This project was inspired by my sweet niece. For her 9th birthday I decided to make her an apron because she loves to bake and cook. However, I was down to the wire and I did not want to reinvent the wheel. So, I went online in search for a pattern. Needless to say, I could not find one I liked or one in her size so, I had to reinvent the wheel. The apron is adjustable and will fit a girls size 6-9 years old.
The fabric I choose is Baked with Love and Spot on in yellow. Both prints are by Robert Kaufman Fabrics. I also use a bit of double fold crochet bias tape for the top.
Materials needed:
Step 1:
Fold main fabric in half with right sides facing. Cut out bib piece and bottom apron piece on the fold. Bottom apron 13 1/2" x 7 1/4" square on fold. Trace and cut arm facing piece along the grain of fabric.
From the coordinating print cut out two 3 inch stripes of fabric along the width of the fabric and one 11 1/2" x 19" rectangle. These will be used for the ties and top apron piece.
Step 2:
Serge raw edges around all four edges of both apron pieces and bib. Press all edges over, expect top edges of bib and aprons, to create a narrow hem and topstitch hem in place. If you do not have a serger, double fold over all, but the top edges, 1/4" press and stitch hem in place.
Step 3:
Baste stitch the top and bottom apron pieces together. Making sure the top piece is centered. You should have about 3" of main fabric showing on each side. Now create a gather by stitching 1/4" from edge of fabric with the largest stitch length on your machine. Repeat this step 1/4" away from that stitch line. On both ends of apron, tie off the top two threads from each row together in a knot. Pull the bottom two threads slowly, working from each end at a time until you have an even gather and the ends meet up with the width of the bib. Pin in place and stitch together. Press seam up towards bib.
Step 4:
Attach double fold bias tape to top of bib.
Step 5:
Take the arm facing pieces and stitch 1/4" from long outside edge. Use this as a guide to fold and press edge under to wrong side of fabric. Then turn short ends under and create a narrow hem.
With right sides facing pin the facing to the bib, matching the short ends to top and side of apron. Stitch along curve, clip seam allowance along curve, then understitch. Understitch by pressing seam away from apron. Turn right side up and stitch close to seam. Turn facing over to the inside of the apron and stitch close to edge, forming a casing. Leave ends open.
Step 6:
Create the neck strap and tie by stitching ends of 3" stripes together. Press short ends under. Then press the length of the fabric as if you are making 1" bias tape. To do this you press the 3" strip raw edges under about 1/4" on each side. Fold in half lengthwise and topstitch along both edges.
Step 7:
Feed strap up through one armhole casing and down the other casing. Tie it together in a bow in the back and you are done! You could embellish the apron with the childs' initial. I wanted to add a capital C in the lower corner of the top apron panel but ran out of time. I had enough material left over to make potholders and a matching towel.
I hope this has inspired you to make a special apron for someone!