{create} a cute fifties inspired apron

create this cute fifties inspired apron yourself!

click here to download pdf instructions

you will need:

+ 1 metre plain fabric (for lining, waistband and ruffle)

+ 45cm patterned fabric
+ co-ordinating thread & bobbin
+ tape measure
+ scissors
+ pins
+ sewing machine

note: we have used 112cm wide fabric for this tutorial

getting started:

trim fabric to size-

+ 1 x apron body (pattern)112 x 45cm

+ 1 x lining (plain)112 x 45cm
+ 2 x waistband (plain) 112 x 15cm
+ 2 x ruffle (plain) 12 x 8cm

step 1. create the ruffle

You will need to join your two pieces to create on long strip. 

Fold right-sides together along the length of the strip and sew each end to create an open pocket (a). Trim corner, turn out and iron flat. Sew a double line of stitching (3-4 stitch length) through both layers, along the length of the opening (b). Tie the thread off at one end, and taking the two back threads only, gather along the length of the ruffle until it is only 110cm long (c)

step 2. attach the ruffle

Pin your ruffle to the bottom of your apron body (figure d), leaving a one centimeter space at each end.  Sew the ruffle in place (e). Pin the corner of the ruffle out of the way, ready for attaching the lining(f).

step 3. attach the lining

Place the lining and apron body right sides together (with the ruffle in between, as seen in g). Starting on one side, sew down towards the bottom, across the bottom and up the other side (h), leaving the top open. Turn the apron inside out and lightly pull the ruffle into place (i).

step 4. gather the waist

Pin the apron body to the lining along the top opening (j).  Sew a double line of stitching (3-4 stitch length) through both layers, along the length of the opening (k)  Tie the thread off at one end, and taking the two back threads only, gather along the length of the apron reducing it to 55cm (l).

5. create the waistband

Fold in half along the length of the waistband.  Find the centre point and mark with pins a 60cm length (ie 30cm in each direction) on the open side.  Starting at one end, sew from the fold across the short end and in toward the centre stopping at the pin(m).  Repeat on the other side. Trim across corners (n).  Turn right side out and iron along fold and iron in seam allowance for the opening (o).

6. attach the waistband

Lay the waistband opening flat and match the centre point to the centre top of the apron body and pin in place (p). Sew in place (q).  Turn apron over to lining side and fold waistband in place (r). Turn to the front and pin in place, ensuring that you catch the apron and both sides of the waistband (s).
Top stitch the ends and along the length the waistband, securing the waistband to the apron (t). Iron waistband flat (u) and you are finished!

click here to download pdf instructions