Hey everyone. Today you'll learn how to sew a cheerful, useful kitchen apron in a glowing red pearl.
Here we go.
This is a beginner-friendly make. Mostly straight seams. One pocket. Long ties. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Meet the fabric first
We're working with Red Pearl from the Pearl Shimmer Tonals. The collection is Shimmer Tonals. It is part of the Basics & Blenders line from Connecting Threads.
This color is Red Pearl, a bright, happy red. The tags call it red, and that fits just right.
The print is a watercolor tonal with pearlescent accents. The tonal pearlescent metallic printing adds a subtle sparkle. It catches the light without shouting.
This fabric is 100% USA grown quilting cotton, printed on long staple Rainbow base cloth. That is why it feels super soft, silky, and smooth. It is also Oeko-Tex Certified free of harmful substances.
The width is 44/45 inches, sold per yard. The maker is CT - Connecting Threads. The line comes in 40 colors.
Why this fabric suits an apron
An apron has to work hard. It guards your clothes. It catches splashes. It still should make you smile.
From across the room, this one reads as a rich, solid red. Up close, the shimmer keeps it special. That soft glow makes a simple shape look really really good.
Quilting cotton is easy to sew, too. It presses crisp. It holds a seam. It cuts clean and feeds smooth under the foot.
Our finished apron is about 27 inches wide by 34 inches long. That gives good coverage. The ties are long enough to tie in front or back, completely up to you.
Materials list
- 1 1/2 yards Red Pearl Shimmer Tonals Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard for the apron body, pocket, and ties
- 50-weight cotton thread in a matching red for seams and topstitching
- An 80/12 needle for sewing quilting cotton
- Rotary cutter, ruler, mat, pins or clips
- Iron and pressing surface
- A safety pin or bodkin for turning the ties
- Your favorite apron to trace, or a large sheet of paper for a simple pattern
Brief steps
Step 1: Press and cut. Press the fabric flat. Cut one apron body at 28 inches wide by 35 inches long. Cut one pocket at 9 inches by 10 inches. Cut two tie strips at 3 inches wide by 36 inches long, piecing if needed.
Step 2: Hem the body. Fold the side and bottom edges in 1/2 inch, press, then fold in another 1/2 inch. Topstitch close to the inner fold at about 10 to 12 stitches per inch. Fold the top edge down the same way and stitch it.
Step 3: Make the ties. Fold each tie strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew the long edge and one short end with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn right side out with a safety pin, then press flat. Take your time here.
I have twisted a tie while turning it, y'all. Oh my goodness, yes. The fix is simple. Smooth it as you turn, a little at a time. Press it flat and nobody will ever know.
Step 4: Attach the ties. Pin one tie to each top side corner of the apron body, on the wrong side. Stitch over the hem line twice for strength. Backstitch well, because those ties get tugged.
Step 5: Add the pocket. Hem the top edge of the pocket. Fold the other three edges in 1/2 inch and press. Pin it centered on the apron, about 8 inches below the top edge. Topstitch the sides and bottom, backstitching at the top corners. Just like that, your apron is done.
Practical tips from my table
Let the pearly shimmer do the sparkle work. Plain thread is plenty. Busy stitching can fight this pretty fabric, so simple lines let the red shine.
Want options? Leave the pocket as one big pocket. Or stitch a line down the middle for two smaller pockets. We're not reinventing the wheel here, and it's completely up to you.
Slow down at the tie corners. Those layers stack up thick there. Slow down or the needle snaps, especially when you stitch over the folded hems.
Press as you go. Crisp pressed hems are what make this apron look really really neat.
And hear me on this one. It does not have to be perfect. You're your own worst critic. Take your time, it's not a race. Once you're cooking, all anyone sees is that warm red glow.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Red Pearl Shimmer Tonals Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
