Hey everyone! Today we're making an apron, and you'll learn how ready-cut strips can become a colorful bargello-style front without a lot of fussy cutting.
Meet the fabric first
This is the Boundless Coordinated Stash Builder Bundle - Bargello B.
It is a Craftsy Bluprint bundle.
The total is 5 2/3 yards.
These are quilt-shop quality fabrics, made in Japan.
Every piece is 100% cotton.
The listed end uses are crafts and quilting.
Here is exactly what you get.
You get 1 piece of fabric plus strips.
You get 2/3 yard of solid black.
You also get 2 1/2-inch strips in various colors, as pictured.
The pattern is not included.
That is fine, y'all. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Here is what I use and why.
I love strips for an apron front.
The cutting is already started for you.
The colors do the design work.
And that solid black gives everything a frame.
Black makes colors look brighter, and hides a kitchen splash or two. Just like that, practical and pretty meet.
The project: a bargello-strip apron
We are making one apron.
The finished front panel is about 24 inches wide and about 28 inches long, before the waistband.
Why does this bundle suit it?
A bargello look needs contrast and movement.
You get that by sewing strips together, then shifting the order as you build rows.
You do not need a complicated pattern.
Use the black for the waistband, ties, and pocket trim.
Now the whole apron looks pulled together.
Or keep your strips straight for simple stripes.
Or alternate dark and light strips all the way.
Completely up to you.
My pick is the shifted, bargello-style front.
It looks super duper fun, and it makes a really really good gift.
Materials list
- The Boundless Coordinated Stash Builder Bundle - Bargello B - various solid fabrics 5 2/3 yards total, for the strips and solid black below
- About 18 to 20 strips, each 2 1/2 inches wide, from the bundle, for the apron front
- The 2/3 yard solid black, for the waistband, ties, and pocket trim
- 1 yard of plain cotton from your stash, for a lined backing, if you want one
- 1 pocket piece, about 8 by 9 inches, from leftover strips or black
- 50-weight cotton thread for piecing and topstitching
- A size 80/12 needle
- Pins, a ruler, a rotary cutter, and good scissors
Brief steps
First, press all your strips and lay them out in color order.
Take a quick photo of that order. Trust me, that photo saves headaches later.
Sew the strips together lengthwise with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Each strip should finish about 2 inches wide.
Set your stitch length around 2.5 millimeters, about 10 to 12 stitches per inch.
Press your seams all one direction.
Next, trim the strip set to about 24 by 28 inches.
For the bargello shift, offset each new section by one strip color, and keep checking your layout on the table.
Now cut your black waistband about 4 inches wide, long enough to fit your waist plus ease.
Cut two ties, each about 3 inches wide and about 30 inches long.
Fold each tie in half lengthwise, sew it, turn it, and press it flat.
Slow down when you turn those ties. Pull too hard and a seam can pop.
Add your pocket to the front panel, centered about 8 inches below the top edge.
Topstitch the sides and bottom, leaving the top open.
Layer the front with backing if you are lining it, sew around the sides and bottom, turn it right side out, and press.
Attach the waistband across the top, slip a tie into each end, and topstitch it closed.
Give the whole apron one last good press. Here we go — try it on.
Practical tips
Tip one: audition your strip order first. Lay every strip out before you sew and live with it for ten minutes. Your eye will tell you what to swap.
Tip two: label your sections with painter's tape. I have mixed up a strip order before. Oh my goodness, the seam ripper got a workout. We laughed, we fixed it, we moved on.
Tip three: do not chase perfect points. This apron will catch flour and barbecue sauce. It does not have to be perfect. You are your own worst critic here. Take your time, it is not a race. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Tip four: use your leftovers for pot holders, placemats, or a second apron for a friend.
Alrighty, folks. Thanks so much for sewing along with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Boundless Coordinated Stash Builder Bundle - Bargello B - various solid fabrics 5 2/3 yards total at Linda's Electric Quilters.
