For the past week I’ve been making my apron for 210. I love sewing and making my own patterns in my studio, so it was a fun experience to do both in an ENGI class.
The maroon fabric I used was provided, and I used white contrast stitching on the Singer Tradition machine, as well as 1 inch natural webbing and a zipper I found in the OEDK.
The first step after collecting materials was to create my pattern, based on my own measurements. I took my waist measurement and height, and factored those into my pattern, adding a 1/2 inch seam allowance (1/4 inch per fold) on each side. To the provided pattern measurements, I decreased the waist to 19 inches, and shortened the height as I am only 5’2.”
The pattern I made using my own measurements.
After cutting and taping the two pieces of my pattern together, I used chalk to trace it onto my fabric. To save the most material, I used an existing edge of the fabric.
The tracing of my pattern on my fabric.
The final tracing used an existing edge of the fabric to save material.
Once the shape of the apron was cut out, I worked on finishing the raw edges of the fabric with a 1/4 inch seam. I left 1/2 inch per side so I could double fold the edge and hide the frayed, raw fabric. I used white thread and a straight or running stitch on the Singer Tradition machine.
Ironing the folds to create a clean seam.
Seams of the apron.
The finished seams.
After the edges were cleaned up, I started attaching the straps onto the fabric. Before attaching, I cleaned up the edges of the straps with a box stitch, to prevent fraying. I then attached waist straps to each side, as well as a neck strap at the top of the apron.
The box stitches on the straps prevent fraying.
The box stitch I used to attach straps to fabric.
The next step was to add pockets to the front of the apron. I decided that I wanted to attach one open pocket, as well as a zippered pocket. The first task was to create a pattern for the pocket. Then, using the leftover fabric from the apron shape, I cut out my pieces and used the tutorial linked in the homework document to sew an invisible zipper opening. I then attached the zipper to this opening.
The pattern and my sewn zipper opening.
Flipping the pocket right side out to hide the seams.
Pinning the zipper to the backside of the pocket.
Sewing the zipper on.
After the zipper was attached, I used a running stitch to finish the seams on the open pocket and attach the pocket piece to the apron.
The finished zipper pocket.
The finished apron.
Me + the apron!
Overall, I really enjoyed this project. I learned where all the sewing materials and machines were located at the OEDK, as well as how to troubleshoot the machines. Sewing this apron reinforced my love of sewing practical pieces that have functional applications. Since I love quilting, I think it would’ve been cool to add some creative elements to the existing fabric or add depth or thickness through batting or a thicker canvas material. I’m really happy with the way the zippered pocket turned out, and will be using that invisible zipper technique in my studio projects.
