Making Aprons can be simple and they are fun to give. A gift that can be used over and over, and enjoyed by both giver and receiver! Mine are reversible, just as easy to make as one sided, making them more 'seasonal.
Here's how I did it. The first time I made them, they were all in the same fabric, and I made a paper pattern using newspaper, to cut them all out. The second time, I simply used a measuring stick or tape, and a straight edged ruler (a quilting ruler in my case.) I started with a list of who I was making them for, decided on the fabric for each, and added that next to the name, then counted how many of each I would need. For adults, I cut the fabric I had purchased in 3 foot lengths. Each 3 foot length would be 2 apron sides. For the kids sizes, I made them 2 and 1/2 foot lengths for taller/bigger kids, 2 foot for our 5-8 year old's (and 3, but I sewed in a big fold, with long stitches that would easily pull out, because 3 grows quickly.) I did not make the kids narrower, as covering more rather than less kid felt like the right direction. As most fabrics are 40-45 inches wide, this will make each apron front 20-22 and 1/2 inches wide.
Once the lengths were cut, I marked the top of each with a pin and then for the adults marked off 4 inches on either side of the pin (making an 8 inch center top of the apron.) For the kids I marked off 3 and 1/2 inches for the bigger one's and 3 inches to either side of the center pin for the other's. Once the center tops were marked, using my handy ruler, I marked the angle to cut by selecting 12" (see the image below.) I then cut along the side angle lines, and then cut along the fold of fabric and had one side of 2 aprons cut out. Hold on to those corners for the next project!
 |
| Apron pattern for varied sizes |
I continued until I had all the sides cut, and put them together with their 'other side' folded and set them aside for sewing. Before putting them together, you need 'straps', which can be tied/buckled (both neck and center) or a combination of tied/buckled and solid. They can be made of the same fabric that your aprons are, and if they are, you will need to cut for each adult (1 and 1/2 inch wide) 2 - 36 inch ties for the 'waist' and 1 - 24" for the top (that's what I used, but measure the length on yourself to be sure it fits, but don't forget to include the top of your apron in the size.) For the kids, I used 24 inches for the 'waist' and 20 inches for the top, although I used lace or ribbon or paracord on mine, to better match both sides of the apron.
 | | Right sides together place straps |
|
 | | Straps pinned in, ready to sew |
|
 | | Strap sewed in, side sewing begun |
|
Once you have everything (and if your using matching fabric ties, sewn along each side at 1/4 inch seams, turned to the right side, ironed and topstitched) pin the wrong sides of your apron together. Place the top strap inside, laying the right sides of match fabric together at the top of the apron, 1/4 inch from the edges. Lay the right side apron back into place matching the sides of the apron. You should now have the front and back (holiday and non-holiday in my case, pinned together, with the top strap inside.) Sew the left side strap on, reversing to be sure it's in place to stay, 1/4 inch from the edge (at the end of the strap section) turn and sew down the angled side, using a 1/4 inch seam.
Stop where the straight edge begins/turns, and lay in that sides tie, again, leaving the tie inside and matching fabrics. Sew the strap in, reversing to get it in good, and continue to finish other side in the same manner, leaving the top of the apron open. Once the right strap is sewed down, you can pull the right sides through, pull it tight to the stitching, iron and top stitch, 1/4 inch seams along all sides, except the top, that will need to be sewn just over the fold.
 | | Reversible with Holiday and non-holiday sides |
|
 | | Matching, both non-holiday are dragonfly fabric |
|  | | Sometimes, the color theme is what matches |
|
 | | It's not too difficult to 'size' them to fit everyone |
|
 | | Note the fold in the smallest, easy to 'let out' |
|
|
Remember those corner pieces that were cut from the top of the aprons? I put them together, a little randomly, to create pot holders. With two random squares of fabric, some batting and a a little binding, these aprons will go to their reciepients with a 'sorta matching' pot holder, to make the gift even better.
 | | Choose your pieces |
|
 | | Once begun you can chain stitch them |
|
 | | After stitching they will require pressing! |
|
 | | Stuffed with 'wrap & zap' and stitched |
|
 | | Finished with bias tape! |
|
