We get it. The OEDK is a messy place, and it gets even messier when it is time to clean the place! instead of getting your knacks dirty with sawdust and powders, I propose a solution: Make your own apron! In this post, I will show you how I became a full-time OEDK employee with a handy apron that keeps my items close while keeping me clean.
Creating the Apron
Estimated Time: 4 Hours.
In my own creation of an apron, I envision two main goals: To make the apron capable of performing its intended duty and to give it more functionality than just keeping you clean. To achieve this, I make sure my apron has reasonable dimensions and must have at least one pocket that can hold something. Having a design ready, I set myself off to work
A pattern blueprint for my apron with dimensions.
I created my own design to be a little bit creative and unique – Instead of having the standard trapezoidal pattern, I went for a more ergonomic, elliptical shoulder model to fit my needs. I have a big chest and a big range of motion for my arms, so having more free space around them is good as it prevents my arms from wrinkling the apron while it is being used. On the left, I created a 36′ by 32′ inch design, allocating a 1″ seam allowance on each side except the top seam, which has an allowance of 1.5″ to accommodate and create a stronger sew on the neck straps. The seams would be double folded, leaving behind a .5″ seam and a .75″ seam respectively
I transferred my design over to my cloth and began to cut it.
After creating my pattern, I transfer the draft onto my actual cloth (which has an Animal Crossing character pattern design). I traced all my dimensions using a meter stick and was finally able to cut out my design. To have an easier time, I folded my cloth halfway so that I could just make a one-sided outline and use symmetry to cut both sides perfectly. After cutting the apron out, I creased the seams with my nails so that I could have an easier time later on with pinning and sewing them.
After cutting out my pattern and getting my seams attached with pins, I also started cutting out my pockets out of the same cloth. The pockets are about 6 by 5 in. squares with a similar seam allowance as the rest of the apron (1″) By creating seams around the pockets, we can get a more finished and smoother look while creating a sturdy pocket capable of holding my phone and even a water bottle!
Finished cut outline of the apron and the pockets.
One of my pockets with a close- up view with pins.
Sewing
Probably the most difficult step, sewing the apron is the most important fabrication stage as it creates a nice, finished look for the apron. To finish this project, I sewed the seams on all sides in the straightest way I could. Though the cloth was very difficult to work with, I was able to create straight, uniform seams with just the dimensions that I wanted.
During this same step, I also sewed the pocket seams and attached the pockets to the apron. Using the same method as seam sewing, I was able to go around the edges of the pockets and attach them nearly “seamlessly” (no pun intended)
The initial sewing stages.
Lastly, Using my own sewing machined, I sewed on the neck and waist straps for the apron. Each appendage on the apron is about 1.5 -2.0 feet, which is enough clearance to fit my head through and be able to tie the apron around me. I attached these using solid box stitches to create a strong link between the straps and the cloth.
The finalized apron with sewed seams, pockets, and straps.
VOILA! We are done with our apron!
Reflection
Though I am very satisfied with the resulting cleanliness and quality of my apron, I had many shortcomings that I wish could have been improved further with this project. For example, I don’t have the best box stitches and seams. Though there were instances where these looked presentable, I had difficulty with some of these stitches as the cloth was very hard to work with because the straps were simply too small to maintain focus when pivoting and the thread was difficult to see. These are some mistakes that I really wish I could improve on in the future. Additionally, I wish that I could have used the cloth in a more efficient manner because I wish I had more for my pockets. This could have been improved with better design planning and scaling.
Some of my seams came out crooked and require improvement.
Using white thread was difficult to see and the straps were small, hence the bad box stitches.
Despite the shortcomings, this project had a satisfying conclusion I am proud of and I hope to continue learning and making awesome things!
Ready to work 24/7 for the OEDK!
