Smocking manufacturing is a specialized industry within the broader category of finishers of textiles. Smocking is a decorative embroidery technique that involves gathering fabric in a pattern to create a textured surface. This technique is commonly used in the production of children's clothing, particularly dresses and rompers. Smocking can also be used to add texture and interest to home decor items such as curtains and pillowcases. Smocking manufacturing involves a range of processes, from designing the smocking pattern to gathering and stitching the fabric. The process typically begins with a designer creating a smocking pattern, which is then transferred onto the fabric using a transfer pencil or other marking tool. The fabric is then gathered along the smocking lines using a gathering stitch, which is typically done by hand. Once the fabric is gathered, the smocking stitches are added to create the decorative pattern. This is typically done using a specialized smocking needle and embroidery floss. The finished smocked fabric can then be used to create a variety of garments and home decor items.