I did a dressing gown with a tasselled cord on the outside, so it holds itself together - but to make one with the cord on the inside would just mean that you needed to have a belt to hold the aprons in place.

The cord is made into a looped chain so it will be 1/3rd the length it is when unchained.

Sew loops onto the fabric at the points you wish to fix. Either tape or small loops made from the fabric so they are fairly invisible if the fabric is used as a blanket or wrap.

Take a length of cord and tie it to the loops. I tied the first two loops together as I made a deep under apron pleat, then tied it to the other loops so it laid flat. The first length of cord is pulled beneath the double loop at the apron side (This might be the wrong way round for some as I am looping with my left hand) it forms a loop and the second length of cord is pulled through it, to form a loop - and so on to the last two loops which are tied together to secure the loose end of the cord.

To put it on cord outside, hold the cord and get the fabric folded over the top of the cord, smooth the pleats. Pass the correct end of the cord around your back from left hand to right so the pleats aren't ruffled. Hold both ends of the cord in one hand and shuffle the aprons so you can tie the cord, shuffle everything into place and tighten the cord if necessary.

If the cord is to go on the inside fold it so the fabric is dangling from the cord, tie the cord around your waist. Arrange the fabric, then smooth the pleats at the waist and belt them in place, suck in the gut, fold in under apron pleats and arrange aprons as required, tighten belt if necessary.

I cut the top of the fabric so as to make sleeves, so my garment is not exactly traditional, sort of a cross between a kimono and a great kilt, but it is cosy.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: