Japanese aprons?

Josefly | Posted in General Discussion on December 11, 2007 02:22am

Help! I remember reading somewhere online about Japanese-style aprons made from a yard or so of fabric, cut square, and turned corner-up, so the square is on the bias, with a loop that goes around the neck, sewn into one corner, and ties sewn to two other corners, I think, to tie around the waist. Does anybody remember what these aprons are called? I’m pretty sure the discussion was here in Gatherings. I’ve tried a search on “Aprons” but no luck…I think it was in the last 6 months. My memory is just not cooperating.

Replies

sufa | Dec 11, 2007 09:27pm | #1
I looked for That pattern forever when I stumbled into one by accident. I have made several and have lent the original to a friend or I could tell you the pattern maker. However, if you Google "Mama-san Aprons", you will come to the site I bought from. It was $7.95, a good price for what you want. Hope this helps. If not, email me back and I will phone the woman I lent the pattern to. Cheers Sufa

Josefly | Dec 12, 2007 06:45am | #2
From the looks of it, the Mamasan apron is much more of a cover-up than what I read about. They do look like wonderfully protective (from spatters, etc.) aprons, however.The apron I read about was nothing more than a large square of fabric turned diagonally so that a corner was at the top. A loop was sewn onto that corner, and ties sewn onto the two side corners, and a large square pocket was sewn onto the bottom half of the apron. I saw a picture of one, but didn't see one actually being worn, so I'm not sure how it works. And my memory must be playing tricks on me - now I'm not sure that it was actually a Japanese design. Thanks for your help, though. I had fun googling Japanese aprons - of course there are as many styles as you can imagine.

jatman | Dec 12, 2007 09:28am | #3
Hi Josefly,

You might look at this website:

http://tipnut.com/56-free-apron-patterns-you-can-make/

Hopefully one of them is at least close to what you are looking for. I didn't see anything exactly as you described (and I didn't look at them all) but #3 and #5 look like they may be similar in style.

Good luck!

JT

Josefly | Dec 12, 2007 02:46pm | #4
Thank you, jatman. Yes, I had seen this site on my previous searches, but I went back, at your suggestion, to look a little more carefully. I think I will just play with a square of fabric - I think it was meant to be 42 or 44" square, and add the loop and ties. Don't know how it will fit around the body, but that is the purpose of playing, no? It has been fun to scout around the internet for apron patterns - the number of free patterns available is amazing, and the variety of styles is likewise. I love seeing the fabrics and trims used.

Tessa | Dec 17, 2007 01:45am | #5
Ah! You are looking for the the Tamari Apron pattern by Sewing Workshop. http://www.sewingworkshop.com It is styled after one created by Issey Miyake, a Japanese designer. Most of Sewing Workshop's patterns are based on Miyake designs.

As you say it is basically a large square which is tilted. There is a shoulder strap attached to the top point. Another strap is attached down the left edge at the waist position, and a loop down the right edge at the waist.

To fasten it, the shoulder strap goes over the left shoulder, crosses over the back and through the loop on the right then ties at CB with the left side strap.

http://www.patternreview.com will probably have some reviews on it.

Tessa.

Josefly | Dec 17, 2007 11:08pm | #6
That sounds like it - the apron I saw pictured. No wonder I couldn't figure out how it was worn! Thank you so much. I'll check out the pattern and reviews as you suggested.