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3rd Sewing lesson from Sheila of the “Sewing Album”: How to make an apron… :)

Sheila highly recommends… ” Demo Halter-top Apron with lining. (I recommend when beginning a new sewing project to make a demo in old fabric or muslin until you are satisfied to proceed with good copy).”

For her 3rd sewing lesson Sheila our sewing instructor… :) shows us in pictures,  how to make a pretty apron… We suggest you have a look all the way through the pictures before attempting to sew this project, to get a better feel for what you will need…. :) If you get stuck or need help please Click Here to send us an email with your question and we will forward it to Sheila… :)

Sheila states: “When you are satisfied with demo you can make your good copy. (Take any design changes back to pattern pieces and write down the information).”
Fabric stores have a wide variety of fabrics…watch for sale days… :)
Sheila Advises: ” Once you get home it is necessary to preshrink your fabric.”
Sheila states: ” I am ready to make my good copy of the Halter Apron and have placed my pattern pieces on material keeping grain line in place. I have used tuna tins from the cupboard as weights.”
Sheila Shows Us: “Notch all information from pattern to fabric.”
“To transfer information dots from pattern to material place a pin through and mark.”
“Iron a piece of fuse to top 1″ of pocket on underside for stability”
“Fuse has been ironed on. Trim off excess.”
“Fold over one inch.”
“Stitch 1/8 along bottom”
“Serge or zig zag pocket raw edges.”
“Begin assembling the ruffle by folding a pinch and pinning into place.”
“Pin ruffle in place. Embroidery scissors for cutting those little threads.”
“Stitch ruffle at edge to secure.”
“Stitch ruffle to pocket.”
“Iron flat. At this point you could either stitch the pocket to the apron or continue to embellish.”
Tip from Sheila: “When you stitch a circle or tube always begin in the centre and work your way out to seam line so any discrepancies will fall to the seam.”
Sheila Decides to make a Rose out of the left over ruffle…
“Stitch the base of rose in place.”
“Using a tacking method attach rose to pocket. Keep embellishing away pockets are fun.If you have an embroidery machine it is nice to put your initials on pocket.Pockets give permission for anything! Thanks Franca.”
Pocket has been sewn to apron.
“Attach ruffle to apron.”
“Stitch ruffle to apron.”
“Fold ruffle inward as you attach the lining to face fabric (good side).”
“Pin lining to face fabric.”
” Apron and lining ready to be sewn.”
“With ruffles tucked inside sew lining to face fabric.”
“Turn apron to right side.”
” Lining attached to apron.” (back side)
“If you just wanted a skirt apron then attach front waistband to front skirt at centre notch and stitch in place at 1/4″ seam allowance. Do same for back waistband on lining side.”
“Fold ties in 1/2″ and press into place.”
“Fold bottom edge down.”
“Ties should be sewn last after waistband complete. At that point fold ties in half and edge stitch.”
“Prior to sewing ties fold over waistband to lining side and tuck under 1/2″. Stitch in place using machine or by hand using an invisible stitch.”
“I have attached bodice pieces at the notch points and pinned into place on front waistband ready to sew at 1/4″ seam allowance.”
“At back waistband I folded raw edge under 1/2″ and pinned into place. You could stitch this on with machine at 1/8″ from edge or hand sew using an invisible stitch.”
“This demonstrates edge stitching on ties to create a nice finished look and also gives stability since this area will be used to tie apron on and off frequently.”
“Finally attach neck ties to bodice pieces and stitch across.”
Finished Product… Sheila says… “Very nice apron for yourself or as a gift.” :)