Luv, You are correct a 44" wide pleated panel doesn't go very far. (horizontally) There are a couple things you can do: 1. Bulk the pleats of the 44" by adding a lightweight interfacing behind the area to be smocked; 2. pleat a longer width. Try 60" wide fabric or piece additional length to your 44" piece. Depending on the weight of the fabric, you may need a little or a lot more fabric. Remember in smocking the embroidery isn't stretching. It is the unused portion of the pleat that is allowing for movement and give.
Kenneth, I believe is speaking of the number of Rows or Depth from top to bottom. (vertically) It can be frustrating to be limited by the 24 or 32 Row pleater. However, with patience, you can flatten the pleated panel out flat and run an additional section through the pleater again to add more Rows.
maggieb!