Pocket Apron

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Hey there! This week I have a tutorial for a fun project- an apron with pockets! While at the thrifts a few weeks back, I came across an apron & liked the main idea of it, but thought it could use a few improvements, so I kindof made it my own & am really happy with how it turned out! 

 

Here’s what you’ll need:

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biasapron-131/2 yard of cameron pewter / natural, 1/2 yard of 90″ gray sheeting, 2 & 1/2 yard of bias tape, a bodkin, and a dinner plate.

 

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First, cut out pieces of both fabrics: 18″ x 24″.

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Lay the gray on top of the printed piece (faced down).

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Set your plate at the two bottom corners and trace the curve (bottom right in this photo). This is going to shape your apron.

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Cut on the line.

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It doesn’t need to be a perfectly clean cut as you’ll be attaching bias tape around the edges.

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Next you’ll trace the plate’s curve onto the top two corners(this photo shows a side view-that is actually the top left corner). ONLY trace this onto the patterned fabric. This is the opening of your pocket.

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Once you trace and cut out one side, the best way to keep the openings symmetrical is to just trace what you cut off of the first corner onto the second.

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This is what the top of your patterned piece should look like.

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Now it’s time to mess with the bias tape. This was my first time really using bias tape, and I feel that it wasn’t nearly as intimidating as I feared it to be!

Anyway, I found it helpful to just spend the time ironing the entire length of the bias tape at once, instead of piece by piece. Just fold both edges in toward the middle and press.

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I like to fold it back over and then press that, too. It just gives a nice, crisp look and keeps the crease better.

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Ok, so now that the bias tape is folded and pressed, it’s time to finish off the pocket openings! Measure the length of tape you need for each opening (Hint- they should both be the same! ;).

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I hope you can see from this photo where to place the bias tape. It kind hugs the edge of the fabric on both sides.

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Pin the bias tape in place, then sew it on. I sewed mine about 1/4″ from the inside edge. Repeat on the other side.

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Now it’s time to baste the front & back pieces together. Lay the patterned piece face up on top of the solid piece and pin like crazy! I pinned about every inch and a half or so.

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Once the pieces are pinned together, sew along the edges, slowly guiding around the curve.

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Now that your pieces are basted together, it’s time to add the bias tape. You’re going to pin it in place just like the pocket opening, except you’ll sew it around three sides of the apron- leaving the top edge for a bit later on.

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Please forgive the shadows in this photo- I was trying to finish after my little one went to bed & the lighting wasn’t the best! Anyway, fold the tape around the outer edge of the apron, then pin in place.

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When you’re finished pinning, go ahead and attach the binding, using again a 1/4″ seam allowance. Guide through the curves.

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Isn’t that nice? You’re almost finished now!

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With the remaining length of the gray sheeting fabric, you’re going to make the waist band/tie. You should be left with an 18″ x 66″ piece. Fold it in half so you have an 18″ x 33″ piece, then cut two 5″ strips. Cut one of your strips in half length-wise (5″ x 33″), then cut 33″ off of the other strip. You’ll need to sew the three 5″ x 33″ pieces together to make a 5″ x 97.5″ish piece.

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Press open your seams.

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Then fold it in half & pin closed the two end sections, plus an inch or two of the middle section. Leave the rest of the middle unpinned & open.

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I sewed the ends of my tie on an angle, but that’s up to you. I just like the way it looks a bit pointed.

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I used a 1/4″ seam allowance and sewed both sides together until and inch past the seam of the middle section. Repeat on the other end.

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If you decide to angle the ends of your tie, be sure to trim the excess fabric.

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Next you’re going to get out the bodkin. This is kindof a strange but oh, so useful tool. It makes turning long & narrow tubes right-side-out SO much easier!

Clamp down the little claw onto the corner of the tie, then slide down the ring. The ring holds the claws together, securing the fabric in between.

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Maneuver the bodkin & kindof work it inside.

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Then work it all the way through to the opening. Repeat on the other end.

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It will be veeeerrrry wrinkly.

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So, you should press it.

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Fold in & press the raw edges of the middle section.

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Place the skirt of the apron inside the opening on the waist band and center it.

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Pin the waist band in place on the skirt.

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Begin at one end of the waist band and top stitch all the way around. This will close the opening while attaching the waist band to the skirt of the apron.

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It’s finished! Do you love it? I do!

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