How to add smocking to Stockinette Stitch fabric: After knitting is completed, fabric that has been knitted in Stockinette Stitch can be changed to include smocking. This technique will pull in the fabric, creating shaping where it was once boxy, and will add texture where it was once simple and flat.
Mark smocking stitches by basting a contrasting yarn along the indicated rows. The number of stitches skipped between each smock-stitch should alternate from 4 stitches to 6 stitches across the row. On the following row, the smock stitches will alternate, but opposite the previous row. (Photo 1) Cut a length of yarn approximately 10" long, fold it in half and thread the center loop into a tapestry needle. (Photo 2)
Thread the length of yarn through 2 smock stitches that have 4 skipped stitches between them. (Photo 3). Slip the 2 ends of the length of yarn through the loop and pull tight. (Photo 4).
Repeat for each set of smock stitches that have 4 skipped stitches between them. (Photo 5). Weave in ends and remove basting yarn. (Photo 6)
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