Welcome to Smocking: The Basics Series! Previous posts in this series, include The History of Smocking, and Pleating. Today, we will cover the ins and outs of reading a smocking graph! There is a video if you prefer to listen, but the information is written below as well.
Most forms of embroidery require that the design be transferred to the fabric. The geometric nature of smocking means there is no need to transfer the design. Instead by following the graph and aligning everything with the pleating threads, you can stitch the design, no transferring required!