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!

Make them out of cotton/poly blend...should reduce wrinkling........

Ummmm -

If the person likes and wears aprons - usually the ties get rumpled when they are tied? Mine do, anyway.

And if the person won't or doesn't like to wear an apron - I don't think it will matter how the ties look.

I don't like twill tape - that does come in various widths. If you use tape or ribbon - be sure to finish the ends - otherwise it will ravel like crazy.

I think this would be effective, and once the wearer has done the apron ties up again, not much will show anyway.

Why not make a cross back apron which has NO ties, like this pattern on Etsy. It's the style I've been wanting to make for myself because I have trouble reaching behind to tie these days.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/2298628...5d2e:229862879

There are many free patterns on the internet for this. Try Tipnut.com.
Jan in VA

My family totally ridicules me for this - and I know it looks super-dorky -

but because I tend to spill - a lot - and am sort of a messy cook - I wear "half-aprons" over my chest and under my armpits. I do whip it off when someone comes to the door!

So far, I have not been happy with how the "butcher" type aprons covered me.

I never thought about that placing my "half "apron up higher. I am going to try that.

I like that idea, I may have to make me a couple.

I topstitch and this seems to work for me.

Pop out of the washer 'snap' the body of the apron with grain line avoiding stitches... you can do the pockets as well. For the long ties, roll them over the top of a lower cabinet door in your kitchen. Just get a firm grip on a length of your tie - for me about a foot - and roll it back and forth across the top of the door - it flattens out good enough for an everyday apron. I hang the damp aprons on the bar in my utility room (or shower bar) they dry in a few hours.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm mulling them over. Thanks, Jan, for the TipNut idea. Unfortunately, I already bought the pattern. Sigh. I think I'll make them and let the recipient worry about the ties!