This project to sew an apron was designed by Lucy from Sew Essential a family run business, founded in 2004 out of her mother in law’s lifelong passion for sewing. They stock over 20,000 products on their site so you can find just what you need for your latest sewing or craft project.
Introduction
In this project we will show you how to self draft a simple apron pattern and stitch it up in no time. We’ll be using the delightful Gutermann patchwork fabric – Sew Essential have a wide range to choose from and you’ll be sure to find the perfect print.
The measurements given in this tutorial are based on a standard shop bought apron and should be suitable for most body shapes and sizes. However, you can adjust the measurements for the length or width of the apron if you wish.
Seam allowances of 1.5cm have been included for all pattern pieces.
You will need…
Tracing paper – we used Burda tracing paper (110cm x 150cm) one sheet only
Pencil
Pen
Ruler (ideally metre stick or quilters ruler)
1m fabric for the main body – we used Gutermann Long Island Pink Rose Floral fabric
1/2m fabric for the straps and pocket – we used Gutermann Long Island Pink Stripe fabric
Thread – we used Gutermann Sew All
Sewing machine
Loop turner (this is useful, not essential)
Instructions
How to Draft the Pattern
Start by ironing your tracing paper with a hot, dry iron. Also wash, tumble dry and press your fabric so it is ready for sewing. If you don’t have a tumble dryer just dry it as you normally would.
Start by drawing a rectangle 37.5cm (this is half the width of the apron including a 1.5cm seam allowance) x 74cm (this is the full length of the apron including a 1.5cm seam allowance for the neckline and 1.5cm seam allowance for the hem).
On the right hand side of the rectangle measure from the top of the apron along the length and mark a point (A) at 25.5cm.
Starting at the left hand side of the rectangle measure from left to right across the top of the rectangle and mark a point (B) 16.5cm.
On the left side of the rectangle measure from the top of the rectangle towards the bottom and mark point (C) at 16cm.
From point C draw a line 21cm long at right angles to the length of the rectangle and mark point (D).
Draw a curved line to join points A, B and D. You can use a french curve or curved ruler if you have one or simply draw it free hand. I drew it freehand using a pencil first then going over it in pen.
The top of your rectangle should look like this:
Cut along the curved line and your finished pattern piece should look like this:
Now you need to draft a pocket, a waist strap piece, a neck strap piece and a facing.
Pocket – Draw a rectangle measuring 15cm (W) – this is half the width since the pocket will be cut on the fold x 16.5cm (L)
Straps – Draw a rectangle 87cm (L) x 8cm (W) for the waist strap. You will need to cut two of these in fabric, but only one in paper.
Neck Strap – Draw a rectangle 54.5cm (L) x 8cm (W) for the neck strap. You will only need to draw and cut one of these.
Facing – Draw a rectangle 16.5cm (W) x 5.5cm (L) for the facing – this is half the width of the facing and the fabric will need to be cut on the fold. If you choose to make any alterations to the width of the top of the apron you will need to make the same adjustment to the width of the facing.
Your pattern pieces should look like this:
Fabric Cutting Layout
A good tip here is to fold the fabric so the selvedges meet near the middle of the fabric rather than at the edge so you cut into less of the fabric and will be left with a rectangle of fabric rather than scrappy pieces. You can use this to create a child’s apron or another kitchen accessory such as oven gloves or a tea cosy perhaps.
Cut the main body of the apron and the facing out of your metre length of fabric by lining the longest edge of the main apron pattern piece and the shortest edge of the facing piece up with the fold of the fabric. The photograph shows the fabric wrong sides together but you can fold it right sides together as is normally suggested.
Cut the pocket and the straps out of your ½ metre length of fabric. The pocket should be cut on the fold and remember to cut two waist straps.
Sewing the Apron
Start by sewing the underarm seams. Press the raw edge of the curved line under 3mm and then again 1.2cm and pin and stitch in place. The fabric will press nicely around the curve thanks to the fact it is cut on the bias as a result of the curved line. Press from the right side.
Next sew the straps. Fold each strap in half lengthways with right sides together and stitch 1.5cm seam along the length of the strap and across one end. A good tip here is to sew one diagonal stitch across the corner where the stitching lines meet to achieve a sharp corner.
Turn the straps through leaving the other end open (this will be sewn into a seam allowance anyway). You can use a loop turning tool such as this Clover one to make this task a lot quicker and easier.
Grade the seams as shown below.
Press the straps and top stitch the full length of each side to prevent them twisting with washing and wearing.
Position the neck strap between the right side of the facing and the right side of the apron. Make sure the strap seam is on the outside, next to the armhole seam of the apron and repeat on the other side making sure the strap isn’t twisted and the strap is flush with the armhole seam of the apron.
Stitch in place along the neckline making sure the facing overhangs the edge of the apron 1.5cm at each side.
Press the seam open and trim the apron seam.
Press the facing seam back towards the apron so facing is lying flat and away from the apron. Fold the facing over the top of the apron so the right side of the facing is next to the right side of the apron and stitch the shortest ends of the facing together where they meet – i.e. where the pin is in the photo below.
Turn the facing back over to the wrong side of the apron. It should look like this when turned through.
Trim the excess apron strap fabric diagonally to reduce any bulk taking care not to trim too close to the seam.
Press the facing back down on the wrong side of the apron and press the raw edge under 3mm.
Pin the facing in place and stitch down one side, across the length then back up the other side joining with your stitching line on your straps – i.e. 3mm from edge.
Press the sides of the apron under 3mm then 1.2cm
Insert the raw edge of a waist strap into the seam allowance at the top of the side seam folding it out and away from the apron then pin it in place as shown in the image below. Stitch along the folded edge 3mm from the fold.
When you stitch across the strap continue stitching to create a square where the strap overlaps the apron stitching through the middle of the square to secure the straps as shown in the image below.
Press the top edge of the pocket under 3mm then 1.2cm and stitch in place.
Press the sides and the bottom edge under 1.5cm there is no need to press under the raw edges.
Fold the apron in half length ways and mark the halfway point then position pocket where you would like it on the apron measuring from the top edge to the unfinished hem of the apron to check it is level.
Stitch the pocket in place about 3mm from the folded edges.
Complete a second line of stitching parallel to the stitching at the edges sewing squares with crosses through them at the top corners of the pocket to secure it in the same way you did for the waist straps.
Press the hem under 3mm then 1.2cm and stitch in place.
One final press and all that’s left to do is wrap your beautiful handmade gift ready to impress your Mum!
If you are looking for other items to sew as gifts visit our free projects section and click on the ‘gifts’ tag.
