+ variations
Basic Apron
from Growing Up Sew
Liberated: Making handmade clothes + projects for
your creative child
by Meg McElwee
Wearing an apron while
preparing food, cleaning, watering plants,
or creating art keeps
clothes clean and dry, but
it also helps kids focus
on the task at hand—to
“become” the chef, the
dish washer, or the artist.
The Basic Child’s Apron
features an elastic neck
strap that fits easily over
a child’s head, even one
with ponytails. A Velcro
waist strap is easy for
young children to manage. Since the child needs
no help from an adult
to put on or take off the
apron, it fosters independence and contributes to
self-confidence. A sturdy,
fully-lined construction
means that the apron can
withstand years of use.
Laundry Apron
© Interweave Press LLC
Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.
pattern
apron
basic child’s
Plant Care Apron
Please respect the copyright by not
forwarding or distributing this document
interweavestitch.com
page 1 of 19
apron
basic child’s
+ variations
1
1
Fabric + Materials
See additional materials for variation aprons on
pages 3 and 4. The following materials are sufficient for one apron.
—2⁄3 (¾) yd (61 [69] cm) of 45" (114.5 cm)-wide
cotton, corduroy, or other medium-weight
fabric
—14 (16)" (35.5 [40.5] cm) of ¾" (2 cm)-wide
elastic
—2" (5 cm) of ¾" (2 cm)-wide Velcro
—Coordinating sewing thread
Tools

See
additional tools for variation aprons
on pages 3-4.
—Basic Apron pattern on pages 10-19 (1a-3c)
—Safety pin
—Point turner or other turning tool
(such as a knitting needle)
Finished Size
—Designed to fit ages 3–5 (6–8). Apron is 17¼
(18¼)" (44 [46.5] cm) long and fits a waist
circumference of 22–24 (25–28)" (56–61
[63.5–71] cm). Apron shown fits ages 3–5. To
ensure proper fit, the child should be measured to determine the appropriate size.
figure 1
Prepare + Sew the
Waist + Neck Straps
4 Fold the Waist Strap in half lengthwise with
right sides together. Using a ¼" (6 mm) seam
allowance, sew along the long edge and one
of the short edges. Trim the corners. With the
help of your turning tool, turn the strap right
side out and press flat. Edgestitch along the
three seamed edges.
5 Separate the Velcro. Center the hook portion ½" (1.3 cm) from the finished end of the
waist strap. Edgestitch along all four sides of
the Velcro, stitching back and forth several
times along the short edges for reinforcement
(figure 1). Set aside.
Notes
—½" (1.3 cm) seam allowances are used unless otherwise noted.
—Remember to wash, dry, and press all
fabrics before beginning (consult the fabric
care information on the bolt for any special
instructions).
Basic Apron
For the Plant Care Apron, see page 3; for the
Laundry Apron, see page 4.
Cut the Fabric
1 Assemble and cut out the patterns included
in this PDF.
2 Fold the fabric with right sides together
so the selvedges meet at the center and cut
the following pieces, referring to the layout
diagram on page 6:
—Two Apron Bodies on the fold
—One Waist Strap
—One Neck Strap
Note: Label the Waist and Neck Straps on the
wrong side with chalk or tape to avoid confusion.
Prepare the Apron Front
3 If you are making a variation on the basic
apron, complete the Apron Preparation steps
marked with a Îon page 4 for the Plant Care
Apron or for the Laundry Apron marked with a
Îon page 4 before continuing.
© Interweave Press LLC
Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.
2
Please respect the copyright by not
forwarding or distributing this document
2
figure 2
6 Fold the Neck Strap in half lengthwise,
with right sides together. Using a 1⁄4" (6 mm)
seam allowance, sew along the long edge only,
forming a tube. Turn the tube right side out
and press flat with the seam along one edge.
Edgestitch both long edges of the neck strap.
7 Attach the safety pin to one edge of the
elastic. Insert the safety pin into the neck
strap tube and work it along the tube with
your fingers until the free end of the elastic is
even with the end of tube (the safety pin will
not have reached the tube’s far end). Pin the
first end closed, securing the elastic. With a ¼"
(6 mm) seam allowance, sew the pinned end of
the neck strap closed, elastic and all. Continue
pulling the safety pin through to the other end
of the neck strap. Pin this end closed, securing
the elastic. Make sure that the elastic is not
twisted, then sew this end closed as before.
8 Pin the ends of the neck strap to the shell
Apron Body, right sides together, matching the
raw edges and positioning the strap ends 5⁄8"
(1.6 cm) from the body sides. Be sure the strap
is not twisted (see figure 2).
9 Pin the waist strap to the right-hand edge
of the shell Body, right sides together (with
the Velcro facing away from the apron body).
Match the strap and Body raw edges, and
center the strap over the body notch. Fold the
waist strap several times and use the safety pin
to secure the folded strap to the apron body,
holding it away from the remaining seams.
interweavestitch.com
page 2 of 19
apron
basic child’s
+ variations
Baste the neck and waist strap edges to the
Apron Body, ¼" (6 mm) from the raw edges
(figure 2).
Finish the Apron
0 Place the remaining Apron Body on the
assembled shell Apron Body, right sides
together, aligning the edges. Pin the pieces
together, sandwiching the strap ends between
the layers. Sew around the perimeter of the
Apron Body, pivoting at the corners by leaving
the needle in the fabric, lifting the presser foot
to pivot, and then lowering the presser foot
and continuing to sew along the adjacent edge.
Leave a 4" (10 cm) gap in the bottom edge of
the apron for turning.
- Trim the corners and turn the apron right
side out, using a turning tool as needed to
shape the corners. Remove the safety pin,
freeing the waist strap. Press the apron flat,
tucking in the seam allowances at the gap left
for turning.
= Topstitch ¼" (6 mm) from the apron edges,
closing the gap in the bottom as you go. To
finish the apron without topstitching, slipstitch
the opening by hand.
q With the apron right side up (with the waist
strap on the right), pin the loop portion of the
Velcro to the left-hand side of the apron, positioning the Velcro ¼" (6 mm) below the corner
and ½" (1.3 cm) from the side seam. Sew in
place as in Step 6.
Plant Care Apron
Materials + Tools
—Flower Pot Pocket templates on page 9 (1a)
—Yo-yo Flower templates on page 10
(1b; optional)
—2 scraps of brown fabric for flower pot
pocket, each measuring at least 7" x 6"
(18 x 15 cm)
—Various scraps of cotton fabric, each
measuring at least 4" (10 cm) square, for
optional yo-yo flower watering indicators
—Small, coordinating button for
each yo-yo flower
—Popsicle or craft sticks for watering
indicators
—Hot glue gun and glue sticks (for watering
indicators)
Note
—A thrifted garment may be used to make the
apron, just be aware that seams from the
original garment may visible in the finished
apron (as seen in the sample shown here; I
used a large pair of corduroy pants from the
thrift store). If you use a thrifted garment,
be sure to wash it thoroughly and check for
stains or damage before cutting.
© Interweave Press LLC
Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.
Make the Flower Watering Indicators
For easy access, hang the Plant Care Apron on a child-height hook next to a small watering can. Before the child puts on the apron, place Flower Markers only in the plants
that need to be watered. The child can roam the house, searching out the plants with
the Flower Markers. When she finds one, she waters that plant, removes the Flower
Marker, and places the Marker in the flower pot pocket on the front of the apron.
1 Trace and cut out the Yo-yo Flower template and then use the template to cut out as
many circles (yo-yos) as desired from cotton scraps. The following instructions make
one Flower Marker.
2 Fold 1⁄4" (6 mm) of the fabric circle’s edge to the wrong side and finger press. Thread
a handsewing needle with strong thread and, with the thread doubled, tie a knot 2–3"
(5–7.5 cm) from the end. Leaving the end beyond the knot as a thread tail, sew a running stitch (page 5) along the folded edge through both layers (figure a) around the
entire circumference of the circle. Do not tie off.
To make a yo-yo with a tighter center, make your running stitches longer and leave
more space between stitches. For a more open-centered yo-yo, make your running
stitches smaller and closer together.
3 Pull both thread tails to gather the
circle at the yo-yo center, pulling taut to
gather into a tight circle. Make sure the
gathers are distributed evenly, then knot
the tails together and take some small,
hidden stitches around the gathers to
secure them, using the still-threaded
needle. Cut the thread tails, hiding them
inside the yo-yo. Flatten the yo-yo so
that the gathered circle lies at the center
on top.
4 Use a handsewing needle and thread
to sew a button to the center of the yo-yo,
over the gathers, knotting off at the back
of the yo-yo. Use a hot glue gun to attach
the yo-yo to one end of a popsicle stick.
Repeat to make as many yo-yo flowers as
you have houseplants!
figure a
Please respect the copyright by not
forwarding or distributing this document
3
a
interweavestitch.com
page 3 of 19
apron
basic child’s
+ variations
that the right sides are facing out and press
them up and away from the Bottom.
ÎEdgestitch the ends and top of the Flower
Pot Top to join the layers (figure 4).
ÎCenter the assembled flower pot pocket 4"
(10 cm) above the bottom edge of one Apron
Body and pin in place, leaving the top of the
pocket open and making sure that the pocket
raw edges are properly turned under. Edgestitch the pocket sides and lower edge, leaving
the top open. This is the shell Apron Body.
Laundry Apron
Materials + Tools
figure 3
—Laundry Apron embroidery template
(includes design element templates)
—2⁄3 (¾) yd (61 [69] cm) of laminated cotton or
oilcloth for waterproof lining
—Various scraps of cotton fabric for design
elements (gnome shirt, pants, hat, face,
laundry basket cover, hanging laundry)
—Embroidery floss in multiple colors and an
embroidery needle
—Very small bit of wool or cotton stuffing for
gnome’s head
—Transfer paper (optional)
—Erasable fabric marking pen, fine-tipped permanent marker, or ballpoint pen (optional)
3
Note
figure 4
= indicates wrong side of fabric
a
Plant Care Apron Preparation
Follow Steps 1–3 for the Basic Apron on page
2. Then, follow the instructions below before
continuing to Step 4.
ÎTrace and cut out the Flower Pot Pocket
Templates (Flower Pot Top, Flower Pot Bottom). From the brown fabric scraps, cut two
Flower Pot Tops and one Flower Pot Bottom.
ÎFold ¼" (6 mm) to the wrong side along the
sides of the Flower Pot Bottom and press. Fold
¼" (6 mm) to the wrong side along the narrower (lower) edge and press.
ÎFold ¼" (6 mm) to the wrong side along each
short end of the Flower Pot Tops and press.
Fold ¼" (6 mm) to the wrong side along the
longest edge of each Flower Pot Top and press.
ÎSandwich the unfolded edge of the Flower
Pot Bottom between the two narrower edges of
the Flower Pot Tops, with the Tops’ right sides
together and all the raw edges matched. Pin
in place, making sure that all the pieces’ sides
are still folded under. Sew a ¼" (6 mm) seam
along the entire length of the Flower Pot Top,
catching the Flower Pot Bottom in the seam
(figure 3). Flip the Flower Pot Tops over so
© Interweave Press LLC
Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.
—Be sure to check the care instructions for
the waterproof fabric, as heat from an iron
or tumble dryer could cause damage.
Prepare the Apron Front
with Embroidery Design
ollow Steps 1–3 for the Basic Apron on page
F
2. Then, follow the instructions below before
continuing to Step 4.
ÎAssemble the full-size embroidery template.
Use the template to transfer the design onto
one Apron Body piece, or simply use the template as a diagram and create the embroidered
scene freehand.
If the apron fabric allows, the simplest method
for transferring the embroidery design is
a source of light, masking tape, and a very
thin permanent marker. Tape the assembled
template to a windowpane, or use a light table
if available. Tape the fabric to the windowpane
over the embroidery template, right side up,
remembering the ½" (1.3 cm) seam allowances
at the bottom and sides. Use a very fine-tipped
permanent marker or fabric marking pen to
trace over the design and onto your fabric.
If the fabric is too dark or thick for easy tracing,
use dressmaker’s tracing paper (I suggest using
Saral transfer paper in white for dark fabrics or
graphite for light fabrics). Simply stack the materials as follows: background fabric (right side
up); transfer paper with carbon side down; and
Please respect the copyright by not
forwarding or distributing this document
paper with embroidery design (right side up).
When positioning the design on the fabric,
remember the ½" (1.3 cm) seam allowances
at the bottom and sides. Use a ballpoint pen
to trace over the design, pressing firmly so
that the carbon transfers onto the fabric.
interweavestitch.com
page 4 of 19
apron
basic child’s
+ variations
ÎStitch the design lines with embroidery
floss, choosing the embroidery stitches
according to the labels on the embroidery
template, or substituting preferred stitches.
Use one strand of embroidery floss for finer
lines and use two or more strands to create
thicker lines and French knots. Refer to the
sidebar for help with the stitches. Embroider
the Gnome details after completing the rawedge appliqué in the following steps.
ÎTrace the Laundry Apron appliqué
templates onto pattern paper and cut the appliqué pieces from scrap fabric: two Gnome
Heads, two Gnome Hats, one Shirt, one Pant,
and small scraps of fabric for the “hanging
laundry" and for covering the laundry basket.
ÎUsing the embroidery template as a guide,
embroider French knots on one of the Gnome
Heads to create the beard. Embroider a face,
using the stitches indicated on the template.
ÎSew one Gnome Hat to the top of each Gnome
Head, with the Hat slightly overlapping the head
(make sure the overlap on each set is equal).
Place the two Gnome Head/Hats wrong sides
together and topstitch a scant 1⁄8" (3 mm) from
the edge, leaving a ½" (1.3 cm) opening on the
bottom of the head for stuffing. Pad lightly with a
small bit of wool or cotton stuffing, then sew the
opening closed.
ÎArrange the gnome’s Pants and Shirt on
the Apron Front using the embroidery template as a guide and allowing for the ½" (1.3
cm) seams. Pin in place, then topstitch 1⁄8"
(3 mm) from the edge of each piece. Attach
the head/hat with a handsewing needle and
thread, securing it with several stitches hidden under the dimensional appliqué. Sew the
“laundry" to the line and the basket, either
by hand or by machine. Finish the Gnome
embroidery details (hands, feet, and hair) as
indicated on the embroidery template.
ÎCut one Apron Body on the fold from the
waterproof material. Align the edges of the
shell and waterproof Apron Bodies, with the
shell Apron right side up atop the waterproof
surface of the second fabric. Pin and baste
together ¼" (6 mm) from the edges around
all sides. Treat this unit as the assembled
shell Apron as you complete the remaining
instructions on page 3.
© Interweave Press LLC
Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.
Embroidery stitches
Backstitch
Working from right to left, bring the
needle up at 1 and insert behind your
starting point at 2. Bring the needle up at
3. Repeat by inserting at 1 and then bring
the needle up one stitch length beyond 3.
2
3 1
Straight stitch/Running stitch
Working from left to right, bring the needle up and
insert at 1, 1⁄8–1⁄4" (3–6 mm; or longer as necessary) from
the starting point. To continue with running stitch, bring
the needle up at 2, 1⁄8–1⁄4" (3–6 mm; or longer as necessary)
to the left of 1, and repeat.
2
Satin stitch
Generally worked from left to right, satin stitch is most
often used to fill in a shape or create a thick, scalloplike edge. Bring the needle up at 1, insert at 2, and bring
back up at 3. Repeat.
Chain stitch
Working from top to bottom, bring the
needle up at 1 and create a loop by reinserting at 1; do not pull the thread taut. Bring
the needle back up at 2, keeping the needle
above the loop and pulling the needle
toward you gently to tighten the loop so that
it is flush with the fabric. Repeat by reinserting at 2 to create the next loop and bring the
needle up at 3. To finish a row of
stitched, tack the last loop down with
a small straight stitch.
1
3
1
2
1
2
2
French knot
Bring the needle up at 1 and hold the thread
1
taut about 2" (5 cm) above the fabric. Point
the needle toward your fingers and wrap
the thread tautly around the needle twice.
Insert the needle into the fabric near 1 and
complete the knot by holding the thread taut near the
wrapped thread as you pull the needle toward the wraps
and through the fabric.
Please respect the copyright by not
forwarding or distributing this document
1
3
3
1
interweavestitch.com
page 5 of 19
apron
basic child’s
+ variations
apron cutting
layout
45-60" (114.5-152.5 cm)
3-5 yrs, 6-8 yrs
fold
apron body
neck strap
cut 1 ply
selvedges
waist strap
cut 1 ply
apron body
fold
© Interweave Press LLC
Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.
Please respect the copyright by not
forwarding or distributing this document
interweavestitch.com
page 6 of 19
apron
basic child’s
+ variations
Getting Started
Basic techniques and terms
you’ll need to know for the
pattern you have downloaded.
place on fold
pattern
Assembling Full-Size Pattern Printout
1
|
When preparing to print the pdf, make sure that you are
printing it at 100% and that there is no scaling. Check the settings for page scaling (should be “None”) and check the preview
to make sure that you
will be printing at full
size. Make sure that
the box labeled “AutoRotate and Center” is
unchecked (instructions apply specifically
to Adobe Reader; if
2" 2" [5 5 cm]
using another pdf
reader, check for similar settings).
|
7 Use weights to hold the pattern pieces down and use
pins to secure the corners as needed.
8 | Cut the pieces slowly and carefully.
Pattern Symbols + Markings
Cutting lines Multisize patterns
have different cutting lines for each size.
Test Square
place on fold
place on fold
place on fold
place on fold
2 | To ensure that the
pattern has printed at
the correct scale, check
the size of the TEST SQUARE. The Test Square
should be 2" × 2" (5 × 5 cm).
Grainline The double-ended arrow
should be parallel to the lengthwise
grain or fold unless specifically marked
as crosswise. Bias grainlines will be
diagonal.
|
3 To begin assembling the pattern, cut off or fold the dotted
margin around each page.
|
4 The pages are numbered in rows, so the first row of pages is
numbered 1a, 1b, 1c, etc. Line up the rows and match the dotted
lines together so they overlap. Tape the pages together. Use the
illustrated guide to match each piece. Once the pattern is complete, find your size, pin the pattern to the fabric, and follow the
coordinating line to cut out or trace the pattern.
place on fold
place on fold
|
Find the lines that correspond to your size and trace
the pattern pieces, either on tissue paper or directly onto
the fabric, using tracing paper and a tracing wheel.
2 | If you are cutting pattern pieces on the fold or cutting
two of the same pattern piece, fold the fabric in half,
selvedge to selvedge, with right sides together. Note that this
technique is not appropriate for some fabrics, so check the
project instructions if you are unsure.
XS
S
|
3 Lay the pattern pieces on the fabric as close together
as possible. Double-check that all pattern pieces to be
cut “on the fold” are placed on the fold.
M
|
page 7 of 19
M
interweavestitch.com
S
L
XL
Please respect the copyright by not
forwarding or distributing this document
M
© Interweave Press LLC
Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.
times appearing with pattern dots)
indicates an area to be slashed. Further
instructions for making the slash will be
included in the pattern instructions.
XS S
|
6 Read through all cutting instructions listed in the project
instructions for directions on how many pattern pieces to
cut out of your fabric and interfacing.
place
place
place
onon
fold
on
fold
fold
Slash Marks A dashed line (some-
S
unless otherwise noted.
pattern dots Filled circles indicate
that a mark needs to be made (often on
the right side of the fabric) for placement
of elements such as a pocket or a dart
point. Mark by punching through the pattern paper only, then mark on the fabric
through the hole.
XS
5 | Copy all pattern markings onto the wrong side of the fabric
place on fold
XS
4 Make sure all pattern pieces are placed on the fabric
with the grainline running parallel to the lengthwise grain unless
a crosswise or bias grainline is present.
Notches Notches are triangle-shaped
symbols used for accurately matching
seams. Pieces to be joined will have corresponding notches.
Darts Dashed lines and dots mark
darts. The dashed lines show where the
stitching will be, and the dot shows the
position of the dart point (signaling the
point, at the end of the dart, where your
stitching should end).
Layout, Marking + Cutting Guidelines
1
Place on fold bracket This is
a grainline marking with arrows pointing
to the edge of the pattern. Place on the
fold of the fabric so that your finished
piece will be twice the size of the pattern
piece, without adding a seam.
apron
basic child’s
+ variations
1a
1b
1c
1d
6-8
BASIC CHILD’S APRON
PLANT CARE APR ON
yo yo flower template
3-5
waist strap
left side
seam only
PLANT CARE APRON
flower pot pocket top
cut 2
3-5
3-5
PLANT CARE APRON
waist strap
cut 1
2a
2b
2c
2d
PLANT CARE APRON
neck strap
cut 1
CHILD’S BASIC APRON
CHILD’S BASIC APRON
LAUNDRY APRON
embroidery template
GNOME
Beard: French knots
Hair: long straight stitches
Facial details: straight stitches
Arm: backstitch
Hand/feet: backstitch outline with
satin stitch fill
3-5
CAT
backstitch outline with straight stitch
details, French knot nose
BASKET
backstitch outline at bottom,
chain stitch top and handle, straight
stitch details
3a
CHILD’S BASIC APRON
APRON BODY
main body + lining
cut 2 on fold or cut as directed
6-8
6-8
CHILD’S BASIC APRON
PLANT CARE APRON
flower pot pocket bottom
cut 2
3b
3c
running stitch
Fre
nc
hk
no
ts
ts
no
hk
c
ren
F
chain stitch
6-8
backstitch
ain
ch
backstitch
h
chain stitch
tc
sti
backstitch
hat
“laundry”
itch
backstitch
st
back
straight stitch
chain stitch
3-5
French knots
shirt
head
backstitch
backstitch
French
knots
chain stitch
6-8
satin stitch
© Interweave Press LLC
Not to be reprinted. All rights reserved.
Please respect the copyright by not
forwarding or distributing this document
satin stitch
pants
French knots
French
knots
interweavestitch.com
page 8 of 19
1a
BASIC CHILD’S APRON
PLANT CARE APRON
flower pot pocket top
cut 2
6-8
3-5
PLANT CARE APRON
flower pot pocket bottom
cut 2
1b
PLANT CARE APRON
yo yo flower template
1c
6-8
3-5
waist strap
left side
seam only
CHILD’S BASIC APRON
APRON BODY
cut 2 on fold or cut as directed
6-8
3-5
1d
CHILD’S BASIC APRON
WAIST STRAP
cut 1
2a
CHILD’S BASIC APRON
NECK STRAP
cut 1
2b
CHILD’S BASIC APRON
LAUNDRY APRON
embroidery template
2c
GNOME
Beard: French knots
Hair: long straight stitches
Facial details: straight stitches
Arm: backstitch
Hand/feet: backstitch outline with
satin stitch fill
CAT
backstitch outline with straight stitch
details, French knot nose
BASKET
backstitch outline at bottom,
chain stitch top and handle, straight
stitch details
2d
3-5
6-8
3a
3-5
6-8
3b
running stitch
Fre
nc
ots
n
hk
nc
Fre
backstitch
chain stitch
backstitch
ch
kstit
bac
backstitch
chain stitch
straight stitch
French knots
French
knots
satin stitch
chain stitch
satin stitch
hk
no
ts
3c
backstitch
ain
ch
h
chain stitch
tc
sti
backstitch
hat
“laundry”
shirt
head
backstitch
pants
French knots
French
knots