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

[Fiona]

Love this. Great tutorial. I'll have to have a go at this.

[minniepumpkin]

Girlie that is an awesome tutorial! Thanks so much. I will have to try this. Yours looks amazing!

[mary]

well done, Autum. love it!

[andrea]

that is a great tutorial ! thanks for sharing and for the detailed information :-)

[kara]

Thanks for sharing this! Love it!

[Karen]

Its adorable I'd like to make it too

[Mary]

Hi, I love this apron... do you have any tips on making a cooking apron for kids?

[Estercity]

Beautiful
I find here
http://www.lasmanualidades.com/2007/11/30/un-delantal-para-tener-todo-a-mano/

[Baba]

It would be great to have all your necessary craft items in a pocket to carry with you. Great idea. Thanks!

[Caley]

This is the best example I've seen for how to make a craft apron! We've included a link to this as part of our favorite apron patterns (linked from name). Thanks for sharing!

[Melissa Nyveld]

I'm a spec needs teacher, and I've always got to carry around bins of stuff that I use to help my kids communicate, but I think I could use an apron for it! I love this pattern!

[Buddhini Ekanayake]

Thanks for the tutorial. its so simple and easy to make.

[Bethany]

Love the apron, I made one of my own with variation. Check it out! http://bethanylois.blogspot.com

[yusra]

i want learn glass panting

[Delia]

Hello! I found your tutorial.
I would like to translate it into Russian and post it in my site. I will mention you and your site (let me know which one).
Is it possible? What will be your condition?

[Sherone]

I absolutely love this idea. Hope you don't mind.....I featured your tutorial on my blog.

http://taylorscountrystore.blogspot.com/

Thanks for your inspiration!

[Raj]

It is a great tutorial.

My wife is also into sewing, painting and artwork.

I will let her know. I am quite sure that she will be very much interested in your tutorial and beautiful site.

It is a good idea to showcase the things you do in your own websites. That gives a lot of satisfaction.