Apron shaping help, please

[ChattanCat]

The apron edges need to be parallel for only a 1/4". Wool fabric is very mold-able and will take the shape you want when pressing. Starting at the top or bottom edge, fold the fabric at your chalk line and only concern yourself about the inch or two that you will be basting next. The top and bottom of the kilt should have about 2" of straight material so fold it parallel.

At a line, stick your needle through the fabric. Skew and stretch to make the thread line up on both sides, then baste. Don't worry about the puckering that you may see the pressing will flatten it out later.

[Pleater]

This photo is of the upper edge of the under apron pleat on the kilt I am working on at the moment - seen from the inside. The apron is on the right, the start of the small pleats to the left.

To keep the lower edge of the pleat from drooping below the apron I lift the upper edge, so a long thin triangle of pleat is above the top line of the kilt. It also helps to keep the lower part of the folded edge of the apron on the straight grain, and the pleat from rolling outwards.

Would something on those lines help with your unruly apron edge?

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[TheBrus]

Between the answer from ChattanCat and Anne the Pleater, I think I understand. Thanks!!!

[Pleater]

I should have said that my hoisting up of the edge is not standard, but it works for me, and I suspect that it would work for quite a few who have a problem with the pleat rolling outwards.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[TheBrus]

I had a Eureka moment just now, while trying to pin this apron. Y'all are going to say, "Well, duh." But here's what I noticed: I had been holding up the fabric, pinching the chalk mark between my fingers. What I needed to do was to lay the fabric flat on the table and pinch the line. Oh, and yes, safety pins do work in lieu of basting thread for the apron edges.

Brus

[Aspiringloser]

It gets a little easier each time.