Hey everyone. Today you will learn how to sew a pretty, practical apron you will reach for every day.
Here we go.
The fabric is the Aviva Floral Charm Aubergine Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard, from Windham Fabrics.
Let us break that name down slow.
First, it is cotton. Quilting cotton. The width of fabric is 44"/45".
Second, it is from the Aviva collection. Made by Windham Fabrics by Whistler Studios.
Third, look at the print name. Floral Charm. Aubergine.
Aviva blooms with life and elegance. This romantic floral collection has airy watercolor textures. Lush bouquets. Delicate sprigs. And graceful foliage.
The palette is soft pinks and lilacs. Sunshine yellows. And rich sangria.
Aubergine points you to the deep side of that palette. The tags note maroon and purple. Sweet blooms, but not too sweet. Like a blooming garden at golden hour. Timeless. Joyful. Full of grace.
Why an apron suits this fabric
An apron is one big, useful panel. It covers your front while you cook, bake, or sew.
Our apron finishes about 28 inches wide by 32 inches long. That is good coverage for most adults.
Here is why this fabric suits it so well. An apron front is wide and open.
Your bouquets stay whole. The watercolor texture reads across the whole front. Nothing gets cut into tiny pieces.
You have options, too. Make the whole apron in Aubergine for one bold look. Or add a plain pocket for contrast. I like the all-Aubergine version. Completely up to you.
Materials list
- 1 yard of this Aviva Floral Charm Aubergine cotton — that covers the apron body cut about 29 by 33 inches, plus one pocket cut 8 by 9 inches
- Remaining width from that yard, or a coordinating cotton, for two waist ties cut 3 by 36 inches each and one neck strap cut 3 by 24 inches
- Thread to blend with the purples and pinks, and a fresh 80/12 needle, set to about 2.5 mm stitch length
- Rotary cutter, ruler, pins or clips, chalk or a fabric marker, and a hot iron
- Optional: a point turner or chopstick for crisp corners
Brief steps
Step 1: Cut with care. Press your fabric well. Cut the body 29 by 33 inches. Watch where your favorite bouquets land before you cut. Center one pretty cluster if you can. Then cut your pocket, ties, and neck strap.
Step 2: Hem the body. Fold each side edge in 1/2 inch, press, then fold in 1/2 inch again. Sew close to the folded edge. Repeat on the bottom. Those double folds hide the raw edges.
Step 3: Make the ties and strap. Fold each tie strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew the long edge with a 1/4-inch seam. Turn right side out and press flat. Tuck in one raw end and topstitch it closed. Do the same for the neck strap.
Step 4: Add the pocket. Hem the top edge first. Fold the other three sides in 1/2 inch and press. Pin the pocket centered, about 8 inches down from the top. Sew the sides and bottom, and backstitch well at both top corners. Those corners take the strain.
Step 5: Attach ties and finish the top. Pin one waist tie at each side, right at waist height. Sew them securely with a small box of stitches. Fold the top edge down, attach the neck strap ends under that fold, and topstitch across. Just like that, your apron is ready to wear.
Practical tips from my kitchen
Prewash this cotton if you will wash the apron often. Cotton can shrink a touch. Better to shrink the yardage first, not the finished apron.
Here is my honest mistake to save you one. I once sewed a pocket on crooked. Now I measure from both sides, pin, and step back for one good look before I sew. Lesson learned.
Slow down at the tie attachments, too. Those layers stack up thick. Ease through, or the needle can push and skip a stitch.
And please hear me on this one. It does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic. Nobody at your table will measure your pocket. They will see a beautiful, handmade apron, made by you.
Take your time. It is not a race. If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Alrighty. Thank you so much for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Aviva Floral Charm Aubergine Cotton 44"/45" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
