Apron question
 

So I bought an apron pattern that ties around the waist. The ties are long. My main question is: how do you get those long ties to look good after washing and drying? I'd like to skip the ironing. These will be gifts. In the past, the ties look horrendous after being washed...does anyone have any hints/helps? Do you use interfacing (pattern does not call for it) or several rows of stitching to help the ties look decent after washing? OR? Any help is appreciated.

..... sadly, it's all about using the iron!

I use wide grosgrain ribbon for ties. No ironing.

Cotton almost always needs ironing but how about top stitching about 1/8 inch from the edge on all four sides.

I iron and starch heavily which holds between washings. But once washed, you have to iron cotton. You could make the ties out of a contrasting polyester or jersey like tricot. Cut on the straight of grain to reduce stretching

usually if you put a lot of rows of stitching, it hold up better than not putting in lines of stitching

If one straightens out the ties before putting them in the dryer, they usually aren't too bad when they come out.

Or before hanging them on the line.

I do remember ironing my Mom's aprons.They were starched. I just fold mine when they come out of the dryer.

Your could always use webbing for the ties.

So it looks like ironing is needed if I use cotton. Well, grosgrain is an option and will check on the webbing. I used a twill type webbing on aprons long ago and was not happy with those after the wash, either. Fussy, fussy person here. But these are gifts and won't be used if ironing is involved. Or do I make them just for the cuteness? Sigh...should have resisted buying the pattern, I guess. Thanks for the answers...I'll share what I decide.

I make my apron ties long and narrow and stitch them through the center for the entire length. I also use polyester fabric. I hate to iron anymore!