Two extra-large patch pockets in the front of this sturdy yet stylish apron make it a must-have for working around the house. Bias tape made with coordinating fabric unifies the look. Getting Started
Every part of making your own apron is fun, but the first pleasure comes in choosing the fabric. Fabrics appropriate for aprons run a wide and colorful gamut, but consider a few things before making a selection. For an apron that’ll receive heavy wear and use, machine washable and dry able cloth is best—stay away from fabric that requires special cleaning and care. If you’re partial to totally natural fibers, go for it, but be forewarned, your apron may require a lot of ironing. Poly-cotton blends spell zero pressing, but if you’re making an apron for kitchen use, keep in mind that food stains, especially oils, can be hard to remove from synthetics.
Take a stroll through your favorite fabric store and let your design sense and preferences guide you. Talk with clerks, and don’t overlook the drapery section and remnant tables.
Skill Level
Experienced Beginner
Materials
Pattern (found at the end of the instructions)
7⁄8 yard (80 cm) of main fabric
3⁄4 yard (68.6 cm) of coordinating fabric to make bias tape
Thread
Tools & Supplies
Access to a photo copier that enlarges images
Fabric shears
Scissors
Pins and needles
Tape measure
Sewing machine
Iron and ironing board
Water-soluble fabric pens
Transfer pencils
Seam Allowance
1/2" (1.3 cm)
Instructions
Copy and enlarge the pattern pieces found at the end of the instructions as indicated.
Cut out the apron pieces as directed. Set them aside.
Make 7’ (2.1 m) of bias tape 2" (5.1 cm) wide out of the coordinating fabric.
Stitch the bias tape to the top edge of the pocket pattern piece.
Pin the wrong side of the pocket to the right side of the front, matching the bottom edges. Baste 1⁄8" (3 mm) from the bottom edge.
Using a water-soluble marking pen, draw a vertical line at the center of the pocket, from top to bottom. Stitch along this line to split the pocket in half, reinforcing the stitching at the top by sewing back and forth a few times.
Stitch bias tape around the bottom edge of the front piece, including the pocket where it’s basted on.
Gather the top of the front evenly between the notches. Set it aside.
Pin two of the ties with right sides together, matching all edges. Using a 3⁄8" (1 cm) seam allowance, stitch the edges, leaving the end with the squared corners open. Trim both of the angled corners, press the seams open, and turn right side out. Press flat, and top stitch 1⁄8" (3 mm) in from the edges. Pin and baste one pleat in the center of the open end. Repeat with the remaining pieces to make the other tie.
Put one waistband face up on your work surface. Pin the pleated end of a tie at the center of one side, with the tie placed across the band rather than on the outside of the band (figure 1).
Copy and enlarge the pattern pieces found at the end of the instructions as indicated.
Cut out the apron pieces as directed. Set them aside.
Make 7’ (2.1 m) of bias tape 2" (5.1 cm) wide out of the coordinating fabric.
Stitch the bias tape to the top edge of the pocket pattern piece.
Pin the wrong side of the pocket to the right side of the front, matching the bottom edges. Baste 1⁄8" (3 mm) from the bottom edge.
Using a water-soluble marking pen, draw a vertical line at the center of the pocket, from top to bottom. Stitch along this line to split the pocket in half, reinforcing the stitching at the top by sewing back and forth a few times.
Stitch bias tape around the bottom edge of the front piece, including the pocket where it’s basted on.
Gather the top of the front evenly between the notches. Set it aside.
Pin two of the ties with right sides together, matching all edges. Using a 3⁄8" (1 cm) seam allowance, stitch the edges, leaving the end with the squared corners open. Trim both of the angled corners, press the seams open, and turn right side out. Press flat, and top stitch 1⁄8" (3 mm) in from the edges. Pin and baste one pleat in the center of the open end. Repeat with the remaining pieces to make the other tie.
Put one waistband face up on your work surface. Pin the pleated end of a tie at the center of one side, with the tie placed across the band rather than on the outside of the band (figure 1).
Repeat on the other side of the waistband.
Place the other waistband piece face down over the piece used in step 10, matching notches. Pin and sew the top and side edges, leaving the bottom notched edge un-stitched. Clip the corners, and turn right side out.
Pin the apron front to the waistband, matching the notches, and baste. Turn the waistband inside out again. On the notched edge, stitch from each corner to the bias tape nearest it, making certain not to catch the tie ends in the seam (figure 2).
Place the other waistband piece face down over the piece used in step 10, matching notches. Pin and sew the top and side edges, leaving the bottom notched edge un-stitched. Clip the corners, and turn right side out.
Pin the apron front to the waistband, matching the notches, and baste. Turn the waistband inside out again. On the notched edge, stitch from each corner to the bias tape nearest it, making certain not to catch the tie ends in the seam (figure 2).
Clip the corners.
Turn the waistband right side out and press. Top stitch the waistband closed 1⁄8" (3 mm) from the edge. Continue to top stitch around the entire waistband. Tie it on, and bake something sweet and gooey.
Template Pattern
2 comments:
i've been wanting a pattern for this look...thanks!!!!
How sweet of you to share this pattern. I've always wanted to try an apron like this. Thanks bunches.
~Tootles for now!
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