How would you seam up two edges of slightly different l Sewing Machines Parts and Sales in Los Angeles

I’m following a pattern in Patterns of Fashion 1: English Women’s Dresses and Their Construction to sew a petticoat from the 1780’s, and I’ve hit a snag. The petticoat is made up from 6 panels, which get sewn together, gathered, and sewn to a waistband. Trouble is, they’re all slightly different lengths (up to 1.5″ discrepancy).

Is it better to distribute the extra length along the edges (which are around 49″) or somehow hide the extra fabric in the waist gather (probably super janky)? There’s no indication of any ruffling along these seams but the end goal is a pretty full skirt.

So. How would you approach this?