Easy Faux Smocking on Ribbing
Article by KarensVariety.com

Smocking may be worked on any garment with a ribbed background by pulling together the knit ribs on the right side. Use matching or contrasting colour yarn; try a different texture yarn or metallic.

1st Row: Using a darning needle with matching or contrasting yarn, draw the first two ribs together by inserting the needle up on the left side of the 2nd rib and over and through the right side of the 1st rib. This over stitch will keep the stitch in place. Now, insert the needle under the 3rd and 4th ribs and work in the same manner. Continue across the row.

Note: Do not pull thread too tight, when going from one set of ribs to the next set.

2nd Row: Insert the needle under the 2nd and 3rd ribs, draw together and work one over stitch to keep in place. Now insert the needle under the 4th and 5th ribs and repeat. Continue alternating the ribs to form smocking.

Repeat these two rows for the desired depth of smocking.

Smocking may be worked with any number of rows between, as desired, but always count the rows, making sure they are even.