Tutorial : Simple Ruffled Apron

Fabric : Barefoot Roses and Darla by Tanya Whelan, Grand Revival Designs

I consider this simple because I did not make pockets and was able to finish this in an hour. The result is cute and it jazz up a bit the basic full apron pattern. Here's how I make my new ruffled apron :

1. Start with the basic pattern for the body. Use the measurement above and draft. I drafted mine directly on the fabric. Just fold the fabric, right side together and draw the shape using your ruler and fabric marker/chalk on the wrong side. Of course you can also draft it on paper first if you want.

Cut along the drawn line, 1 piece from main fabric. Then take the cut main fabric and pin it to lining fabric as a guide to cut the lining piece.

REMEMBER: This pattern is cut ON FOLD. This means the long side (25" here) lies on folded side of the fabric.

2. Next, cut the ruffle fabric. Cut 1 piece using the measurement above from contrasting fabric. No lining is needed for ruffle.

Now, cut the ties pieces :

Neck = 2 pieces Main Body fabric 2.5" x 20"

2 pieces Ruffle fabric 2.5 " x 20"

Waist = 2 pieces Main Body fabric 2.5" x 24"

2 pieces Ruffle fabric 2.5 " x 24"

3. Take the neck ties main and ruffle fabric, right side together. Stitch 1/4" on both long sides to create a long tube. Turn the tube right side out. Do the same with waist ties. You will have four tubes.

Turning tubes can be a nightmare. Here's how I do it :

Press all four ties. Fold in short end of each ties and press.

4. Now, top stitch the ties using narrow 1/8" stitch, enclosing the raw edge of the short edge of each ties.

5. Place the main body piece and the lining fabric right side together. Sew ¼" seam on all sides except the bottom. Leave two inches gaps as shown above to insert the ties later. Turn the main body piece inside out and press well.

6. Insert the ties at the neck and waist openings. Next, topstitch the body piece edges (at neckline, armsyche and sides), securing the ties. You can also backstitch at the ties to strengthen the seam.

7. Make the ruffle. Fold 1/2 " of the two short ends and press. Then fold the ruffle in half along the long edge, wrong side together and press again. This will make double thickness, no lining ruffle. Stitch 1/8" the two folded in short edges to close the sides.

8. Use your preferred technique of gathering for the ruffle (either use a ruffler foot, manually using two rows of basting stitch or by adjusting the tension of your sewing machine). Align to make sure the gathered ruffle piece is the same length with the body piece.

9. Flip the ruffle and align the raw edges on the right side of the body piece as shown. Pin the ruffle in place. Stitch the ruffle to the body piece. Trim and finish the seam either with zig zag stitch or serger. Press the seam towards upper body piece.

10. Top stitch the body to the ruffle and you're done!

Enjoy your new apron! J