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

Instructions

Start just above gathering row two.
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) 1/3 of the way up to the top gathering row.{count: "1/3"}
Sew the 4th pleat at the 2/3 mark, keeping the thread below the needle.{count: "2/3"}
Sew pleat 5 just below the top gathering thread, still keep the thread below the needle.{count: "1"}
Change the thread to 'above' the needle, stitch an up cable into the 6th pleat at the same level (top gathering row).
With thread above the needle, sew the next pleat at the 2/3 mark between gathering thread 1 an 2.{count: "2/3"}
Sew the next pleat at the 1/3 mark, keeping the thread above the needle.{count: "1/3"}
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.

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.