I started off my sewing journey by reading about and watching videos on the basics of a sewing machine and how it operates. Once I was familiar with all of the components of a sewing machine, I moved on with my EDES 210 sewing assignment by looking up apron sewing tutorials online. Since this was my first time operating a sewing machine, I went with a beginner, “How To Make An Apron” video, by Just Fabrics.
I was now ready to start on my apron. I collected all the materials I would need for the first step: sketching out my pattern. I was originally going to use the measurements and sketch given in the homework description for this assignment – but since this might be my one and only time making my own apron, I wanted to make it my own. After measuring myself and getting an idea of how I wanted my apron to fit, I decided on the following measurements for my apron:
Top: 12 in
Half-waist: 30 in
Half-length: 11 in
Length: 30 in
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6437-225x300.jpg)
Image 1: My Measurements on Pattern Paper
Once I had my measurements, I started to sketch my apron on a pattern paper using a meter stick. I also wanted my apron to curve under my arms and around my waist, so I made my own sketch pattern as shown in Image 1. After I had my sketch to my liking and double-checked the measurements and symmetry, I cut out the pattern paper. With the cut-out pattern, I was able to sketch out my apron onto my fabric, leaving an inch of space to be folded when sewing.
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6440-225x300.jpg)
Image 2: Pattern Paper Sketched onto Fabric
Now that I had my fabric cut out, I could move on to assembling my apron. But before I got to work with the sewing machines at the OEDK, I did some practice stitches with the sewing machine at my house. This helped me be more comfortable operating the machine and allowed me to have more control over my stitching.
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6456-225x300.jpg)
Image 3: At-Home Practice !
Once I had enough practice, I started sewing my apron. I first measured ½ an inch of fabric on the edge that I would be sewing and ironed it flat to have consistent stitches from end to end. After my edges were flat, I pinned down the fabric to make sure nothing would be moving around and to have a path to guide my stitches. At this point, one of my classmates recommended me to use masking tape to hold the edges down and help guide my stitches instead. This was actually super helpful, and I used this hack for all of the straight sides of my fabric! When it came to the rounded parts of my apron, however, I had to use pins to keep the stubborn fabric in place.
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6536-225x300.jpg)
Image 4: Using Pins for Support
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6535-225x300.jpg)
Image 5: Using Masking Tape for Support
Most of my stitches went by smoothly; however, the stitches for one of the rounded parts of my apron came out with a lot of loose string poking out for some reason. I asked a Lab Assistant for help, and they let me know the machine I was using was faulty, so I decided to sew over this part again with another machine. This time, I sewed just a tad bit away from the original stitching. And with the new stitches, I was able to undo the first set of stitches, and ended up with a much cleaner finish.
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6560-225x300.jpg)
Image 6: Messy Stitches
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6561-225x300.jpg)
Image 7: Clean Stitches
After the main body of my apron was done, I measured out how long I wanted my neck and waist straps. These were measured visually, by putting my apron against my body, rather than using an actual measuring tape. Once I had my pieces measured and cut, I secured the loose ends of my straps with box stitched, and then box stitched those ends onto my apron for the utmost support. With that, my apron was complete!
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6569-273x300.jpg)
Image 8: Complete Apron !!
To break finances down, I worked on this apron for nearly 8 hours over these past two weeks. I would pay myself minimum wage for this since I am nowhere near an expert, and it would not feel right for me to charge anything more than minimum as a beginner in the sewing industry. The supplies and machines were provided by the school, but I will include rough estimates for their prices when calculating the total cost. So here it is:
Time: $58
8 hours → $7.25/hour
Materials: $8
1 yard of fabric → $6
1 yard of straps → $2
Machine: $88
(cheapest one I could find online)
Total: $154
That is definitely one pricey apron! However, the sewing machine would be an investment. As I use it for more projects, the cost per project could come down to just a couple cents. My labor cost would also decrease as I practice, since I would not be taking as long to make one item.
All in all, sewing is definitely a skill that is worth the time and effort that goes into mastering it. I will continue to practice and take on personal projects. I know I will be putting this new-learned skill to use in the future, and probably in everyday life. Plus, I want to add a pocket to my apron once I feel more confident in my sewing skills!
P.S. I made sure to leave my workspace clean after each use! Here is my final workspace after I was done:
![](https://engi210.blogs.rice.edu/files/2025/02/IMG_6545-225x300.jpg)
Image 10: All Done and Cleaned Up !