Introduction: I still can’t believe I finished my first sewing project in my life, although the apron I sewed is not that precise and pretty at all. I found sewing really interesting and useful. This project really broadened my vision. I originally thought that it was already a big progress for me to just finish the beginner task of sewing an apron, but I want to learn some more and let my apron have a place to put my phone, so I added two pockets to my apron. I spent the past week working on the project. Now, let’s dive into how I made my first apron!

Step one: Reading the instructions

As a beginner, the first step is to carefully read the instructions provided by all the professors and TAs. I went over every single line in the Google Doc to have a whole picture of the project.

Step Two: Measuring the size of the Apron

Although this is the start of the project, it is a very important step. This step is like the blueprint of the whole project. If you measure the size incorrectly, you will end up making an apron that doesn’t fit your size, which will affect the appearance of the final product. I measured my size using a soft measuring tape. I stood straight and placed a soft measuring tape at the neckline where I wanted it to start, then measured down to a length that would roughly cover my knees. I asked a friend to help me read and record the measurement. For the apron’s width, I used a measurement that is about 10 cm wider than my waist, adding 5 cm on each side, so the apron can wrap around my sides properly. With this, all of my measurements were complete.

Step Three: Using pattern paper to cut the fabric

Using the measurements I just took, I cut out the final apron shape on pattern paper. I pinned the pattern paper onto the blue fabric I chose and then folded the fabric in half. Since the apron shape is symmetrical, I only needed to cut once to get the full apron shape. (I am not smart enough to think of this method. Professor Bisesti told me to do so!)

Step Four: Fold and Iron the edge of the apron

From this step on, I started to face some difficulties because I had to use a tool that I was not very familiar with before, the iron. Since I was working during office hours, Professor Bisesti was there, and with her help, I learned my first new technique. I carefully ironed the edges of my fabric, which made it possible to avoid using pins, although I still pinned the edges for safety, because I left after finishing the ironing. I think this step is very important as well. If the edges are not ironed well, problems can appear later during sewing, and the process becomes much less smooth. My friend Dohoon and I worked on the ironing together, and it took us almost an hour to finish this step, even with Professor Bisesti’s help. Without her guidance, it would have taken much longer, and the final result would not have been as good. Great thanks to Professor Bisesti.

Step Five: Start sewing the edge

Because I did not learn how to use a sewing machine in class, I was not sure how to start this step. My friend James helped me by teaching me how to set up and use the Juki sewing machine. At the beginning, it was a bit difficult because I sometimes placed the fabric in the wrong direction, which caused the thread to become messy. However, as I practiced more, the process became smoother and easier. The biggest issue was that I did not control the stitching distance well and did not properly use the guide ruler on the sewing machine, so my stitches were not very straight. This is something I need to improve in the future. I need to use the guide ruler on the sewing machine more accurately, and I also think the ironing step is very important, making sure the folded edges are even helps control the stitching and makes the lines smoother and straighter.

Fig. 1 Sewing the edges

Step Six: Straps sewing and box stitches

I did not use my leftover fabric to make the straps. Instead, I used a different woven material that came in rolls. I did not measure the dimensions very precisely and only did a rough comparison. Then I reached what I think was the hardest part of this project, the box stitch. So far, I still cannot make a perfect box stitch. At first, I forgot that the needle needs to stay in the fabric when turning, so I had to line it up by eye. As a result, my first attempts were very messy and did not form a clear box shape. I definitely need more practice, and I have to admit that the box stitches this time were not very successful. However, at least the straps were attached, which was still a small win. Unfortunately, something very disappointing happened afterward. While cutting the fabric for my pockets, I accidentally cut one of the straps. I had no choice but to sew the broken strap back onto the original one, which negatively affected the overall appearance. Until now, I have already finished the beginner task, but I want to challenge myself a little bit more, so I decided to make pockets.

Step Seven: Making the pockets

I had no idea how to make pockets at first, so I watched the YouTube video provided. However, I felt that the pockets shown in the video were not the style I wanted. Later, while walking to the restroom, I noticed the orange apron with pockets hanging on the wall, and that gave me some inspiration. I followed the same steps as before: cutting a suitable pocket shape on pattern paper, cutting the fabric (this was when the accident mentioned earlier happened), ironing the edges, and sewing the edges. Finally, I sewed the pockets onto the apron. However, my stitches were still not very straight, which caused overlapping lines when attaching the pockets, and this reduced the overall appearance. Even so, I think having pockets makes the apron much more practical, since I can use them to hold my phone and other small items. Until now, the whole project has ended. It was obviously not perfect or even mid, but I tried my best, and I am still proud of myself since this was my first time.

 

         Fig. 2 About to finish

          Fig. 3 Final Product

Cost Breakdown:

Labor Cost: $7.25/hr *8 = $58

Sewing Machine Renting Fee: $25/day*1 = $25

Tread Cost: $4/roll*1 = $4

Fabric Cost: $10/yard*1 = $10

Iron Renting Fee: $5/day*1 = $5

Total Cost: $102

Reflection:

Overall, I am very proud of myself for finishing my first apron (sewing project) in my life. However, there are tons of things I can improve, including the need to measure and iron more carefully, use the sewing machine’s guide to keep my stitches straight, pay closer attention to details, keep finished pieces away from the cutting area, and practice the box stitch more. Also, I forgot to take a lot of photos while working. I should take more photos next time for each step. It’s just a good start, and I believe I can make a better apron next time! Thanks to everyone who helped me during the project!

               Fig. 4 Clean Workspace