For this project you will need 3 hankies of similar
size that look nice together.
One will be used for the body of the apron.
One will be cut diagonally and used for the sides.
Another will be cut in half and used to make a ruffle across the bottom of the apron.
I chose all white. Originally the seamstress would have used matching hankies. At the time they were readily available in any store. But since it's not easy to come across matching hankies just find 3 that you like together and are of similar size.
Arrange the hankies and decide which ones you want to use for the body, sides and ruffle.
I used a rotary cutter to cut the hankies as shown below.
Cut one diagonally for sides.
Cut one straight across the middle to make the ruffle.
VERSION 1:
If the sides are cut from a hankie that is
smaller than the body hankie (like the one I used).
Center and pin sides
to body right sides together.
Straight stitch leaving a 1/4" seam allowance. Finish raw edges to avoid
fraying. I used a simple zig-zag stitch for finishing but you can use
whatever you want to.
There
may be protruding ends where the sides are a little longer than the
body. Clip these off so that the apron is even across the top and
bottom.
Press seams toward body of apron.
Stitch the two pieces that you cut for the ruffle together to form a long strip (right sides together, 1/4" seam allowance).
Using
a basting stitch sew 1/4" in from cut edge. Pull threads to gather.
Matching center fronts pin ruffle to apron right sides together.
Stitch using 1/3" seam allowance. Finish raw edge. Press apron.
VERSIION 2:
If the sides are cut from a hankie the same size as the one forming the body, follow instructions to attach the ruffle BEFORE pinning the sides to body. Follow instructions above for attaching ruffle. Then pin apron sides to apron body lining everything up at the bottom. Sew side seams.
Attach ribbon, lace or bias tape to the apron top to form waistband and apron ties.
And you're done!!
