Adding a Decorative Ruffle

To embellish the other apron side, I added a ruffle made from the same red fabric as the pocket. I think this ruffle is a charming detail and ties the two sides of the Christmas apron together visually.

To create the ruffle, I sewed two parallel rows of long, straight stitches along the edge of a strip of fabric. Then, I gently pulled the bobbin threads to gather the fabric, creating the ruffle effect.

To make a ruffle:

1. Set your sewing machine to the longest stitch length – 5. Set tension to 0.
2. Sew two parallel lines of stitches about 1/4 inch apart, leaving long thread tails.
3. Gently pull the bobbin (bottom) threads to gather the fabric until it reaches the desired length.
4. Adjust the gathers evenly along the length of the ruffle.

Instead of placing the ruffle in a straight line, I positioned it in a slight curve about 4 inches below the big pocket. This curved ruffle gives the apron a pretty, feminine look.

How To Make A Reversible Cross Back Christmas Apron: Step-By-Step Tutorial

Today I want to share my tutorial for creating a Christmas apron that’s both functional and stylish. This is a Japanese-style apron also known as a cross-back apron. What makes this apron special is that it’s reversible, with two equally beautiful sides, each featuring handy pockets. The cross-back style ensures a comfortable fit without the need for neck straps, and the reversible feature means you’re essentially getting two aprons in one.

This apron is not only practical but also makes for a wonderful handmade gift for the cooking enthusiasts in your life.

Tablecloth & Fat Quarters

Tablecloth: This was Mary’s mother’s tablecloth. She “fussy cut” the pattern from the tablecloth and loves the way the front and back of the apron both show the floral pattern.

Fat Quarter: It’s fun to choose four coordinating fat quarters for one side of the apron. Instead of meeting all four fabrics at one central point, Mary chose to offset the top and bottom pairs by 3″.

She also added 1″ strips of fabric between the fat quarters.

The pocket comes from the tablecloth side, but it could be cut from fabric remaining after cutting the apron from the assembled fat quarters.

Apron Pattern

I’ve designed a pattern for this Christmas apron and have placed it in my shop for a small fee, this is the link – Reversible Japanese Style Christmas Apron. It’s one size fits most. You might need to make some minimal adjustments only if your size is extra extra large or extra extra small.

Below is an illustration of the PDF pattern layout and instructions for arranging the pattern pieces. This pattern is designed to be printed on standard US letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches). The image demonstrates how to align and assemble the printed pieces to create the full-size apron pattern.

Maybe you’re looking for more apron inspiration, so be sure to check out my roundup of Christmas Apron Ideas – from Sewing Projects to Ready-to-Wear Picks. It’s full of festive designs perfect for holiday cooking and entertaining. For those interested in unique apron designs, you might also enjoy my tutorial on how to make a one-of-a-kind apron with an attached towel. These projects offer great ways to expand your apron-making skills and create functional, stylish kitchen wear.