Two times the apron

By Spotlight

Grandma might have had a reversible apron but not one this pretty!

Final Result

Materials

• 1.1m x 90/112cm cotton fabric for front
• 1.1m x 90/112cm cotton fabric for back
• 65cm x 90/112cm cotton fabric for waistband & neck ties
• iron
• Gütermann sewing threads to match fabric
• scissors
• pins
• sewing machine
• tape measure or ruler

Step 1

Cut one skirt and one bodice shape as shown in diagram from each fabric for the front and the back of apron.

Step 2

With right sides together, pin front and back skirt pieces together. Using a 1cm seam allowance, sew the two sides and bottom curved seams together leaving the top 40cm edge open. Clip seams, turn right side out and press flat.

Step 3

With right sides facing, pin the bodice pieces together and using a 1cm seam allowance sew one of the long 60cm edges together (this will be the top). Sew the two short 22cm sides together, stopping 2cm short of the sewn top seam. Turn right side out and press seams flat. To make casing for neck strap, topstitch across the top 2cm down from top edge leaving sides open to thread strap through.

Step 4

Sew 2 rows of a gathering stitch (long stitch) along bottom, 0.5cm and 1cm from the raw edge. Gently pull the stitching to gather the bottom of bodice to a measurement of 40cm. Ensure gathering is even.

Step 5

To make the waistband cut two 9cm x 112cm long strips and four 9cm x 80cm long strips of fabric. Using a 1cm seam allowance sew one shorter strip to each end of the longer strips to create two long strips. Press seams flat. With right sides facing and using a 1cm seam allowance, sew the two strips together leaving a 40cm opening in the centre of both the top and bottom of the waistband.

Note: To angle the ends of the straps stitch across the ends on a 45° angle with the longest edge at the top. Clip corners, turn right side out, press flat.

Step 6

Insert gathered bodice of apron front into the top opening in waistband by 1.5cm and pin closed. Insert raw edges of skirt into the bottom opening in waistband by 1.5cm and pin closed. Topstitch around waistband and strap, enclosing apron bodice and skirt within stitching.

Step 7

Cut strips to make the neck strap, one 6cm x 112cm long and two 6cm x 70cm long. Using a 1cm seam allowance sew one shorter strip to each end of the longer strip to create one long strip. Press seams flat. Fold in half lengthways, right sides together and using 1cm seam allowance sew across each end and down the side leaving a 10cm opening for turning through. Clip corners, turn right side out and press flat. Topstitch 5mm along all edges, ensuring opening is securely closed.

Step 8

Thread neck strap through the bodice casing. Centre the strap through the bodice.