The goal of this first project in ENGI 210 was to make an apron using the sewing machine and various techniques. Learning to setup and use a sewing machine is a skill I’ve been wanting to learn for quite some time, as it will allow me to alter my own clothes.

SETUP:

After receiving instruction on how to operate the sewing machine, I read through the homework instructions and decided that I would choose the beginner level while also folding in the edges of the apron. Since I had only sewn once before I believed this was the best level for me.

The first step was to draw the overall shape of the apron based on the given dimensions. Choosing the large size, I first needed to obtain and cut paper to the dimensions of 36″ x 26″. Since the existing rolls of paper was smaller than this, I measured, cut and taped two pieces of paper together to achieve the desired size as shown below.

 

Following this, I cut and measured 5.5″ in from the short edge and 12″ from the long edge to formulate the triangle that would be cut out from each side to create the apron shape. I connected the lines and cut the paper to the following shape:

Pinning the paper onto the existing black cloth, I then cut around the apron shape from my paper, resulting in the black cloth in the shape of the apron. I decided I wanted to fold in and sew the edges since it would give the edges some durability and look better without fraying.

Next, I decided I did not like the look of the ribbon straps we were given so I found some white scrap cloth and cut it into long 36″ x 4″ strips. These dimensions were based on a quick fit test. I cut three of these strips, two for the waist ties and one for the neck loop. I cut them wide so that I could fold in the edges again for aesthetic and durability.

Initially, I attempted to pin all the folded edges down so that I could have a good idea of where to sew but I realized this was very time consuming and I would have to take out the pins anyways to finish the stitch. Thus, I did not pin down the edges for the straps.

Next, I setup the sewing machine as we were shown in class and in the Youtube videos. I started with the straps, which were pretty straight forward. I folded in about half an inch from the short edge on each side and then started a long stitch, going completely down the long edge. At the beginning and end of the stitch I used both the forward and reverse stitch to ensure the stitch would not release. I also folded in the short edges. I repeated this 6 times to achieve the completed straps as shown:

 

Following this, I was able to start sewing the apron edges. I folded in about a quarter inch from each edge and then began sewing a stitch down the entire edge. Some difficulty lied when one time I forgot to put down the presser foot and as a result got a very messy stitch. I had to rip out the stitches and redo those. It was also a bit difficult achieving a  consistent length fold in from the edge, so the stitch was completely straight in some segments where I was trying to adjust that distance. I again used the same forward-reverse stitch technique at the beginnings and ends. Thus, I had the finished apron and only sewing on the straps remained:

 

 

Lastly, I sewed on the straps. This was done using some measurements of where I wanted the straps by putting it on. I then used the box stitch technique in 6 different areas to secure on the straps. There was slight difficult in this because I had to turn the apron many times and it was a bit difficult to maneuver such large fabric in the tight space. After finishing up this segment, I tried it on and the apron felt comfortable and durable. The stitches are as shown below.

 

The finished apron is as shown!

 

After completion I cleaned up my work area and returned all tools like scissors and extra fabric to their original locations. I wiped away and trashed any loose threads and turned off the machine for the next person to use:

Throughout this process I luckily did not deal with any machine breakdowns; threading the needle was honestly the most difficult part. In the future I would like to learn more advanced sewing techniques and sew more intricate designs. I enjoyed making the apron and am glad it will be useful for the remainder of this course and beyond.

Cost Calculations:

Assuming a bulk buy, a yard (~36 inches)  of fabric that I initially received would be about $5.

The straps were made from scrap fabric, totaling about $1.25 (1/4 of a yard of fabric used).

The thread totals ~$0.66, since I used about 1/3 of a spool which averages about $2.

According to Payscale, the average sewing machine operator makes ~$15/hour. I spent 3.5 hours total on this project, which would total $52.50.

Cumulatively, this totals $59.41. For an experienced sewing machine operator the labor cost would be much lower.