Sewing Projects

Adjustable Apron

This apron has a pretty retro feel to it. It is lined with a contrasting fabric, which makes a smart edging to the base. You can adjust it to make a longer apron by unbuttoning the tabs.

The apron measures 62 x 62 cm (24 ½”). Small finishing touches such as the pocket, waistband edgings and ties in the contrast fabric give it a great professional finish.

You will need

1 m (1 yd) cotton fabric and 50 cm (1/2 yd) stripe fabric to match
Fabric marking pencil
Sewing thread to match
4 x 15 mm linen buttons
Hand sewing needle

Preparing the pockets and tabs

1. First prepare two patch pockets in readiness to sew onto your apron front (see Sewing Techniques, Patch Pockets). You will need two sizes of fabric, one for the main fabric and a slightly longer one for the patterned lining for each pocket as the lining makes a contrast edging at the top of the pocket. Cut two pieces of main fabric 18 x 19 cm (7 x 8”) and two pieces of patterned fabric 22 x 19 cm (9 x 8”).

2. You will also need to cut out and prepare three tabs, each 2 x 5 cm (3/4 x 2 ¼”), each with a buttonhole or button loop. Fold each piece in half lengthways, right sides together and sew seam. Turn right side out, so seam is in centre of one side. Tuck raw edges of one end inside and press. Top stitch to hold in place. Make a vertical buttonhole at finished end.

Making the main part of the apron

3. Cut out on the straight grain a piece of both main and lining fabric, each measuring 64 x 64 cm (25”).

4. On the right side of the main fabric, place the two prepared patch pockets where required, pin and top stitch in place.

5. Place the two apron sections right sides together and pin. Now position the tabs, raw edge of remaining short end to raw edge of apron, one at the centre and the remaining two at least 3 cm from the outside edges. Make sure that they are facing inwards and upwards towards the main body of the apron.

6. Using a 1 cm seam allowance, straight stitch around the rectangle at the two sides and the bottom, sew along the top but leave an opening of at least 10 cm (4”) so that you can turn the apron right sides out. Press open the seams and trim the corners.

7. Turn the fabric to the right side through the small opening and press again, ensuring that the seam lien is where the fabric folds. Fold over the 1 cm seams at the opening and press flat.

8. Set your sewing machine to a long straight stitch and sew two parallel lines of stitching across the top of the apron. Very carefully gather up your stitching, just enough to give the apron a gentle shape. When you are satisfied with the amount of gathering, set your sewing machine to a standard stitch length of 2.5 and straight stitch across the top of the apron, securing the gathering.

Making the waistband

9. Cut two pieces of both fabrics measuring 88 x 6 cm (36 x 2 ¼”). Place right sides together and pin. Sew the two sides and the top. Press open the seams and cut the corners back. Turn right side out and press.

10. With the plain side facing you, carefully press under the raw edges. Take the plain edge under a little more to reveal a small narrow strip of the patterned fabric underneath. This will give you a decorative edge running along the waistband.

Finishing the apron

11. Match the centre front point for the waistband and apron, and pin in place. Top stitch the waistband to the apron along the unstitched length of the waistband.

12. Fold up the bottom edge of the apron by 12 cm (4 ¾”) to reveal the fabric chosen for the back. Line up the buttons with the tabs and stitch in place.

Further information

Learn to Sew by Alison Reid is a great introductory book for those who are new to sewing and need some help to get started. Published by Coats Craft UK, (ISBN 9781906007362, priced £7.99 in paperback) it covers all the basics of cutting fabric correctly, sewing seams, adding bindings, inserting zips and making simple patch pockets. Decorative techniques include some simple hand embroidery stitches, plus easy machine quilting and appliqué. The remainder of the book provides instructions for simple projects for home and family. It is available from all good bookshops or in case of difficulty contact the GMC group on tel: 01273 477374.

Stockist information

We usede Rowan Kaffe Fassett Shot Cotton for the apron and Bead Stripe to match. Sewing thread from Coats Crafts. For fabric and thread stockists, contact Coats Crafts UK on tel: 01325 394237, email: consumer.ccuk@coats.com, web: www.coatscrafts.co.uk.