These are the steps that I took to complete the first ENGI 210 Project: sewing an apron.
Step 1: Creating the Pattern
The first step to any successful sew job is creating a pattern for the garment. I based the dimensions of my apron to the provided sizing chart: a full apron length of 32 inches and a 1/2 waistband width of 22 inches. The pattern was cut symmetrically by folding the tracing paper in half and cutting the left and right sides of the pattern simultaneously. I customized my apron by narrowing the neckline so the pattern was better fitted on my body.
Length of apron pattern
Width of apron pattern: folded in half for symmetry
Narrowed neckline of apron pattern
Step 2: Cutting the Fabric
After cutting out my pattern on tracing paper, I pinned my fabric onto the paper to transfer the pattern to the fabric. I cut the fabric leaving a 2 inch seam allowance on all sides.
Pinning pattern on fabric
Step 3: Pinning the hems and adding straps
Since I wanted double-folded hems, I folded the edges of the apron twice and secured the folds with pins. The bulky fabric of the corners were cut so all hems lay flat. Measuring against my body, I cut a strap for the neck and two straps to tie around the waist. These straps were tucked under the folds of the hems.
Pinning hems and straps
Step 4: Sewing hems
I used the Singer Tradition 2277 sewing machine in the OEDK to hem my apron with white top and bobbin threads. I began at the bottom left corner of the apron with 1″ of back stitching, and attempted a continuous hem around the apron. The bobbin thread ran out halfway through sewing the hems, so I manually tied the ends and restarted sewing where I left off.
Singer Tradition 2277 sewing machine used
Thread and bobbin used
Location where bobbin thread ran out: threads were tied and hem was continued here
Step 5: Cleaning up long threads + securing straps
After completing the hems, I cut off stray threads and secured the straps with another row of stitches.
Straps were secured using an extra line of stitches
My finished apron
Cost Analysis
- 36″x36″ plaid fabric = $8.21
- 1x spool of thread = $3.29
- Labor: 3 hours x $7.25/hour = $21.75
Total = $33.25
