It's Fun to Sew Aprons and Skirts

by Theta Johnson

Peasant apron with band

You will need to buy:

30 inches of 39-inch percale or other firm cotton fabric—if you are taller you will need more material to make your apron longer. 1 spool of matching thread

SELVAGE APRON 20 × 32½ 5 × 32½ SASHES 5 × 32½ SELVAGE 6½ × 18 BAND POCKETS 5 × 6½ 5 × 6½

Measure and cut your apron

Mark the apron according to the diagram.

Band	6½ x 18 inches
Apron skirt	20 x 32½ inches
Two sashes	32½ x 5 inches
One or two pockets	6½ x 5 inches

Measure and mark off these pieces with chalk or pins before cutting. Cut with long, even strokes.

Make your sashes

Fold the right sides of each sash together. Place pins across the stitching lines as shown in the diagram. Make a ¼-inch seam along the side and end of the sash. Backstitch for two or three stitches to make the end of your thread secure. Trim off the corner.

Check the stitch on your machine. Be sure it looks the same on both sides of the fabric.

Press the seam open and turn the sash. Use the end of a table knife or ruler for turning. Press the sash flat, keeping the seam at the edge. Make the corners square.

If you prefer to hem the sash, make a ¼-inch hem, miter the corners. See instructions on scarf, pages [7] and [8].

Press and stitch hems

Side hems

1. Make a ¼-inch hem on each side of the apron. To make a hem, press a ¼-inch fold on the side edges of your apron (20-inch sides). Press with your fingers, then with the iron.

2. Fold edge over again ¼ inch and press. Stitch along edge of hem. This completes the hem.

Selvage edge—If the selvage is used, clip only the very edge of it every 2 or 3 inches. This prevents puckering when it is laundered. Fold the edge over ¼ inch, press and stitch. A double hem is not needed.

Bottom hem

Make a 3-inch hem on the bottom of your apron. Measure and turn ¼-inch fold at bottom of apron. Press. From this edge measure 3 inches, fold, and press. Pin and stitch the hems. Use matching thread. Stitch as near as you can to the edge of the hem. Backstitch on both ends of hem.

Gather the top edge

Divide the top edge of your skirt into four equal parts.

Set your cloth guide for a ¼-inch seam. Lengthen your stitch to make the largest stitch possible.

Make three rows of stitching along the top of the apron, placing rows ¼ inch apart. Place the first row ¼ inch from the edge. Be sure to follow the guide.

Make your apron band

Your apron band is made the same way as a skirt band, only the proportions are different. Turn to [page 14] for illustrations.

1. Press a ½-inch fold along one side of your 18-inch band. Divide the band, lengthwise into three equal parts. This gives three 2-inch sections. Make the section with the ½-inch fold slightly shorter than the other two sections. Place a damp press cloth over the folded band and press sharp creases along the folds.

2. The section with the ½-inch fold is the front of your band. The double part is the back. Stitch criss-cross through the back part of the band. You can stitch straighter if you make a guide or pattern. Cut a strip of waxed paper the length and width of your band, 18 x 2 inches.

Fold in four equal sections.

Then fold it diagonally. Then diagonally again. Open the paper and pin it to the band and follow the creases in the paper. This will give practice on starting and stopping the machine and on turning corners. Tear the paper away after the stitching is completed.

3. Pin and sew the end of the sashes to the end of the band. Fold the band right sides together, and stitch across ends. Do not sew the ½-inch fold at bottom of band into the seam.

Stitch both sides. Turn and press along the original crease.

Sew apron to band

Be sure the edges of the band and apron are marked in four equal parts. Place the right side of the apron to the right side of the band. Match the quarter marks and pin. Place the hemmed ends of the apron at the seam ends of the band. Ease in the fullness in the apron until it fits the band. Pull all bobbin threads from each end at the same time. Pull gently so you do not break the threads. Spread the gathers so they are even and pin. Baste along the second row of gathering and the crease in the band. Machine stitch along the bastings. Press.

Pin so back edge of band is ⅛ inch longer than edge of front of band. Top stitch along front edge of band. This finishes your band. Be sure to press the band before you stitch. It will make stitching easier.

Add your pockets

Pockets are for both use and decoration. Make patch pockets that are securely stitched and have no raw edges at the top.

Press the side and bottom hems of the pocket first. Then fold the top hem over and stitch in place. Study the most convenient location for your pocket. Baste it in place. Check to see that it is even. Reinforce the top of the pocket with double stitching, as shown in the drawing. Stitching is ¼ inch apart.

Remove gathering stitches and press your apron.