Smocking is a centuries-old embroidery technique where decorative, colored stitching is embroidered in patterns, pictures, or other designs over pleats in fabric. This is typically done as an art form on clothing or on fabric which is mounted in picture frames for hanging on the wall. Gold Embroidery Cross-stitch embroidery, Hungary, mid-20th century Phulkari from Punjab region, India 15th century embroidered cope, Ghent, Belgium Elizabethan embroidery styles include blackwork on linen and dense patterns worked in colored silk and metallic threads on velvet or other rich fabrics Embroidery is the art or handicraft of... Turn of the century sewing in Detroit, Michigan An old sewing machine Sewing is an ancient craft involving the stitching of cloth, animal skins, furs, or other materials, using needle and thread. ... Skirt with narrow knife pleats at the hip line, 1929. ...

Historic English smocking is a technique of sewing the embroidery over pleats already sewn into the fabric. North American smocking is an alternate technique where the pleats are gathered and formed in the fabric by the smocking stitchwork itself. Lattice smocking involves stitching from the back side of the fabric, creating unique effects in the pleats and appearance, and is particularly good for heavier fabrics like velvet.