awful zigzag gap at points where fabric was sown in MD

Hi guys! I've got yet another problem that I couldnt find the answer for... there are these pretty ugly zigzag gaps in fabric that weren't moved by me moving the mesh at all, i couldnt find where they were and couldnt edit them out. I suspect it might be because of a fabric piece in MD7 that I either forgot to flip normal or flipped after i sewed and is showing the backside. if thats the issue, do i have to start from scratch in the MD file? I also have some other issues, like weird triangulation on the back piece(which is what I suspect is the unflipped fabric's fault) as well as the front top ruffles being darker than the rest of the mesh(all of which can be seen in s4s only for me). Heres the issue:


nickpic.host/image/BND64c

heres the .package where im seeing the issue:
www.dropbox.com/s/mmtl4rbqvm927lt/rufflebandcrop.package?dl=0

and finally heres the blender file:

www.dropbox.com/s/vnercg7114hru2q/rufflecroptransfer.blend?dl=0

im cool w/ starting entirely over from MD if it means that the mesh will be much better, i could use the practice. as always, heres the tutorial im following if it makes a difference:

docs.google.com/document/d/1ONDp8F8rDO3djFHG0j3YVIovgM1A1WXzOGkmavQxnQA/edit#

I designed the top myself without looking up how to actually use MD7 so its very possible it was an issue from the start. any and all help is appreciated!! thank you!