How to Sew a Vintage Apron

Aprons are not only practical, they can also be stylish. Vintage aprons often had ruffles, lace, rickrack, fitted bodices or interesting shapes. You can find a vintage apron pattern in some fabric stores (some pattern catalogs have a special section just for vintage style patterns) or online, or you can make a simple vintage apron of your own. This simple gathered apron ties around the waist. You can also add optional shoulder straps made from extra ribbon.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• about 1 yard of fabric
• Matching thread
• 2 yards (or more) of 1 to 2 inch wide ribbon
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Sewing machine
• Lace or trim (optional)

Sew a Vintage Half Apron

1. Cut a piece of fabric about 2 inches taller than you want the finished apron, and about twice as wide. If you want, you can round of the lower corners of the apron. Fold the fabric in half first to keep it symmetrical, then trim the corners and unfold the fabric.

2. Fold each edge of the fabric 1/2 inch toward the wrong side. Press the folds flat, then fold them over another 1/2 inch and press them again. Stitch along each folded edge to make the hems.

3. Sew lace, rickrack or other trim along the lower edge and sides of the apron (optional).

4. Set your sewing machine to the longest stitch length. Baste along the top edge of the apron, about 1/4 inch away from the hem stitching. Stitch a second row of basting about 1/4 inch away from the first row.

5. Grasp both of the lower threads on one side of the basting and pull them to gather the fabric. Continue gathering until the apron is the width you want. (You may want to pull the threads on the other side as well to help keep the gathers even.) Spread out the gathers so that they’re even.

6. Cut a piece of ribbon about 2 yards long. Match up the center of the ribbon with the center of the top of the apron.

7. Overlap the bottom edge of the ribbon with the top of the apron, and pin them together. Stitch the ribbon to the apron. To wear the apron, wrap the ribbon around your waist and tie it in a bow at the back.

Tips & Warnings

• To add optional shoulder straps, cut two pieces of ribbon, each long enough to wrap from your waist, over your shoulder to the back of the apron, plus 2 inches. Try on the apron. Slip the ends of the ribbons under the waistband in the front and back and pin them in place (be careful not to poke yourself). Stitch the ends of the ribbon to the waistband. For extra decoration, you can sew lace or trim to the outside edges of the ribbon.
• Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and sewing machine.

Resources

• Vintage apron patterns you can buy or use for ideas.