Mrs Santa, Christmas Apron Pattern -an Easy Project with Lights: Part-One

I thought this time I'd share with you a Christmas apron pattern.  This is an easy project with lights too!   I'm sure it will put a smile on the faces of your holiday dinner guests.

I live in Singapore where Christmas decorations go up right after Holloween.  It's difficult not to get caught up in the all the excitement.  Huge Christmas trees go up everywhere and the main shopping street becomes a big Christmas bazaar.  I like to take a walk in the afternoon with a cup of tea from my favorite tea house.  I have to admit I do very little shopping, but I go there once a week to watch what people are wearing and buying, it's great for project ideas!

However, this year we'll be having a quiet family Christmas in the country.  We will be in the small country town of Dungog, in the Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia.  Since we do not have a Christmas tree in the house I will use this project to actually become the tree.  Literally.

The apron has ruffles at the bottom.  You can learn how to gather fabric and make ruffles properly by reviewing this tutorial.There's a crisscross on the back so it does not hurt your neck.Two grommets to tie the apron at the back. 

One large patch pockets divided in three, this is optional.

And the last detail will be a patchwork Christmas Tree with lights.  But we'll be adding that in the second part of this turtorial which will be published on Tuesday.

Materials

• 2 yards of quilting cotton of your taste.
• 1 yard of light fusible interfacing
• thread to match
• 4 large grommets 1/2″ hole
• 50 grommets or the number of lights you have
• battery powered LED string lights 16 feet (5 meters)

Tools

• Kam tool
• Scissors or Rotary Cutter
• Needle size 10 and 14
• Double-needle (optional)
• Loop Turner or Tube
• Iron
• Sewing Machine

Pattern Layout:

Pattern Download

How to Print the Christmas Apron Pattern

If this is your first time here and you need help to download and to assemble a pattern please read this article.  Download the pattern using Adobe Reader and print on actual size. 

Print and assemble the pattern before you cut the fabric.

Step One:  Making and Attaching the Ties to the Bib (chest)

Cut a strip of fabric that is 50″ (127cm) in length and 4 1/4″ (11 cm) in width.  This is long enough for a waist that is 26 to 29 inches.  Add extra according to your waist difference. For example, if your waist is 35″. The difference is 6″, therefore you should add 6″ more to the length of the ties.

Apply fusible interfacing (only if you are using quilting fabric).  (This is optional)

Sew at 3/8″ around the tie on two sides.  Leave one side open for turning inside out.

To turn such a large tie use this technique using a tube:

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I do not have a tube, so I am using a loop turner.

After turning, iron the ties.

Cut the end of the raw side, at an angle 1″ (2.5cm) one side and 3/4″ (2cm) on the other side. Attach the longer side to the outside of the chest area.  The ties will lay in the direction of the arrows when worn as shown in the picture below.  Place the other side of the bib/chest piece print side down. Sew at 3/8″ turn right side out and iron. 

Sewing Tip: Pin the ties down so you do not sew it with the seam allowance.

Your ties should lay towards the neck.  On the picture below, I have used green tape to show you how a common tie lays straight towards the back.  You also will notice I have added bias tape to the ties.  I've done this because I'm using scrap fabrics and I can see that I will not have enough fabric to make the ties as wide as I need them to be. 

Step Two: Making and Attaching the Pocket

This is an optional step but if you are going to be using the fairy lights you will need the pockets.

We're going to be using the method for attaching a pocket that is detailed in the tutorial below.  Please review it before you proceed.

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Please notice you will have to trace the pocket to 13″ X 8″ plus seam allowance.

The pocket is made by simply cutting a rectangle on the quilting fabric 16 3/4″(42.5 cm) X 13  3/4″ (35cm).

Apply light fusible interfacing to one side of the rectangle 8 3/8″(22.5cm) X 13 3/4″(35cm)

Fold the rectangle print sides together.  You should have a rectangle that is 8 3/8″(22.5cm) X 13 3/4″(35cm).  Sew the sides from right to left, and left to right leaving a gap at one of the sides open about 2″ to be able to turn the pocket.  Iron the pocket when you sew the pocket to the skirt you will be closing this gap as well.

Place the pocket 3″ from the waist and sew around using a double needle if you have one, other otherwise you will have to make two rows of stitches.  Divide the pocket into three parts.  Measure from the left of the pocket to the right 3″, then sew a straight stitch, repeat on the other side.  This will give you three pockets. 

Step Three: Attaching the Bib or Chest Piece to the Skirt

Mark the middle of the skirt and the middle of the bib (chest) to be able to align this two pieces.

Place the front side of skirt print side up.  Place the bib/chest piece with the print side down on the table. Place the other side of the skirt print side down. Sew at 3/8′.

Making and Attaching the Ruffles

If you have never gathered fabric or made ruffles please follow this tutorial.   If you already have experience please go ahead and make the ruffles.

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Divide the skirt into 6 parts.  Each part is 12″. Lay the apron right side up.  Attach the gathered ruffles matching the seam allowance of the ruffles to the marks you have made in the skirt.

Sew at 5/8″.   Make sure to change the bobbin thread to match the fabric underneath.  In my case, I will be changing to red.

Finishing the Christmas Apron

The last step would be to add bias tape to the bottom or simply hem with a very small hem.

A note about fitting here:

If your waist is 29″ or less, I suggest curving the end of the ruffle using a French ruler.  This step will make your apron ruffles fall gracefully on your back. 

Add bias tape to the bottom if you want.  I added because I wanted to match the ties where I also added bias tape to the front of the ties. Add the grommets to be able to tie at the back.  If your waist is 29″ or less you may have to adjust the spacing of the gromments. 

This is the end of part one.  Join me on Tuesday when I will be showing you how to make the Christmas tree patchwork with lights to really make this Christmas apron stand out!

Part 2: How to Add the Lights!

Part 2 HERE