Introduction

In this blog post, I walk through the process of designing my apron (Fig 1), sewing it, and the problems I faced as well as the wisdom that I’ve learned throughout the process for future projects.

Designing apron

I was scrolling through pinterest looking at designs of aprons, and I combined everything I liked into the design in Figure 2. It has rounded corners for a more natural look instead of edges and a wide pocket. However, the pocket wouldn’t end up making it to the final product.

 

Fig 2. Apron design cut out in paper

When choosing a fabric, I initially chose the maroon fabric. But, I either lost that fabric or someone took it, and there wasn’t much fabric left (This was a blessing in disguise). So, the last fabric pieces were either the cow or Texas, and I couldn’t choose between them. So instead, I chose to make the apron REVERSIBLE!

For the straps, I initially wanted to create a design form fitted to me where you could just step into it and it’ll fit. Instead, I decided on velcro as it was much simpler and easier to do and I already knew where the materials were at the OEDK.

Sewing Apron

First, I cut out my design in the Texas and cow fabric. Then, I sewed two neck straps onto the Texas side of the fabric. Then, I sewed them together along the edges using bobby pins to ensure the fabric doesn’t move. While the pieces of fabric were sewn together, because I didn’t fold the fabric back at its edges, it was fraying (Fig 3). I thought of different solutions to the fraying, but all of them essentially just required unstitching the whole thing to put it back together, which I didn’t have the time for.

My lack of planning hindered me further by forgetting to sew the waist straps before putting the fabric together! However, this was easily fixed because I didn’t have to unstitch the whole thing. I used the unstitching tool to open up a small area on both sides of the apron as shown in Figure 4. Then I sewed the straps onto the Texas side and sewed it back on, making sure to go back over the stitches that were already there.

Next, I went to the bins at the OEDK and found these small velcro pieces (Fig 5). Because they are so old, the stickiness on the back has worn off, so I used superglue as I thought that the porous material of the straps would work great. And while it did work great, when I was applying pressure with my fingers the glue went through the strap and attached to my finger, burning my finger. Nothing serious though, I still have my finger tips.

Now that the velcro was attached, I officially completed my apron! Figures 6 & 7 show the cow and Texas side. I cleaned it up by cutting off all the excess string and trimming the frayed edges. I decided against the pocket because my brain was COMPLETELY FRIED AFTER TROUBLESHOOTING THE SEWING MACHINES FOR HOURS.

 

Fig 8. Cleaned Workspace

 

 

Cost Estimate

Labor: $15 an hour for 5 hours, $75 (Ziprecruiter)

Yard of cow fabric: $5 (Joann)

Yard of Texas fabric: $5 (Joann)

Roll of twill strap: $7.50 (Amazon)

Total: $92.50

 

Conclusion

This project was a lot of fun, and invaluable for my sewing skills. 90% of the time was spent troubleshooting the sewing machine, which was NOT fun. Next time, definitely need to do more planning before just sewing fabric together. I learned about the purpose of bobby pins, and next time I’ll put them in the right way so they’re easy to take out while sewing.