did you sew 2 rows of stitching (on the biggest stitch) on the tulle?
Yeah, I did. My machine is usually awesome at gathering, but it's obviously just anti-tutu.
It's really stiff tulle. So I've been doing it by hand, and it's not so bad. I'm putting elastic on as well, then sewing it on to a leotard to make a little ballerina outfit for a young friend of mine (one of my best friends in the world is 7!)

Thanks for your help!