Easy to Make Aprons
Aprons make a lovely hostess or housewarming gift. Make your own apron to wear as a personalized accessory in the kitchen or to give as a gift to your favorite gourmet cook. Quick and easy apron projects allow the crafty creator to get several done in one afternoon or whip up one fast for a last-minute event.
From Scratch
Using a themed-print calico, create an easy feminine apron from scratch without even using a pattern. Measure the waist of the wearer. Cut a length of 45-inch wide fabric twice that measurement. Cut a band 2 inches wide down one long side of the fabric. Fold the band in half, with the right side (the side of the fabric where the pattern is slightly darker--if you can't tell, just pick one) of the fabric facing each other and stitch the band together on four sides, leaving a 2-inch gap on one long side. Turn the band right side out through the opening and hand stitch the opening closed. Iron the band flat.
Increase the stitch length on your sewing machine and sew down one long side of the remaining fabric and gather the fabric by pulling it over the threads. Place the band on top of the gathered fabric, with the patterned sides of both pieces facing each other. Sew the gathered side to the center of the band, leaving space on each end of the band to create the waist ties. Hem the unfinished edges and add some purchased prepackaged rick-rack trim as desired.
Easy Patterns
Try making an apron from a pattern marketed to beginning or young sewers. Look for patterns that have few pieces and variations for simple projects. Some patterns use notions like packaged bias tape or trim to finish edges and cut down on the steps required to complete the apron. Try Simplicity 9565 or Easy Stitch 'n Save by McCall's M5366 to start.
As an alternative, if you have no time for running to the fabric store for a pattern, take an apron you love and use it as a template to create one. One-piece styles, rather than bibbed skirts, work better for this technique. Lay the apron on a piece of fabric and cut around it, adding 1/2 inch all the way around for a hem allowance and 1 inch at the top for a string pocket to go around the head. Finish the edges and create the string pocket. Use a pre-finished ribbon or upholstery trim as the ties, sewn on at the waist, to save time.
Manufactured Aprons
Spruce up a manufactured apron using trims and embellishments. Instead of starting from fabric, start with a solid manufactured apron and add a ruffle to the bottom for a Mother's Day gift or applique some flames for your favorite grill master. Fabric paint and stencils or iron-on lettering can personalize aprons for the bride and groom who love to cook together. Prewash the apron and packaged trims, according to manufacturer's instructions before assembly, to avoid shrinking and fading in the finished product.
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