle, sew into the next pleat (pleat 7) ¼ of the way up to the top gathering row. {count: "¼"}
Sew the 8th pleat at the 'halfway mark', keeping the thread below the needle. {count: "½"}
Sew pleat 9 at the ¾ mark between gathering thread 1 an 2, still keep thread below the needle. {count: "¾"}
This is the truning point.
Change the thread to 'above' the needle, stitch an up cable into the 10th pleat at the same level (top gathering row).
Sew the next pleat at the 'halfway mark', keeping the thread above the needle. {count: "½"}
With the thread above the needle, sew into the next pleat at the ¼. {count: "¼"}
Sew the next pleat just above the second gathering thread, still keep the thread above the needle.{count: "1"}
With thread above the needle, sew the next pleat at the ¾ mark between gathering thread 1 an 2.{count: "¾"}
Sew the next pleat at the 'halfway mark', keeping the thread above the needle. {count: "½"}
With the thread above the needle, sew into the next pleat at the ¼. {count: "¼"}
Sew the next pleat just above the second gathering thread, still keep the thread above the needle. {count: "1"}
Make a down cable by stitching the next pleat at the same level with the thread below the needle.{count: "down cable"}
Complete the row.

General Tips

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.