As a homemaker and a homesteader I live in an apron. I can't stand ruining my clothes from day to day tasks, so I wear an apron to try to protect my clothes. I don't wear one to be cute, stylish, or to keep up with the latest fashion trends. It's pure and simple practicality.
Since aprons are a part of my daily wardrobe, I must admit I'm quite picky on apron design and fabric. I cannot stand aprons that must be tied! Ugh, there's nothing worse than having draping tails that get caught on everything, come untied, or worse fall in the toilet (um yeah been there a time or two ~ insert eye roll). I've tried smocks and they never fit right I'm constantly pulling at the straps. Trust me when you've got your hands covered in dough from kneading bread and your apron is falling off, it can get quite annoying!
Well the other day, I was perusing Pinterest and I saw several tutorials for making this cute apron. It's kind of like a smock but not. The straps aren't nearly as drapy. Apparently, its a popular apron style the ladies are wearing ideally made from linen. Ha ~ that ain't happening in this house. Linen is expensive and I'd never have a solid colored apron, I actually use my aprons and they get DIRTY and stained. I like to make my aprons last as long as possible and the more I can hide inevitable stains the longer life I'm likely to get from my apron. While I do think the solid color linen aprons are quite lovely, they just wouldn't work for me. But I do think the pattern sews up just as nice not in a linen and it's an extremely easy apron to make. 😊
I decided to tweak the pattern I saw to meet my needs. I never take a pattern and use it exactly the way it's written or designed. That's one of the one things I love about sewing, you can create anything you want and customize it to fit your needs. I really love this pattern and think I will make a couple more just like it. Especially since it has been several years since I've made new aprons; my current ones have seen better days that's for sure!
My apron measurements were
45 inches wide
35 inches long
The straps were 7 inches x 21 inches
The pockets I made 10 inches x 10inches
The instructions to make this apron are super simple. It's basically just 3 finished rectangles. If you want to get the best fit for the apron, measure the fabric so that when it drapes around you, it kind of overlaps in the back at the top. And then measure how long you want it to be adjusting for hemming.
- First, I took the long sides (35 inch side) and folded them in 1/2 inch twice pressing after each fold. And then I stitched them, staying as close to the edge as possible.
- Then I finished the top of the apron. I wanted to make it a little more decorative so I folded down 1/2 inch, pressed and then folded down 1.5 inches and stitched as close to the edge of the fold as I could.
- Then it was time for the pockets. I simply turned them in about 1/2 inch on all sides and then added the double fold bias tape to the top. If I had not added the bias tape I would have turned the top of the pocket twice and stitched the top part before sewing them on to the apron.
- After pressing the pockets and finishing the top of the pockets I laid my main apron part on the floor and situated my pockets where I wanted them to be (no scientific method just personal preference) and then I stitched them in place as close to the edge of the pocket as possible.
- Now it was time for the straps. I pressed them in half long ways (right sides together) and stitched around all sides at 1/2 inch seam allowance leaving an opening to turn the straps right side out. After turning the straps right side out I pressed them (making sure to evenly adjust the opening) and then topped stitched around all the edges.
- The hardest part of making this entire apron was honestly attaching the straps. First I attached the back straps placing them directly at the edge of the apron and stitching them in place (on the inside of the apron).
- To get a good fit on where to place the front straps I grabbed my pins and headed to the bathroom, lol. I wrapped the apron around me, crisscrossing the back straps, and then I pinned the front straps where I thought they fit best. Once I got them the way I wanted I headed back to my sewing machine and stitched them in place on the inside of the apron.
And now your apron is finished!
I know clear as mud right? I'll add some pictures for making the apron soon. 😊
But, seriously with minimal sewing skills you really can make this apron, and it is absolutely perfect for homemaking and homesteading!
If you're in need of an everyday-around-the-homestead type of apron I highly recommend this pattern. If you're not so inclined to sew, I've seen quite a few on Easy. I'm all about making life on the homestead easier and more conducive to productivity. When you don't have to fool with tails and problematic straps trying to keep your apron adjusted properly; you can more effectively manage your daily tasks!
With Love & Hope,
Jennifer
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