Make an Apron
If you are looking for a handicraft gift idea to make for
someone special, perhaps that person would like an apron.
When we think of aprons, we often think of mothers and
grandmothers in the kitchen, but men can often benefit from
having an apron as well. They often enjoy barbecuing, for
one thing. They also can use an apron in the workshop.
Children, too, can use an apron for many of their
activities, such as arts and crafts. Here are simple
instructions for making a handicraft gift of an apron that
can be adapted for anyone.
Start with a piece of sturdy fabric suitable for the
individual for whom you are making the handicraft gift. The
fabric needs to be wide enough to wrap 1/2 to 3/4 of the way
around them and long enough to cover them from collar bone
to just above the knee. For a large adult, 25 to 30 inches
wide by 36 to 40 inches long should be about right. A
slimmer adult can use a narrower apron, but if they will be
wiping their hands on the sides of it, they might appreciate
the extra width. An apron for a child of 10 could start with
a piece of fabric about 18 inches wide by 25-30 inches long.
The best types of fabric to use are sturdy cottons, such as
medium weight denim or twill. Soft cottons such as
broadcloth or muslin are all right in the kitchen, but will
not last long, and would not hold up in the garden or
workshop at all. Other materials you'll need are thread and
a sewing machine. You will also need enough extra fabric to
make a strap to go around the neck, ties for the back, and
pockets.
When designing the handicraft gift, you can be as creative
as you like with pockets. Every apron is more useful with
pockets. A person who cleans houses, for instance, can use
pockets for odds and ends they pick up as well as for their
spray bottles, sponges, and scrub brushes.
To make the apron, fold the piece of fabric lengthwise. This
will allow you to cut the shape with one cut, making the two
sides symmetrical. What you will be shaping when you make
the cut will be the bib section of the apron. The bib for an
adult sized apron will need to be about 9 inches wide.
Measure from the fold about 5-1/2 inches. This is half the
width of the bib plus an inch to fold under twice to form a
hem. The piece you will cut off the side to shape the bib
will be a half bullet shape with the tip of the bullet being
where the ties will be attached. The length of the half
bullet shape should be about a foot, and the width will be
from the spot you marked 5-1/2 inches from the fold to the
outside edge of the fabric. When these pieces are cut off,
the result should be an apron shaped piece of fabric.
Now decorate the apron with pockets and any other
decorations you desire. After this it is time to fold under
the edges all around and stitch down with sturdy stitching
for a nice hem all around the handicraft gift. Cut two
pieces of fabric a yard long by two inches wide. Fold
lengthwise and fold raw edges to the inside. Press and
stitch down along the length to make the ties. Attach the
ties at the waist of the apron handicraft gift. (If these
ties seem a little long, it is because a lot of people like
to bring the ties to the front and tie them there.) Cut
another piece of fabric 18 to 20 inches long by 5 inches
wide fold in half lengthwise and press. Press again with the
raw edges of the long side tucked under 1/2 inch. Stitch
down the open side. Attach this piece to the sides of the
top of the bib, sewing it to the back of the bib and
topstitching on the front side of the bib. Be careful not to
twist it when you attach it.
People who work hard at homemaking, barbecuing and in the
workshop will appreciate a handicraft gift of a sturdy
apron. Mostly they will appreciate the effort and design you
have put into making a handicraft gift that they can use.
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