This was an exciting project because the part of me that wanted to become a designer got a chance to resurface! Growing up in New York, I was influenced by the strong sense of fashion and streetwear culture. I really want to start my own brand at some point!
The real motivation was that I love bringing ideas to life.
Step 1: Get measurements
Measure the width of your shoulders and decide the width at where your straps will sit comfortably and the height down at which a belt will sit comfortably on your waist.
Step 2: Design CONception
Get some inspirations for your design and sketch out how you want your apron to look and conceptualize the pattern. It is easier to map out your pieces first!
Step 3: CUT & SEW
Trace and cut out your patterns and get to sewing! I mitered my corners, folded over and hid as much edges/seams as I could for a nice finish.
My pattern evolved as I stitched and almost everything was improvised while pieces were being sown together . It was hard to me to stop and jot things down or take pictures because it would disturb my train of thought.
The initial design was an asymmetric two-layer apron (extra protection) which have split end for better mobility. By the time I go to the finished product, I had incorporated three pockets (two utility, one big kangaroo), reinforced edges, and digitally embroidered my family name.
| Cost Type | Cost | Price | Source | Quantity | Total |
| Materials | Fabric | $10.50 /yd | amazon.com | 2 yds | $21 |
| Thread | Free | OEDK | idk | FREE99 | |
| Zippers, Clips, etc… | $35 | amazon.com | 1 yard of strap, buckles | $35 | |
| Labor | Sewing Operator | $15 | Internet | 4 hrs | $60 |
| Prototyping Engineer (You!) | $25 | Me | 10 hrs | $250 | |
| Overhead | Facility Cost (Machine Time) | Free | OEDK | 20 hrs | FREE99 |
| Quality Control | $20 | Me | 2 hrs | $40 | |
| Design | Engineering and Development | $50 | Me | 4 hrs | $200 |
| Iterations | $10 | Me | at least 10x | $100 | |
| Misc. | Waste and Scrap | $10 | amazon.com | 1 yard fabric & stuff | -$11 |
A whopping total of $695 for the first run!! It is clear to see that the bulk of the cost came from engineering, development, and prototyping time. This is just the initial startup cost, which once the design and pattern has finalized, it can be cheaply mass-produced.
TLDR:
