Post on Life After Laundry contain affiliate links. These links are there for your convenience. They do not effect the cost for you, but provides a small commission, which helps keep the creative content coming!
One of the things I love about sewing is it gives me a way to make special things for family and friends. I love being able to give a gift that I have worked hard on and made especially for that person. This apron was a gift like that for my sister, who just celebrated her birthday. My sister is a newlywed and I thought anything for her or her house would be a good gift. Plus, she is a wonderful cook and baker, so she would definitely have use for a new apron. The nicest thing about making this gift instead of buying it, I got to make it with houndstooth fabric that I knew she would love.
I got this pattern from Amy hearts it, but quickly decided it was going to need a little adjusting for my sis. So I added a ruffle to the bottom of the apron for a girly touch and a pocket, well, cause what good is anything with out pockets. Below are more details on how I did it…
Cut:
Top- 11 1/2″ x 18 1/2″
Bottom-19″ x 22 1/2″
Waistband-4 1/2″ x 18 1/2″
Apron strings- 4 1/2″ x 43″ (cut 2)
Neck tie- 4 1/2″ x 43″ & 4 1/2″ x 24″
Bottom Ruffle- 4 1/2″ x 43″
Pocket- 6 1/2″ x 8 1/2″
Everything is 1/4″ seam allowance, unless otherwise stated.
To hem the sides and bottom of the pieces: Fold down a 1/4″ and iron. Fold that edge down another 1/4″ (encasing your raw edge) and iron again. Then sew 1/8″ from the edge.
Finish all raw edges with a zig- zag stictch or serger.
Top: Hem the 11 1/2″ sides. To create the casing for the strings to go through fold the top edge over 1/4″ and then fold over and 1″, iron. Sew 1/8″ away from folded ironed edge.
Bottom: Hem the 19″ sides of the piece.
Apron Strings: Hem the 18 1/2″ sides and one 4 1/2″ short side. (the unfinished side will be attached to the waistband).
Pocket: Hem on all 4 sides, hemming the top of the pocket 1 1/2″.
Bottom Ruffle: hem the bottom 43″ side and the two 4 1/2″ short sides.
Finally lets put this thing together…
Attach the apron strings to the waistband with a 5/8″ seam allowance, zig-zagging or serging to finish raw edge.
Sew the waistband to the top, using 1/4″ seam allowance. Laying the pieces right sides together and lining up edges.
Next you need to add the pocket to the bottom. To do this fold the apron in half long ways and center the pocket on that half. (you could do two pockets and you would just center the 2nd pocket in the other half) Topstitch the pocket to the apron.
You need to gather the top of the bottom piece before adding it to the waistband. To do this you need to run two rows of basting stitches along the top of the bottom piece. Pulling the bobbin thread gather the fabric till it matches up with the waistband. Pin the bottom to the waistband, right sides together. (I usually avoid pinning, but this isn’t the time to skimp)
Here is a tutorial that I found from The Handmade Dress on gathering. I have done plenty of gathers, but it even taught me a thing or two.
Gather your bottom ruffle piece. Sew your ruffle and bottom piece with right sides together.
Ok. I promise we are almost done.
To make the neck ties. Sew your two pieces together, to make one long 67″ tie. Fold in half right sides together. Sew 1/4″ along one side and the bottom, leaving one side open for turning. Turn right side out, fold the raw edge under 1″. Sew across the opening 1/8″ to close. Using a saftey pin run the tie through the top. Tie it into a bow to finish
CONGRATS!
YOUR APRON IS DONE!
Rachel
I love the bow on the side very cute 🙂