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How to Sew a Full Apron

This handmade apron with curved skirt hem is the inspiration for sewing a new one.

Tying on an apron was part of my late grandmother’s daily routine, and my mother continues that ritual. Her aprons have been wearing thin, though, and it’s time to sew a full apron. After looking through her collection of unused half aprons and the few full aprons not yet in tatters (see some of the collection here), I decided to replicate and then tweak one of my grandmother’s favorite designs to sew a full apron. We’re not sure from where Grandma copied this design, but it is one she sewed and wore many times over the years.

Supplies:

  • 1 3/4 yards woven fabric such as quilting cotton
  • 1 1/8 yards rickrack
  • 2 sets of snaps
  • Carbon and tracing paper
  • Hand-sewing needles
  • Matching thread
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine

Create a full apron pattern

I used tracing and carbon papers to create a pattern from the apron sewn by my grandmother, which features pretty curves at the hem. I folded the apron in half to make symmetrical skirt and bib patterns. I also added 5/8-inch seam allowances to all edges, even though I stitched 1/2-inch seams in some instances when assembling the apron. For the pocket pattern, I borrowed the general shape of another apron pocket (not shown) with a curved edge similar to that of the apron skirt. If you don’t have an apron to trace, use the photos below as a guide to draw your own pattern; you can adjust the pattern’s size and shape as desired.

Copying an apron

Cut the fabric:

1 apron skirt on the fold

Apron Skirt Pattern

2 apron bibs on the fold

Apron Bib Pattern

2 pockets on the fold

Apron Pocket Pattern

Two 26-inch by 5-inch waist ties

Two 13 1/2-inch by 2 1/2-inch neck straps

20 1/2-inch by 4 1/4-inch waistband

Note: This apron is a small size but can easily be enlarged by lengthening the straps, ties, waistband, and…

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Previous: Sew a Half Apron with Trimmed Patch Pockets Next: Sew a 3-Minute Felt Pouch for Jewelry or Gifts
Discuss

Discuss

  1. Sefadoci | | #1

    good post !

  2. Zkibi | | #2

    bardzo fajny pomysł na fartuszek

  3. bartek31211 | | #3

    ładnie zrobione

  4. Pyafu | | #4

    ładnie zrobione

  5. Bhuvep | | #5

    super post

  6. p829692 | | #6

    good post

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