the gathering device is used for gathering and securing a flexible fabric and includes a generally planar main body , and at least one slotted opening having at least two sides . the main body is a resilient material having flexibility and a relatively high friction coefficient . the sides of the slotted opening are very close to one another when the gathering device is not in use . the slotted opening may include a zig - zag pattern or a single peak which provides a tooth or a plurality of “ teeth ”. where two slotted openings are employed , the fabric is preferably pulled one direction through the first slotted opening and an opposite direction through the other slotted opening ; if the openings include teeth , the resiliency of the main body creates opposing frictional forces on the material .