Ruffled Pillowcase Apron Tutorial

I actually designed this apron over a year ago...but wanted to make a few more before I wrote the instructions.  My how some things have changed...

and funny how I was wearing the same shirt!
Here I am in February 2011.

(It's nice to see the almost 20 lbs lighter version of myself in the first photo!)  I have loved my apron, and hope you enjoy making one as a gift this holiday season.

You'll need:

• A pillowcase
• 1/2 yard of coordinating fabric (42-44" wide), plus long scraps for ruffles.
• Matching thread
• Your sewing tools, including a sewing machine, scissors, rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat, pins, and seam ripper.
• A safety pin
• Helpful...an existing apron to trace the bib from.

Step one.  Cut all your pieces.
First, remove the cuff from the pillowcase.  Leave it in tact, but trimming the end seams on each side.

Second, fold the pillowcase in half, and using another apron as a guide, cut a sloping bib top.

Third, remove the seam from the top of the apron, AND

cut slits in side seams to accommodate the apron ties.

 {Please note...you don't have to take the pillowcase apart completely...just at the top and the cuff!}

Fourth, cut the neck strap and ties for the apron.

The neck strap should be 2" wide and 20" long.  For the ties, cut two 5" wide, the full width of the fabric.

Finally, but 3 1" strips of fabric, about 21" long for the small ruffles at the top.

So, you should have two ties, a neck strap, and 3 strips for ruffles:

Step two.  Prepare all your pieces.  
For the neck strap, fold the strap in half lengthwise, and sew right sides together with a 1/4" seam.  This will create a long fabric tube.

Secure a safety pin near the seam, and guide through the tube to turn the fabric right side out.
Press the neck strap flat, with the seam in the middle.

Topstitch each side of the neck strap at 1/8".

For the ties, fold the long strips in half lengthwise, right sides together.  On the selvage end, cut the ends in a 45 degree angle.

Sew together, leaving end opposite of diagonal open, with a 1/4" seam.

Be sure to trim your corners.  Turn the tie right side out, press, and topstitch at 1/8".

Getting that tight corner is tricky when sewing the topstitch...use your seam ripper to help feed the fabric through your machine.

Next, prepare your fun little ruffles.  If you have a serger {lucky!}, you could serge the sides to finish, in my case, I used a small zigzag stitch.  Finish both long edges of each ruffle, and then sew a long gathering stitch down the middle.

For tips on gathering, please see Amanda's Sewing 101 post...it has great info.  I use the longest stitch I have on my machine, and increase the tension.  Once sewn, I pull the bobbin thread a bit more to get the ruffle as tight as I want it.

Pin the ruffle to one side of your pillowcase...not to both.  Sew in place.  I used a small zigzag stitch for fun.

Repeat at least three times.  Because ruffles are just fun!

Last step, prepare the bottom ruffle.  Tuck the unfinished edges in, and sew closed on each side.

Sew two rows of long gathering stitches on the cut side of the pillowcase cuff.  Pull tight to get to the size of the pillowcase.

Step three.  Put it all together!

Pin the neck straps to the front of the apron as shown, about half an inch from the sides.

Do the same thing for each tie, tucking about 1/2" down from the sides.  Make sure the ties are tucked between the right sides of the apron.

With right sides of the upper apron together, sew together with a half inch seam.  At the sides where the slit was cut, taper down to the sides to make things look nice.  Trim your corners.

Trim your corners.  Turn apron right side out, and press.

Finally, it's time to add the ruffle at the bottom.  You may need to trim the ends a bit to make them even.  Press the sides up 1/2".

Carefully tuck the ruffle in between the pressed bottom of the apron.

Carefully pin through all three layers, making adjustments as necessary to make sure everything is in place.

Finally, topstitch the entire apron.

I added a second row of topstitching along the bottom to add some extra strength to the seam.

You're done!

I love to give aprons to new brides, but an apron would also make a lovely hostess gift as well.

Let me know what you think!

Sharing with
Sew Much Ado, My Girlish Whims, Handmade Ginger, Someday Crafts, The Train to Crazy, Freckled Laundry, and Tatertots and Jello.

Featured on Craft Gossip, and One Pretty Thing!

UPDATE:  Jami asked about the potholders shown here.  I loosely followed this tutorial from the Idea Room...and yes, I used a heat resistant batting layer.  :)