HOW TO SEW AN APRON

SEWING AN APRON (hand sewing)

BASIC HAND STITCHES

Sewing the basic hand stitches are very easy if you learn each step thoroughly

before you start practicing the next step. Sewing by hand is a skill that most, if not all, people

should probably attempt to master at some point.

Back Stitch

Make one running stitch, then take a back stitch to the beginning of

the first stitch, thus overlapping each running stitch. Resembles

machine stitching and is used to strengthen a seam made by hand.

Basting

Basting is quite important in successful sewing. This is used to hold

fabric temporarily in place, until permanently stitched. There are four

types of basting; hand basting, machine basting, pin basting and

basting edges with an iron.

Running Stitch

To make this stitch, push point of needle in and out of fabric until you

have several stitches on the needle. Hold fabric taut with left hand,

pull the needle through. Practice until you make fine even stitches.

Outline Stitch

This stitch is similar to the back stitch but it is slanted. Make one

slanted backstitch in front of another letting each one overlap the

one before it just a little bit, until the design is filled.

Blanket Stitch

Put your needle in 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric, put the thread

under the point of the needle and pull through.

Catch Stitch

This is used for a flat finish next to fabric, such as seam binding on a

hem. Hold open hem edge away from you, work from left to right,

Take a stitch in the hem, then a tiny stitch to the right just beyond

edge of hem with the point of needle to the left. This makes diagonal

lined that cross each other.

Chain Stitch

Insert the needle in and out of the fabric (as in the running stitch).

Bring the thread under the tip of the needle while still in the fabric,

then pull the needle through.

Materials, Tools and Equipment:

1 yard of fabric

Piece of coordinating fabric for the pocket

7/8" ribbon

Apron Pattern

Instructions

1. Create the Apron Shape

First, fold your fabric lengthwise and mark it as shown above. Here, we’re planning for ½” seam allowances. Mark a straight 6″ line perpendicular to the fold. Move down 10″ from that line, and mark the fabric 13″ from the fold.

To create the side curve of the apron, you can use a dressmaker’s ruler or draw a straight line from the apron top to the waist. (You can even draw freehand, if desired.)

Along the fold, measure 32″ down from the top of the apron.

Draw another 13″ line perpendicular to the fold. Draw the side edge of the apron by connecting the two 13″ lines.

Now that all your pieces are drawn, cut out the apron shape.

2. Finish the Curved Edges

Add bias tape to the two curved edges. (We opted for a pop of color with red, but you can use whatever you like.). Apply it on the inside, then fold it toward the right side, press and stitch into place.

3. Add a Pocket

You can add a pocket a few different ways. (This might be a good time to use a piece of scrap fabric from your stash.) Here, we used the selvage edge of the fabric at the upper pocket edge for a clean finish. To follow this example, cut a piece of fabric 13″ x 12″.

Press the top edge under by ½”, then fold it again another 1″ and stitch across the top of the pocket. Press the other edges in by ½”.Center the pocket right side up on the apron, about 4″ down from the top edge of the apron side. Stitch around the sides and the bottom of the pocket with two rows of stitching.

4. Finish the Remaining Edges

Double fold and stitch the top, sides and bottom of your apron to finish the edges. You can use bias tape or other trims and accent fabrics to add color and texture, if desired.

5. Make the Apron Neckband

You can either add a basic neckband, or sew an elastic one that eliminates the need for a closure or tie at the neck.

To make the elastic neckband, start by cutting an 18″ length of 1″ wide elastic, then cut a 22″ x 3″ length of your apron fabric.

6. Sew the Neckband to the Apron

Stitch the apron neckband fabric into a tube with ¼” seam allowance. Leave both ends open, turn it right side out and press flat.

Pull the elastic piece through the fabric tube, keeping the end of the elastic even with the fabric tube at both ends.

6. Sew the Neckband to the Apron

Tuck the ends of the fabric tube in about ¼”, keeping the elastic covered and the elastic ends in place at the ends of the tube. Stitch one end of the neckband to each side of the apron top, making sure the neckband stays flat and doesn’t get twisted when you attach it.

7. Make the Waist Ties

You can make the waist ties any length you want — be sure they’re extra-long if you like to wrap them around the front — and you can use an accent fabric or even ribbon or twill tape.

To make 1″-wide ties, start by cutting two lengths of fabric 3″ x 43″. Sew both tubes wrong sides together, with a ½” seam allowance, and turn right side out. Finish by tucking in the open ends and stitching them closed.

To attach the waist ties to the apron, fold the raw edges of the tube under and attach them as shown.

Now try on your beautiful custom-made apron and get to some fun in the kitchen!

THANK YOU!

Draw another 13″ line perpendicular to the fold. Draw the side edge of the apron by connecting the two 13″ lines.

Now that all your pieces are drawn, cut out the apron shape.