Elliot’s Apron

Project Overview:

For this project, I aimed to sew a beginner-level apron with a slight creative flair.

My Approach:

Step 1. Take appropriate body measurements

To create a personalized apron appropriate for my proportions, I began by taking some key measurements. Using a tape measure, I measured my waist (29”). I took half of my waist length (14.5”) and then added approximately 3” to account for the curvature, wrinkling, and 1/2” folded seam. Then, by referring to the size chart for typical aprons, I chose the medium full apron length (34”).

Step 2. Outline & cut fabric

I then drew the measurements on a sheet of large paper and cut the outline out. Then, I held the cutout to my body to verify that the measurements were appropriate. Now, I was ready to cut my actual fabric. I laid the paper outline on the fabric and taped it for steadiness. Then, I used a pen to draw the outline on the fabric Then, I used scissors to cut the fabric.

Step 3. Sew the folded seams

To make sure the edges of the fabric don’t fray, I needed to make folded seams along the edges of the apron. To begin my folded seam, I folded the edges of the fabric inwards to the back approximately 1/2”. Then, I taped the folds to hold them in place and pinned the corners together. I sewed a beige thread along the middle of the fold. The seams were relatively straight and consistent along the whole apron outline.

Step 4. Sew the straps

I found my straps in the OEDK scrap box. The chosen material was a typical strap, which had the advantage of sturdiness. After taking rough estimates for strap lengths, I cut them with scissors and then sewed the ends to the sides of my apron using a box pattern. I did the same for my neck strap. One challenge with this new pattern was the frequent change of sewing directions. It was difficult to create consistent seams of the same size.

Big Obstacle: Bobbin issue

While sewing the straps, the sewing machine made a snapping sound and stopped working. My peers and I first investigated the problem by opening the compartment holding the bobbin. The issue was that the bottom thread was disconnected and that we had to take the bobbin out and redo the setup process. After consulting a few YouTube sewing videos, we were able to reinstall the bobbin and re-thread the bottom.

Step 5. Personalize the apron

After completing the basic components of my apron I wanted to add a personal flair. I decided to add a batman logo to the apron using a black leather material. I first found a picture of the batman logo on my phone and then used it as a stencil, outlining it on a piece of paper. I then cut out the paper and cut the leather using it as an outline. I first tried to sew the leather bat onto my apron, but discovered that sewing a small and complicated piece of leather onto fabric was extremely difficult. Thus, I decided to use a piece of sticky velcro to simply stick my bat onto the apron.

Finished Apron:

Things to Improve:

  1. Sewing the box stitches more slowly and carefully to ensure consistent sizing
  2.  General sewing machine practice (e.g. making sure the foot is down before sewing)
  3.  Being more patient and precise with measurements

Cost:

  • Materials
    • Fabric (1 yard): $5 (JOANN)
    • Thread: few cents (negligible price)
    • Nylon Straps: $10 (Walmart)
    • Leather: $9 (Hobby Lobby)
  • Time
    • 5 hours * $15/hour = $75

Total Cost: ~$99

Print Friendly, PDF & Email