Hey everyone. Today we're sewing a pretty kitchen apron, and you'll learn how to add long ties and a divided pocket that actually gets used.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric
This is Ballet Pink, from the Paris Luck collection.
It comes from Hoffman California Fabrics.
It is a cotton quilting fabric.
And it runs 43 to 44 inches wide.
It is sold by the yard.
So you can buy just what this apron needs.
The color is right there in the name.
Ballet pink. Soft, light, and sweet.
Not bright. Not loud.
Just a gentle pink that feels fresh in a kitchen.
The print brings the Paris theme to life.
Look for the Eiffel Tower in the design.
Look for flowers and soft floral touches, too.
The listing also tags a pink flamingo motif.
And a little green tucked into the pattern.
The listing calls this a Hoffman digital spectrum print.
That printing keeps the details looking layered and soft.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Simple shape, straight seams, lovely fabric.
Just like that, baking days look a little cuter.
The project: a Paris apron
We are making a classic bib apron.
It covers your front when flour starts flying.
It ties at the waist and at the neck.
And it finishes about 32 inches long.
That is a good, useful size for most home cooks.
Why does this fabric suit it?
Quilting cotton presses crisp and sews easy.
It holds a hem without fighting you.
The all-over Paris print helps, too.
There is no single motif you must center perfectly.
Cut your panel, and the towers and flowers land pretty.
Super duper cute, and super duper useful.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Materials
- 1 yard of Ballet Pink Paris Luck cotton for the apron body, pocket, and ties
- 50-weight cotton thread in a soft pink or cream
- Size 80/12 needle
- Rotary cutter, ruler, and clips or pins
Brief steps
- Cut the apron body at 28 inches wide by 32 inches long. Press it well before you cut.
- Shape the upper sides if you like. Mark in 9 inches from each top corner, then curve or angle down to the waist.
- Hem all raw edges. Fold each edge over 1/4 inch, press, fold 1/4 inch again, and stitch close to the fold.
- Cut the pocket at 12 inches wide by 8 inches tall. Hem the top edge, press the other three edges under 1/4 inch, and pin it centered near the waist.
- Stitch the pocket down on three sides. Add one line of stitching down the middle to divide it into two pockets.
- Cut two waist ties at 4 inches wide by 36 inches long, and two neck ties at 4 inches wide by 22 inches long. Fold each in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew with a 1/4-inch seam.
- Turn each tie right side out, press it flat, and topstitch. Attach the waist ties at the waist corners and the neck ties at the top corners with a strong box stitch.
- Press the whole apron one last time, try it on, and adjust the ties to a bow you like.
Practical tips before you sew
First, go slow turning those ties.
They are long and narrow.
Slow down or you will be re-sewing that spot.
Second, keep your stitch length honest.
About 8 to 9 stitches per inch works well here.
Third, you have options, folks.
Skip the bib top and make a half apron instead.
Add one big pocket, or keep the front plain.
Make the ties extra long so they wrap and tie in front.
My preference is the divided pocket.
But your apron, your rules.
Completely up to you.
And hear me on this one.
It does not have to be perfect.
If a hem wiggles a little, let it be.
You are your own worst critic.
Nobody at the stove is checking your topstitching.
They are asking what is for supper.
Take your time. It's not a race.
Alrighty. Thanks for sewing along with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Ballet Pink Paris Luck 43"/44" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
