Added later - cutting a new size small pattern, I added a lot of notches which helps in matching the front to the back later. And I marked the extra 1/2” I add to the lining (only), so I remember it. Can fold in 1/2” to cut the apron front.
Note - See next post for sewing directions.
When I ordered the apron pattern (above, eBay, hard to find, expensive, discontinued), I either did not get the instructions or misplaced them immediately, because somehow I never saw them. A friend just bought the pattern (eBay) and she is not sure she got the instructions either. YouTube instructions were so not helpful. I could not find a copy of the original instructions online.
I just realized, looking at pictures of the back of the pattern envelope (below) online for this post, I have only been using view A and I only have the pattern pieces for view A. I am not sure where my original envelope is, so it is very possible that the instructions, pattern pieces for view B and envelope are floating around my sewing room in the wrong bin somewhere/how.
Instruction-less, I looked at the pattern pieces and just figured how to sew these aprons. I definitely have an engineering type mind. I have been sewing for over 50 years. I have perfected my technique, I think I have made a couple dozen of these aprons by now. (Whatever the original instructions are, my guess is my way is actually better.)
So here I am, down to my last few aprons, and I thought I better record it. If I make one five years from now, I will probably not remember. Someone might ask me for directions. And actually I really want to record the steps, because my technique is very specific and I spent a lot of time figuring out how to make these. I wrote this all out, in two parts, and then added the pictures as I made the last few aprons.
Today, part one, I am talking about the tools and supplies I use, my sewing room, and cutting out the pattern.
My sewing machines are old with metal parts, very solid sturdy. I do not have fancy new machines. My Kenmore is probably 45+ years old. (I take them in for regular service/oil/etc.)
Our old kitchen table top is now in my studio and is very handy and sturdy. My husband made a new base for it with 4x4’s and 2x4’s. A folding table would also work.
I have an extra rectangular piece that sets on my ironing board which I love a lot.
Here are some of the sewing machine supplies I used for sewing aprons -
I use the zipper foot (left) to sew on the piping.
I use the zig zag foot (middle) to top stitch the pocket and to sew the apron/lining together.
I use the skinny foot (right) to top stitch around the outside edge.
The scissors and tiny ruler live on my sewing machine. I use them every time I sew.
Zipper foot-
I reinforce patterns if I know I will use them a lot. Perfect example is all our doll clothes patterns. So my original apron pattern has been reinforced/protected with 911 Pellon iron on interfacing.
Hint - practice with extra pieces of pattern paper to get the right setting on your iron. Too hot and the paper will wrinkle badly.
These aprons make fabulous gifts. If you might make a lot, consider reinforcing it with Pellon 911 iron on interfacing. And consider leaving it intact and tracing the sizes/making duplicates to use.
I have traced three sizes (S, M, L) to make separate copies/patterns, using gridded pattern fabric (below). I marked all the notches, fold line and straight of grain carefully on all my copies. I use the copies to cut out my aprons.
I store them in large envelopes.
Cutting the fabric -
The first thing to note is I cut the fabric out very carefully. I am very exact in cutting the notches, particularly on the shoulders. I am also careful/exact with my fold lines and straight of grain measuring. The apron pieces and the lining pieces need to be identical.
The picture below is lining, with the fabric folded as it comes off the bolt, as you are use to seeing fabric.
And this next one, showing the apron fabric that goes with the lining (above), the fabric is folded the other way so the fish are going the correct direction. The fold is on the left in this picture.
If you are confused, look at the selvage to orient yourself. The pattern (size medium) just fit on this fabric, going this direction. So pay attention to your print orientation and then make sure the fabric is wide enough for this layout. A make sure you have enough length.
Next is a very important step!!! I add extra fabric at the shoulders, to the lining fabric only, when I cut out this apron pattern. I add 1/2” tapering down 3” on the sides. This is very important, you will thank yourself later.
This is how I do it, every time, measure and draw lines with a pencil. For this one, I used a black marker so you can see the lines clearly in the pictures.
Trouble shooting - every once in a while I have a piece of fabric where it is not wide enough to add extra 1/2” to the lining shoulders. I simply sew extra fabric to make it work.
Consider fussy cutting the pocket, it is fun. Usually I make the pocket out of the same fabric as the apron front. Once or twice, I have used the lining fabric for the pocket.
