Hey everyone, today we're making a cheerful kitchen apron that lets a busy collage print do all the talking.
Here we go. Let's talk fabric first.
This is Flock Together Collage Multi Cotton, from In The Beginning Fabrics. The designer is Jason Yenter. It is 100% cotton, and the width of fabric is 44"/45". That's what the product listing tells us, plain and simple.
The color story is multi color, with a lot to look at. The tags name birds, butterflies, and animals. You'll also see flowers, leaves and trees, and a little sun. Add geometric shapes and squares, and you have a true collage.
Picture that across your kitchen. Just like that, a plain chore gets a little happier.
Why this fabric suits an apron
An apron is a big, flat canvas. That makes it perfect for a collage print. The birds get room. The flowers get room. Nothing has to be chopped up tiny.
It suits kitchen life, too. A busy multi color print is forgiving. A little flour here. A little splatter there. It all blends right in between washings.
My preference is a simple bib apron. One main panel. One divided pocket. Long ties that tie in front. But you could do a half apron if you like that style, or skip the pocket if you never use one. Completely up to you. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
What you'll need
- 1 1/2 yards of Flock Together Collage Multi Cotton, 44"/45" wide, 100% cotton
- Matching thread for construction
- Your usual basics: rotary cutter, ruler, pins or clips, marking tool, and a size 80/12 needle
This plan makes one adult bib apron. It finishes about 27" wide by 32" tall, not counting the ties. That is good, comfortable coverage for most cooks and crafters.
Here is the cutting math. Cut the body 28" wide by 33" tall, including hems. Cut the pocket 19" wide by 10" tall. Cut two waist ties 3" by 24" and one neck strap 3" by 28". Lay it out first. Check the birds and trees sit right side up.
Brief steps
First, press your fabric well. Then square up the edges. Go slow on that first cut. A straight edge now saves you fussing later.
Second, cut your pieces. If a butterfly lands in the center, that's a bonus. If it doesn't, that's fine too.
Third, make your ties and strap. Fold each strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew the long edge with a 1/4" seam, at about 8 to 10 stitches per inch. Turn right side out and press flat.
Fourth, finish the pocket. Hem the top edge by folding it down 1/4", then another 1/2", and stitching close to the fold. Press the other three sides in 1/2". Pin the pocket to the front, centered, about 10" up from the bottom. Stitch the sides and bottom. Then stitch one line up the middle to make two pockets. Backstitch well at the top corners. That spot takes a lot of tugging.
Fifth, hem the body. Fold the sides, top, and bottom in 1/4", then another 1/2", and press. Tuck the neck strap ends under the top hem, about 4" in from each side. Place the waist ties at the sides, about 11" down from the top. Slow down where you sew over those thick tie ends, or the needle can snap. Topstitch all the way around, catching the hems, strap, and ties as you go.
Sixth, give it a final press. Try it on. Adjust the neck strap if you need to. Just like that, you're done.
My tips from the sewing room
Tip one: test on a scrap first. Fold a scrap double and check your stitch length and tension. I've skipped that test before. I've also had to rip it out before. Two minutes now saves real time later.
Tip two: pin the pocket before you commit. Slip your hand in. Check the height feels right. Move it an inch if you want. That is the beauty of making your own.
Tip three: it doesn't have to be perfect. If a hem wobbles, leave it. You're your own worst critic. Nobody is checking your stitching with a ruler. Take your time, it's not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. Super duper fun, and it makes a really really sweet gift, too.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today, folks. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Flock Together Collage Multi Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
