DIY Fashion projects

How to Sew Pinafore/ criss cross apron

6/21/2024

This pinafore apron is an adorable full coverage apron that is perfect for cooking, crafting, painting, and sewing of course :). In this tutorial you will learn how to make this apron using your own measurements. No pattern required for this project since we will be working with rectangular pieces.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS PINAFORE APRON
Material
1. Linen or linen blend fabric you will need about 1 1/4 - 1 3/4 yard (54" wide); 1 1/2 - 2 yard (43") wide (depending on your size).
    I use different color fabric for the strap, but you can use the same fabric for all the pieces.
    Substitute fabric : cotton canvas
    Make sure to wash, dry and iron your fabric before cutting.
2. Polyester thread.

Tools
1. Sewing Machine
2. Fabric Scissors/ rotary cutter
3. Cutting mat
4. Clear ruler
5. Seam gauge
6. Disappearing fabric marker
7. Iron

HOW TO MAKE THE PINAFORE APRON
Make sure to wash, dry and iron your fabric before cutting.
1. Take the following measurements :
     •Bust circumference
     •Upper chest to knee (or as desired) length
     •Strap length (see video demonstration)

2. Cut your apron pieces.
     •Apron Body cut 1x piece
       Width : your bust circumference + 5" (12.7cm)
        Length : your upper chest to knee + 2" (5cm)
    •Straps cut 4x strips
       Length : your strap measurement + 7" (18cm)
       Width : 3" (7.5cm)
    •Pockets 9" w x 10" h (23 x 25.5 cm) cut 4x pieces
      Curve the bottom corners of your pocket.

3. Sew the pockets.
   A. With the right sides facing pin one pocket exterior and one pocket interior.
   B. Sew with 1/4"(6mm) seam allowance. Leave an opening about 4" (10cm) at the top edge.
   C. Clip the top corners. Snip along the curved bottom edges (be careful not to cut through the stitches).
   D. Turn the pocket right side out through the opening hole.
   E. Fold the raw edges of the opening toward the wrong side about 1/4" (6mm), press.
   F. Top stitch the the top edges.
   G. Repeat to sew the remaining pocket, set aside.

4. Sew the straps.
   A. With the right sides facing pin two strap pieces together.
   B. Sew along the long sides with 1/4"(6mm) seam allowance.
   C. Turn the strap right side out through the sides opening.
   D. Top stitch along to long sides.
   E. Repeat to sew the remaining strap.

5. Fold and press the hem allowances of the apron main body (start from the sides).
    A. Starting from one side edge with the wrong side facing, fold 1/4" (6mm) wide, press.
    B. Make a second fold 3/4" (2cm) wide, press. Repeat to fold and press the opposite side.
    C. Fold and press the top and bottom the same way.

6. Attach the straps to each side of the apron body.
   A. With the apron strap facing right side up, measure 1 1/2" (3.8cm) from one end of the strap.
         Draw a straight line across to mark it.
   B. Insert the end of the strap into the hem fold of the top side edge of the apron body (strap right side up).
   C. Fold the strap toward the top (use the marking line as your guide). Pin to secure the fold.
   D. Sew a rectangle about 1/8" (3mm) from the edge to secure the strap.
   E. Repeat to attach the remaining strap to the opposite side.

7. Mark the center point of the apron body (top). Fold the apron in half matching the side edge, then mark the top center point with fabric marker and/or pin.
8. Measure 3 1/2" (9cm) from the top center point to one side, mark it with fabric marker. Repeat the same to the opposite side, and on the wrong side. These are tentative marking for the straps, that may be adjusted later.
If you want to be more precise at the stage, measure from from the center of your chest towards your bust apex (or where you want the strap to sit), then use that measurement instead.

9. With the apron facing wrong side up, bring the left strap towards the "right mark", use the marking as your guide and make sure that strap isn't twisted. Let the end of the strap sits about 3" (7.5cm) below the top edge/ Secure with some sewing clips (see below pictures).

10. Repeat to pin the remaining strap to the opposite mark.

11. In front of your mirror, try on your apron. Adjust the length and the position of the strap as necessary.
Make sure to mark your adjustment on one strap.

12. Remove your apron and go back to your cutting mat. With the strap facing wrong side up, measure your new adjustment marking, write it down on a piece of paper, then draw a straight line on that very same spot.

13. Repeat step 12 to the remaining apron using the same exact measurement.
14. Measure 1 1/2" (3.8cm) from the strap marking line, draw a straight line, then cut on that second line to remove the excess strap. Repeat the same to the remaining strap.

15. With the apron facing wrong side up, bring the left strap towards the "right mark", use the marking as your guide. Insert the end of the strap into the hem fold, the wrong side of the strap should be facing down, pin.

16. Fold the strap toward the top (use the marking line as your guide). Pin to secure the fold.
      Sew a rectangle about 1/8" (3mm) from the edge to secure the strap.
      Repeat to pin the remaining strap to the opposite side.
      Double check to ensure that your straps aren't twisted before you sew them.

17. Sew a rectangle about 1/8" (3mm) from the edge to secure each strap the same way you did when sewing the strap to the side.

18. Hem the apron. Stitch along the edges of the hem fold. Start hemming the top, then the sides, then the bottom.

19. Asses the position for your pocket. Put on your apron, then take one pocket, position that on one side of your body (however you like it). Once you're happy with it, pin to temporary hold your pocket..

20. Remove your apron. Measure the distance from the side edge to the pocket and from the bottom edge to your pocket, write them down. At this point you may need to straighten up your pocket, making sure that the distances are consistent, pin.