So here's how I make a whole bunch of Holiday Aprons in a Jiffy!
First things first: Pick really fun fabrics Aprons are just squares of fabric with a little nip- tuck, it's the fabric that makes them fun. It takes a yards length to make this pattern but there will be a wide strip left on one side that could make great pot holders or Holiday booty bags.
This really goes quickly if you think Assembly line style and you trust yourself to'eyeball' rather than measure: Start by lining up all your selvages and bottom cut edges. I usually cut 5 - 1 yard lengths at once. Be careful to get your directional fabrics going the same way and oriented top to bottom with the pattern.
For a pattern I simply I took my favorite Everyday Apron and lay it on the layered fabrics with a generous inch all around for the hemming.
Here's an apron already cut with the hem allowance that I'm using as a pattern to cut the other layers.
With all the selvages and hem ends lined up, all I had to do was cut around two sides. With a good pair of scissors you can accurately cut through 5 layers of fabric.
For the neck strap cut a strip 24" for each chosen fabric. With right sides together sew each strip into a tube and turn right sides out.
With the seam side up iron first one side of the tube,
Then flip it over and iron the tube flat.
Use a medium zig- zag stitch to finish to tube ends.
Starting by hemming the straight part of both sides. Hem by turning the edge 3/8" once and ironing,
and then another turn 3/8" and give it another good press. Pin the apron strings about 1" from the arm/ curved edges near the top. I used a 24" lengths of 3'8" grosgrain ribbon for the apron strings. Tie a knot on the loose end to finish it.
Sew down the pressed hems using the edge of your universal foot as a guide that will sew a scant 3/8" seam that should just sew the edge of the hem and the ribbon.
Repeat this process for the bottom edge. I don't pin except at the corners. It saves time and the pressing should keep everything straight while sewing. I like to use glass head pins so I can iron right over them.
On the curved part of the sides the second fold will go over the apron string end, further holding it in place when sewn.
The top hem is the only one I measure. First turn the raw edge 3/8" and press and then turn it down 1" and press. pin the strap ends to the hem on each side, seam side toward you.
Sew the hem close to the top edge and over the straps.
Then flip the apron over and sew the hem close to the bottom edge of the hem and straps
Five Aprons in a Jiffy!
Well, I hope that inspires you all to do a little holiday sewing of your own! I can't wait to read what some of you are sewing for the holidays! Have fun on the blog hop and Happy Holidays!
Cheers, Claire W
