Craft Apron Tutorial

This tutorial is based on my interpretation of the pattern found in Machine Made Patchworks. I highly recommend the book, it is full of great projects. I did not follow the pattern exactly and have no idea what the instructions say, as they are written in Japanese. The apron featured in the book has the patchwork sewn onto a base with the edges left raw, not sewn in strips.

Materials:

• Canvas or other medium-heavy weight fabric for apron body- I used canvas from a painters drop cloth
• Muslin or sheeting for apron and pocket lining
• Variety of printed fabric for patchwork- I used 8 different prints but you can use more or less
• Solid fabric for ties
• Batting for quilting the pocket- I used cotton quilt batting
• A cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler are extremely helpful but not necessary

Cutting Dimensions:

• Cut one each canvas and lining fabric 12.5 inches by 30 inches, this will be the body of the apron
• Cut one lining fabric 6 inches by 30 inches for the pocket lining
• Cut 2 from the fabric for ties 35 inches by 2.5 inches
• Decide how you want your patchwork pocket to look and cut strips of several different prints in various sizes. This will make the pocket. For the design above I cut 7 strips 6 inches by 3 inches (see either end in picture of finished apron above), four strips four inches wide by three inches tall ( bottom center), one strip approximately 12.5 inches long (red piece top center).
• I use a 1/4" seam allowance for sewing

Step One Lay out your patchwork, overlapping the pieces by 1/4 " until you have it approx 30" x 6"

Once you are happy with the layout sew your strips together. If you want to use the layout I've used, start by sewing the 3" x 6" strips together. (sections 1 & 2)  Next sew the 4" x 3" pieces together (section 3). Once each section is sewn together press your seams. Sew sections 3 & 4 together, trim as needed for sizing, press. This will be the center section, sew sections 1 & 2 to either end. Phew... do I have you completely confused? I think I am.

Once you have that all pieced together cut your cotton batting slightly larger than the patchwork and place the patchwork on top of the batting. I use a temporary basting spray to hold it securely for quilting and I also pin it in several places.

Machine quilt straight lines approx 1" apart across the patchwork. I use a quilting guide on my walking foot, but you can mark the lines with a water soluble pen.

Trim the excess batting and patchwork to fit your lining piece 6" x 30"

Place lining on top of patchwork right sides together and sew across top only. Turn to right side and press.

Place the apron piece (canvas) right side up on your work surface, place the pocket right side up lining it up with the apron bottom, on top of that place the apron lining.

Secure with pins and sew around all four sides, leaving a small (approx 4" section at top for turning right side out). Trim seam allowances turn and press.

Almost finished.

Mark the divisions for your pockets. There will be five pockets. The finished width of the apron is about 29 inches making the pockets approx 5 3/4". I say approx because I stitch the pocket section over one of the existing quilting lines, so they will likely not all be the exact same size. Sew down the division lines, making sure to secure the top of the pocket by backstitching several times.

Now all you have to do is make and attach the straps and you're finished.

Fold the short ends of the straps in approx. 1/2" and press.

Fold in half the long way, press

Open and fold each side in to center, press

Fold again to hide raw edges, press... yes there's lots of pressing. Like my pink iron, by the way?

Repeat with other strap. Sew down the open side and you're onto the final step.

Pin in place about 1" in from the end and 1/4" down from the top of the apron. Repeat with other strap. Sew straps in place and sew across top of apron to secure opening that was left for turning.

That's all folks!

Wear and enjoy.

If you would like to make an apron brilliantly designed especially for a seamstress by a seamstress, check this one out.

Comments

[Mindy]

Oh I just LOVE this one!! Thank you so much!

[robinw]

Great tutorial. Very easy to follow.

Thanks!

[Vicki]

Thank you for the tutorial. I'm a very novice sewer and even I understood it. I'm definately going to try this one.

[katie]

How clever to use dropcloth as your canvas source! I bet it costs less than canvas by the yard. Oh, guess what I found in our garage yesterday? A white chenille bedspread! I guess it was being used as a furniture protector for moving or something. Must have been my husband's. Now, after a hot wash with bleach, it's going in my stash. Yay!

[Kris]

Incredible AUTUM! I have added that book to my Christmas list... not that anyone will really buy it for me, but if I get $, it's definitely going to the book! Can't wait to make one of these - thanks for the tute!

[Céline]

Wouahhh !! Great great !!!! Thanks Autum !!

[Christelle]

Thanks for this really clear tutorial apron ;)I'll show it to you when I'll make one, promise :)

[Terri Pollhein]

Cute!
It look a little like the packet I made to store my knitting needles in.
Love, the patchwork. That turned out very cute.
God bless!
Terri

[lla]

wow! I love my apron so much, and now I know how it was born! :)

[Angela]

Another GREAT tutorial! ;-)
It looks so lovely. I'll add it to my to do list!

[Jessica]

I love this Autumn! It looks great. I'd love to make one; however, I have come to terms w/the fact that I am an absolute moron when it comes to sewing! :) I wish you & your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

[Hanna]

I want to make one right now, yours is so pretty! Maybe this would stop me from losing my scissors (all of them) all the time? :-)

thanks for the tutorial, I'm saving this!

[bekka]

oh hurray! thanks. i've got to add this to my list of new projects to try.

[Kelli]

I'd rather have one of yours! Thanks for another wonderful tutorial.

[linda]

Nice tutorial, Autum! I like the measuring tape fabric - perfect for a craft apron! Thanks for the plug, too. :o)

[erin]

I cannot wait to try this!!! Thanks Autum! Who makes the measuring tape fabric?

[Dawn]

Thanks, Autum!!! I have loved this apron ever since you first posted yours...I will be making one for certain. Got to get through this week first.
:o)

[daisies]

super cute and what a fantastic tutorial : )

[molly]

perfect timing for the holidays!! what a good idea. and where is everyone getting this fantastic measuring tape fabric from? I'm dying over it!!

[Chris Howard]

Okay the tutorial is wonderful, but OMG, I LOVE the fabrics you chose for the apron. I've always said you have the best eye for color!

Have a great day!

[Pam]

Very nice Autum. You do lovely work!

[capello]

i love you, autum. i really, really do.

[denice]

Awesome, thanks for the tutorial! Beautiful!

[Dana]

I love, love, love your craft apron! When I worked in a custom workroom, I was lost without my apron. We just used Lowes or Home depot aprons, but they were wonderful. I have kept that practice here at home. I just chucked the original one (15 years old and grungy!). I thinks it's time to MAKE one instead of the standard work apron. Thanks!

[lori]

What a cute apron....wanna know what I think of each time I see this tutorial on it? I read your blog everyday. :o)
I see an enlarged version of your patchwork part of the apron but with large scalloped ends on it for a table runner....very cute!!
You could make some with soft colors for spring, warm colors for fall and of course Christmas colors for Christmas season.
What do ya think? :o)