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.
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:
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.
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.
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!
This is a definite MUST-MAKE! The only thing I would suggest is hemming or trimming the ruffle BEFORE ruffling. It just makes the process much smoother.
I wish this pattern was available while I was making my crafts for the numerous Craft Fairs I participated in. But, you can be sure that I will be making them for next year – I was looking for a new craft and now I found one.
HI Sandra, I do hope when you do load a picture here to see. Merry Christmas!
GeeGee
Hi Mayra
Thank you for sharing your apron pattern. I have Multiple Sclerosis and even on my best days I have trouble with comprehension and your detailed instructions makes it a pleasure to sew with you. Could you please share where you got the white material for the ruffle I would love to use the same. Thanks again for sharing GeeGee
GeeGee
Hi Mayra
Thank you for sharing your apron pattern. I have Multiple Sclerosis and even on my best days have trouble with comprehension and your detailed instructions makes it a pleasure to see with you! Could you please share how I can find the white fabric I really like it and would like to use the same. Thank you again for sharing! GeeGee
I love aprons, love making them, and enjoy wearing every one of them! I will definitely be making this one, for next year!
Cheryl
Mayra, thanks so much for personalizing your posts. This one helped put into perspective a situation that annoys a lot of Americans, that is, Christmas decorations going up right after Halloween. In our country there is another holiday between the two that is important to families and friends. It isn’t particularly commercial and focuses on giving thanks for our blessings. We often don’t start to decorate for Christmas until the weekend of Thanksgiving. Your post reminded me that our Thanksgiving is a uniquely American custom and I suspect I’ll feel less irritated by Christmas decorations in November in the future. Thank you!
Cheryl, I agree with what you said about decorations. I handy reminder from Mayra to help us remember and understand.
Monica
I hope when you are in Australia for Christmas it is not too hot as it has been predicted. I live in Western Australia and as I type this we are having a storm (10.38pm Sunday night) and it seems to have settled in for the night.. Feels more like winter than summer.
Have a great time in NSW and stay cool if the heat happens around the time you are there.
Oh by the way love the apron can’t wait to get Pt 2 and then make this gorgeous item 🙂 xx
Thank you, Monica, I have arrived in Sydney it is warm (24 degrees) typical Sydney weather sunny and shiny day! But it Australia after all, one minute is sunny and the next day can hail 🙂 Hope your weather improves for Christmas. Part two available tonight (Australia) time.
JR
How wonderful to have you share a glimpse of your life in Singapore and a great project for Christmas. I never travel, but something about your sharing made me wish I could share a cup of tea with you and see the far away sites of Christmas in your home town. Thank you so much for sharing. JR
We are delighted that you found your way to So Sew Easy! We are here to inspire you, guide you, and also learn with you.
If you can donate a few dollars to help us keep running the site, we would be very grateful!
This is a definite MUST-MAKE! The only thing I would suggest is hemming or trimming the ruffle BEFORE ruffling. It just makes the process much smoother.
I have never done it that way or ever thought of it, but I can see the need if I am using a fabric that ravels easily, thank you!
I wish this pattern was available while I was making my crafts for the numerous Craft Fairs I participated in. But, you can be sure that I will be making them for next year – I was looking for a new craft and now I found one.
HI Sandra, I do hope when you do load a picture here to see. Merry Christmas!
Hi Mayra
Thank you for sharing your apron pattern. I have Multiple Sclerosis and even on my best days I have trouble with comprehension and your detailed instructions makes it a pleasure to sew with you. Could you please share where you got the white material for the ruffle I would love to use the same. Thanks again for sharing GeeGee
Hi Mayra
Thank you for sharing your apron pattern. I have Multiple Sclerosis and even on my best days have trouble with comprehension and your detailed instructions makes it a pleasure to see with you! Could you please share how I can find the white fabric I really like it and would like to use the same. Thank you again for sharing! GeeGee
You are well GeeGee, enjoy the project!
The pattern says : Part one Is there a part two? Looks like a great project.
Part two is about how to fit the lights and the Christmas tree patchwork. It will be published this coming week so please stay tuned!
Hi, Eleonor it will be available in a couple of hours.
Too cute! Thank you for the pattern. I may not have time this year, but certainly something fun for the future!
Merry Christmas to you all.
😀
Merry Christmas Kerry!
I love aprons, love making them, and enjoy wearing every one of them! I will definitely be making this one, for next year!
Mayra, thanks so much for personalizing your posts. This one helped put into perspective a situation that annoys a lot of Americans, that is, Christmas decorations going up right after Halloween. In our country there is another holiday between the two that is important to families and friends. It isn’t particularly commercial and focuses on giving thanks for our blessings. We often don’t start to decorate for Christmas until the weekend of Thanksgiving. Your post reminded me that our Thanksgiving is a uniquely American custom and I suspect I’ll feel less irritated by Christmas decorations in November in the future. Thank you!
Cheryl, I agree with what you said about decorations. I handy reminder from Mayra to help us remember and understand.
I hope when you are in Australia for Christmas it is not too hot as it has been predicted. I live in Western Australia and as I type this we are having a storm (10.38pm Sunday night) and it seems to have settled in for the night.. Feels more like winter than summer.
Have a great time in NSW and stay cool if the heat happens around the time you are there.
Oh by the way love the apron can’t wait to get Pt 2 and then make this gorgeous item 🙂 xx
Thank you, Monica, I have arrived in Sydney it is warm (24 degrees) typical Sydney weather sunny and shiny day! But it Australia after all, one minute is sunny and the next day can hail 🙂 Hope your weather improves for Christmas. Part two available tonight (Australia) time.
How wonderful to have you share a glimpse of your life in Singapore and a great project for Christmas. I never travel, but something about your sharing made me wish I could share a cup of tea with you and see the far away sites of Christmas in your home town. Thank you so much for sharing. JR
can I purchase Mrs. Santa’s Christmas apron as I am having difficulty downloading
Hi Clara, Are you still having trouble?