In the days when my waistline was larger I used to make a proper matched up waistband for the apron, continue it around over the pleats, then when it ran out I'd make up the rest of the band for the under apron with whatever I had that was fairly close in colour. As it was fairly well hidden it didn't matter that it wasn't the same material as the rest.

If you know anyone with a knitting machine that does knit weaving it might be possible to get a length of that suitable for a waistband. Combining different shades of yarn, it could be made to tone with the tartan fairly easily.

I love the Wizard's photo with the treadle sewing machine.

I used to use one that had belonged to my father's mother when I was still at home. The one I have now is electric powered and has different stitches and attachments, but for simple seaming the old treadle could not be beaten.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: