Introduction

In this post, I detail how I used the sewing machines at the OEDK to create a work apron for EDES 210 that I can wear for the rest of the semester.

I set out with Winson early on a Saturday morning (Jan 18th) to get a head start on our aprons. While neither of us had used the sewing machine prior to learning the basics in class, we were optimistic we could finish by lunchtime. Little did we expect it would take us working nonstop until late into the night.

Step 1: Designing the apron

1a. dimensioning the apron

First, me and Winson set out to design a functional yet aesthetically pleasing apron, seeking designs from previous iterations posted on the blog and the internet. We settled on the dimensions pictured (Fig. 1), utilizing the provided template with “medium” dimensions while modifying the top of the apron by adding curvature and reducing width.

1b. cutting the pattern paper

Using the provided patern paper roll, we measured out the length of the apron using a long ruler and used a pencil to mark our cuts (Fig. 2). We used scissors to cut out our first paper of 34in length (Fig. 3). The width of the pattern paper was 18in, while we needed 24in. To solve this, we cut another paper of 34in length and taped the two pieces together, then cut our required width of 24in.

We then moved to the top of the apron, first marking the correct points based on our dimensions, drawing the curve, and cutting it out. Using the initial cutout piece, we then flipped it over to trace and cut the second curve. The cut out pattern paper is shown (Fig. 4).

1c. cutting the fabric

After I had my outline, I chose a Star Wars design from the fabric bin, and I set the pattern paper onto my chosen fabric. I then cut out the fabric, following the outline of the paper (Fig. 5). After my fabric was cut out, I used a pair of fine scissors to touch up the edges. The cut out fabric is shown (Fig. 6).

step 2: hemming the apron

2a. Sewing the single hem

After the fabric was cut out to my desired shape, the next step was to create a single hem around the edges of the apron to conceal the raw edge of the apron (Fig. 7).  I went with the single hem in order to preserve as much dimension and reduce bulk for my apron.

2b. troubleshooting

While attempting to hem my Apron, the machine ran into various issues:

• The thread would become undone from the needle or the machine, requiring me to rethread it.
• The thread from the bobbin would get jammed, requiring me to remove the tangle and reinsert the bobbin.
• The needle bent or snapped on three occasions, requiring me to insert a new needle. After the third time, I decided to switch to a different machine. The new machine was trouble-free compared to my initial machine.
• I also learned how to prepare the thread and wind the bobbin, since I changed the color of my new machine from white thread to black thread.

Overall, I became much more comfortable troubleshooting and repairing the sewing machines in the OEDK.

Step 3: Neck & waist straps

3A. Cutting the straps

With the fabric cut out, I then set out to cut the neck and side tie straps.

To determine the length of the neck strap, I first lifted the apron fabric to my chest to where I wanted it to hang, then held the strap material to one corner and arced it over my neck to the other corner. I marked this length, added an additional few inches to be safe, and then cut it (Fig. 9, Right).

Next, I measured the length of my waist using a sewing tape measure and marked my strap material to half that length. After ensuring that the strap was long enough to wrap around my waist and come together in a bow, I cut two side tie straps each (Fig. 8, Left), again adding a few inches to be safe.

3B. sewing the edges

The next step was to sew a box stitch on the loose ends of each waist strap so that the exposed raw edge would not fray. Since these were my first box stitches and the straps were small, it took me a few tries to get the hang of it— the additional length of my straps allowed me to practice and cut the box stitch off if I failed. It took me two tries on each strap, but I slowly got the hang of it after the first.

3C. sewing straps onto apron

Now that the loose ends of the straps were sewn, I set upon sewing the other end of the straps onto the apron fabric by again using box stitches. I first measured the spots at which I would place the straps and marked them; four inches inside from the top corners for the neck strap, and at my waist for the waist straps. I then sewed the straps on with box stitches (Fig. 10). Looking at the box stitch on the loose end (left) and box stitch to the apron (right), there is a noticeable difference as I became more and more comfortable with box stitching.

improvements

Future improvements to my Apron design include:

• Using a rotary cutter to cut out the fabric instead of fabric scissors for a neater cut.
• Sewing a double hem instead of a single hem so that the raw edge is not exposed on the inside, potentially making the apron easier to wash.
• Folding the straps over twice before sewing a box stitch, so that there are no exposed raw edges. Fig. 10 shows the only strap that I folded over twice, but in the future I would do it for all straps.
• Stitching the neck strap on the edge of the curve, instead of 4 inches towards the middle on each side. This resulted in the corners “folding in” while wearing the apron.
• Adding a pocket on the front side to improve utility.

Cleaned workspace

Throughout the process and after I was all done, I made sure to clean up my workspace, adhering to the steps of mis en place in making.

Cost estimate

• $10/hr for 7 hours: $70 (Rice salary)
• 1 panel of Star Wars Fabric: $12
• 4 ft Nylon Strap Material for 2 cents/inch: $1
• 9 ft. Sewing thread (Black) at $6 for 400 yards: 5 cents

Total Cost: $83.05

Conclusion

Finally, my apron was complete, along with Winson’s! Overall, I had fun making my apron, and despite the pains of time-on-task practice found sewing to be a parasympathetic activity, helping me relax against the backdrop of my typical physical activities. I also enjoyed how I was able to apply my learning to help others troubleshoot or fix the sewing machines during my shifts. I got a coffee stain on my apron already!