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

Also called a Cheveron Stitch
Is a very loose stitches
Always pick up the next pleat with each stitch
Is worked between two gathering threads
Is like a cable stitch only the up cable is just below the upper gathering thread and the down cable is just above the lower gathering thread
Is good for beaded smocking

Instructions

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