This was the first time I had ever used a sewing machine, so it was a great learning experience!

PROCESS

On the first day, I began by using a measuring tape to determine the dimensions for the pattern paper. I Googled apron images and worked with my teammate, measuring, drawing, and holding the paper up to ourselves, to determine the final measurements. I cut out 1 yard of a nice arrow patterned fabric to use for the apron.

On day two, after taking another look at the pattern paper, I sized down the width and increased the length on the pattern paper, before drawing a line down the center and cutting out only half; an image of this is included to the left.

I folded the fabric in half, placed the pattern along the fold, and fastened pins along it to ensure it would remain in place. I traced out the pattern and used a fabric cutter to cut it out. This ensured that even if the cutting did not exactly follow the pattern, both halves of the apron would be pretty symmetrical. I attempted to set up and practice using a sewing machine, but unfortunately the initial machine I tried to use was broken.

On the third day, I double-folded the edges of the fabric and pinned them, one edge at a time. I used a different sewing machine, a Singer, and practiced on some fabric and was much more successful than the previous day.

I then sewed the seams of the fabric to create the edges; each subsequent edge turned out neater than the previous one, and I had help from classmates on technique and how to work the machine. I then measured out the strap material for the side straps and neck support and box-stitched those to the apron. Similar to the seams, the first one was not aligned at all, but each box-stitch turned out neater than the previous one. Here’s a comparison of the first and last ones I made.

I cut off the stray threads and the apron was complete!

FAILURES AND EXCESS TIME SPENT

I spent an excess amount of time initially on creating the pattern–I kept going back and forth on dimensions, but now that I have a better idea of how to create patterns and how the final product looks, this can be avoided in the future. I also took a really long time to set up the machine, much longer than actually stitching the apron took.

My initial seam stitches and box stitches were pretty bad–the seams ran off the edge of the fabric sometimes and two of the box stitch corners did not connect. However, I improved as the process went on, and I think most of the failures and excess time will improve with practice.

COST

• Sewing machine – Singer Simple: $160
• Materials
  • Fabric 1 yard at $10/yd: $10
  • Thread 2 spools at $1/spool: $2
• Labor – 7 hours at $15/hour: $105

Total: $277

This is a very high cost. If the sewing machine is counted as pre-purchased, the total is $117, which is still pretty high for one apron. However, with more sewing practice, the labor hours would significantly be reduced.

Overall, I improved my sewing skills as the process went on and gained a much greater appreciation for the perfectly straight stitches on most clothing.