I love Bend-the-Rules Sewing...the book's approach and language are a perfect fit for someone like me. I am completely sure that this tutorial bends some sewing rules...and it's not because I'm a sewing rebel but rather that I don't know any better.
This tutorial shows what happens when an engineer sews...it's a study in efficiency of time and materials. The craft apron is made from a single piece of fabric and, not counting the little things to finish the apron, it has only 4 start-and-stop stitches.
Materials:
fabric: 34 x 18 in. For this tutorial I used a heavy cotton that I thifted
wide cotton twill: 2.5 yards long (or slightly longer if you want to tie it easily in the front)
Turn all of the edges in about 1/4 inch, turn again, and press. Fold the panel in half to help you make the rectangle "square". You may have to mess with the hem a little...this step is the hardest part.
Looking at the entire panel with pressed hems, stitch only the bottom short-side hem. Fold up the stitched end to form a pocket panel...I made this pocket 9 inches. Press pocket into place being careful that it is square with the panel.
Place the twill ribbon under the top of the pocket panel so that only half of it is covered.
Pin twill ribbon in place, unfold the pocket and stitch only the bottom of the twill (the part that will be under the pocket).
Fold the pocket back in place and pin.
Starting at the top right corner of the panel (the part that, at this point, is just hemmed), stitch around the entire perimeter of the apron....right down the side, stitching up and over the twill, onto the pocket edge, and all the way around to the other side. Stop sewing at the corners, keeping the needle in the fabric, turn and keep stitching until you return to your starting point.
Fold the top of the panel back so that it is even with the top of the twill ribbon. Press in place and pin the twill in place.
Stitch along the top of the twill.
At this point, the apron is constructed and the only thing left is to finish it. Top stitch through the pocket panel to make as many pockets as you like. I stitched a single partition in the middle to make two big pockets.
I stitched a printed twill tape measure to the bottom hem. Do this so the tape measure is upside down so you can lift it to measure something. I also added a small ribbon loop to hold my glasses.
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That's it! My first "real" tutorial. Please let me know if you try this or have any questions. I'd love to see any finished projects so send me links!
Looks like a fun and easy apron to make - I'll have to try it out!
Posted by: Annette | November 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM
This is SO cute and creative! I absolutely LOVE the measuring tape! I'll be linking.
Posted by: Rachel | November 25, 2008 at 01:14 PM
How fun! A great idea and practical too!
Glad to see you have no fear when it comes to sewing! Just go for it! Too many people are afraid of not doing it the "right way". If you can finish a project, you've done it thee "right way", I say.
Posted by: claudia | November 25, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Congrats on your first tutorial! Love it!~~~XXOO, Beth
Posted by: Elizabeth Holcombe | November 25, 2008 at 03:12 PM