This is my first self-drafted (if you can call improvisation a draft) sewing piece that I made out of some fabric I originally bought for a skirt. So, I started off with cutting the bottom part to fit as a midi half-circle skirt, which I did following Annika Victoria’s tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHhMIzVA5k&t=181s
I did not like how the fabric easily crinkled, so instead of finishing it as a skirt I randomly decided to make an apron! I got some white fabric to make the waist and neck ties, which I did by sewing the fabric strands together on each side and then turning it inside out (Seen on the picture below)
Tip #1 – Use pinking shears on easily frayed fabric! As you can see on the first picture, the white fabric frays when cut straight, but the zig-zag pattern prevents this, which is key if you want your project to last long.
Tip #2 – Turn your sewn fabric strand inside out by using a safety pin at the end. I also recommend doing this step outside, as it’s one of the only times you won’t require an iron or sewing machine so enjoy the nature 🙂
Tip #3 – An iron becomes your best friend with sewing; Not only does it make the strands flat and crisp, but it helps cut the right size with straight edges of the fabric you are using
Tip #4 – Another great use of your iron is to iron your hems in place! I find hemming quite difficult for now, but doing this really helps make it straighter and more even. I still pin it in place just to be safe though 🙂
I decided to make the top piece broader at the waist and thinner at the shoulders, as I thought it was more flattering, and also covers the parts where I make my clothes the messiest when cooking or baking.
Tip #5 – Try it on at every step! Here I pinned together all my pieces to see the fit, and saw that there was a lot of lose fabric in the middle of the top piece. So i remade the top part to fit better, which I wouldn’t have done if I didn’t try it on (duh). I did not use a pattern, so trying it on was the only way to determine where to sew and cut!
I sewed the top straps on with a rectangle pattern to make it sturdier (rather than just one line of straight stitching), but I found it hard to make it a perfect rectangle.
Tip #6 – If you don’t want any thread to show up at the front, you can use fabric glue to attach the strands!
I have been wanting an apron for a long time, especially now as I spend more time in the kitchen over the summer break. But I am glad I didn’t buy one, as making it was much more rewarding and I was able to choose the colours and fit I wanted! So, buy less and make more and happy sewing 🙂
