How to gather cast on stitches together

Some of my knitting patterns instruct you to gather cast on stitches together when making up the toy.  This gathering gives a smooth round shape to the finished pieces.   

​Here is a leg for a teddy bear ready to be sewn together.  The pattern instructions specify that the cast on stitches should be gathered together to make the sole of the foot.  The cast on edge is at the top of the picture.

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Step 1

Step 1:  I have left a long tail when I cast on, which I will use to gather the stitches together and sew the seams.  If your cast on tail is not long enough you can attach a new piece of yarn.  
 
Thread the cast on tail onto a tapestry needle.  Sew the needle through all the loops of the cast-on edge.   

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Step 2

Step 2:  Now pull the yarn  tight so that the cast on stitches are gathered together.

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Step 3

Step 3:  Once you have gathered the stitches together, secure the yarn. 

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