5 ruffle anniversary apron free tutorial

This is the apron we are making. Isn't it adorable. I don't know how practical it is, but that is really not the point of aprons nowadays. It would make a great gift (bridal shower, housewarming, because your a great friend, etc.) and can be made in about 1 hour. This tutorial is free. You are welcome to make these, sale these, email it, or link this to other sites, etc. Please leave feedback if you need clarifications. Thanks & enjoy!

Choose 4 fabrics that coordinate (or not)...

You will need:

1 yard 45" wide of main fabric (green) - the body, neck strap, and ties

1/3 yard of coordinating #1 (flower/paisley print) - top ruffle and smaller top ruffle
1/3 yard of coordinating #2 (blue/green swooshes) - bottom ruffle and smaller ruffle

1/4 yard of coordinating fabric #3 (polka dots) - middle ruffle and cover tape

Step #1: Cut out the main body, neck strap, & ties.

Neck strap: Cut 2 - measures 23 1/2 x 2 inches wide (or cut 1 at 4 inches wide and fold in half)

Waist ties: Cut 4 - measures 36 x 3 inches wide (or cut 2 at 6 inches wide & fold in half)

The main body is a basic apron shape. Click here for a free pdf pattern. The one in the pdf is actually larger then the one I used (you might need more fabric if your using it). The apron pictured measures 24 1/2 inches long by 12 1/2 inches wide at the top and 26 inches wide at the waist (these are finished measurements - you might want to add 1/2 inch for seam allowances).

Step #2: Cut out coordinating fabric #1 - top ruffle & smaller ruffle

a. larger ruffle - measures 44 x 8 (or 22 inches cut on the fold)

b. smaller ruffle - measures 22 x 2 1/2 (or 11 inches cut on the fold)

Step #3: Cut out coordinating fabric #2 - bottom ruffle & smaller ruffle

(use same measurements as above)

Step #4: Cut coordinating fabric #3

a. larger ruffle - measures 44 x 8 (or 22 inches cut on the fold) - same as the other large ruffles.

b. cover tape - measures 12 1/2 x 2 inches (this cover tape is optional)

Step #5: Fold the neck tie with right sides facing each other. Pin in place, iron flat.

Step #6: Zigzag, sew, or serge the edge(s).

Step #7: Turn the fabric right side out.

Step #8: Iron the strap flat.

Step #9: Turn in the end of strap.

Step #10: Sew it closed.

Step #11: Top stitch down both sides. Repeat steps #5 through #11 for the waist ties.

Step #12: Zigzag or serge the edges of the main body. Turn in edge, iron, turn in again (so you can't see the rough edge), iron flat.

Step #13: Sew the ironed flat edges.

(This is what it will look like)

Step #14: Attach the neck tie at the top of the apron.

(This is what it will look like)

Step #15: Attach the waist ties at the sides of the apron.

(This is what the apron should look like at this point)

Step #16: Zigzag or serge all edges of the smaller ruffles.

Step #17: Zigzag or serge all edges of the larger ruffles.

Step #18: Turn in zigzag or serged sides and bottom edges, iron, and sew flat. The top edge is optional for the bottom 2 ruffles (since the top edge does not show). It should be finished for the top larger ruffle. Repeat this step for the smaller ruffles.

(Optional Step): This is how to make cover tape. It is similar to bias tape - except it is not on the bias (45' angle) of the fabric. Take a 12 1/2 x 2 inch wide strip, fold in half, iron.

(Optional Step): Fold the sides again toward the middle and iron flat, refold and iron. The 2 inch piece should now be 12 1/2 x 1/2 inch wide.

(This is what the cover tape should look like).

Step 19#: Sew 2 rows of gather stitch at the top of the ruffle, then gather the smaller top ruffle from 22 inches to 12 1/2. Repeat this step for the other smaller ruffle.

(Optional Step): Insert the smaller top ruffle into the cover tape, pin.

(Optional Step): Sew the cover tape to the ruffle.

Step #20: Attach the top ruffle to the top of the apron.

(Optional Step): Top stitch the cover tape.

Step #21: Below the top ruffle (about 1 inch), pin your second smaller ruffle. Sew in place.

(This is what it will look like)

(This is what the apron should look like at this point)

Step #22: Gather the other 3 larger ruffles using a gethering stitch. Ruffles should be gathered from 44 inches to about 26 inches.

Step #23: Place your larger bottom ruffle at the bottom of your apron, pin, and sew. It will be about 1/2 an inch (or less) from the edge.

Step #24: Place your larger top ruffle at the waist of your apron (right beneath the ties), pin in place, and sew.

(This is what it will look like)

(This is how the larger top & bottom ruffles will look when both in place & sewn on)

Step #25: There will be about a 10 inch gap between the larger top & bottom ruffles. At about 4 1/2 to 5 inches from the top ruffle - place your middle ruffle, pin in place.

Step #26: Sew your middle ruffle in place.

And that's it! This is what your completed adult sized apron will look like on an obliging 6 year old and on my size 10/12 mannequin.