Sewing Bee #3: Hostess Apron pattern & tutorial

One of the most useful accessories a homemaker can own is a good apron.  I like mine to have good deep pockets—they come in so handy while cleaning house.  Below is the pattern for a hostess or half-apron I drafted for a sewing class I taught. (Thanks to Lulu for modeling it and a dress I made from a vintage pattern)

Cut out the pieces to the measurements as shown. (The seam allowances are included – 5/8 in allowed)

For the skirt piece, cut it out as shown, then round the outside (selvage edges) edges. You can do this by taking a dinner plate and tracing the edge with a pencil then cutting on the line.

Sew a rolled hem all the way around the sides and bottom of the apron.  Set aside.

Pocket Preparation and Placement:

Fold top of pocket over (to the inside) 1 inch and press. Cut a piece of bias tape the width of the pocket and pin an inch below the folded top edge. Stitch in place. Fold under and press remaining sides 1/4 inch.

Place pocket 5 1/2 inches down from top edge and 8 1/2 inches in from side edge. Back stitch at the top sides of the pocket for reinforcement and sew around sides and bottom.

Gather top edge of skirt to 16 inches wide and set aside.

For the waistband:

Sew the two waistband pieces together—matching the 4 1/2 inch ends together. (You should have a piece close to the 30” long) Fold it in half lengthwise RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. The wrong sides of the fabric will be to the outside. Stitch as shown below, leaving 16” in the middle open. Turn the piece inside out and press.

Next, pin the gathered edge (right sides together!) to one side of the opening and sew in place. Sew the remaining side by hand, using a blind stitch or whatever suits you.

Press and Enjoy!

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Here are a few ideas for posts for our sewing bee:

• Tutorials: these can be for anything from how to put in a zipper to how to make your own pattern. These can be for clothing and accessories, for things for your home (curtains, tablecloths, bedspreads, throw pillows) or how to fix and repair things.
• Resources: websites and companies where you have purchased patterns, supplies and materials. Give us a review of different ones.
• Book Reviews: There are scores of sewing books out there and it is always nice to read a review about one from a lady who has used it.
• Favorite Patterns
• Also, if you know of a great tutorial online, share the link here
• In short, anything you’d like to share!

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