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How to Sew a Cross Back Apron

Level
Intermediate
Time
1 hour
Budget
10 - 30

These 'throw on' Japanese style aprons have become really popular lately. Make one from just 2 metres of fabric and only a few pattern pieces. The construction is quick and easy and you can embellish it however you like. We opted for a sunny hand-embroidered design. The cross over back is a lovely feature, plus make it curved or straight hemmed. Make it from Textured blender fabric to look like expensive linen!

These aprons make great gifts and you can adjust the straps slightly, before sewing, to make this apron fit a variety of sizes. A truly versatile pattern.

Project and instructions by Sophia Palmer from Sew Jessalli

You will need

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How to make

You Will Need

* Sewing Machine

* Fabric Scissors

* Pins

* Fabric of choice

* Matching Thread

* DMC Black Thread

* Dressmakers Tracing Paper

* Feudenberg Stitch n Tear

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Template
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Step 1

Use the template provided to cut out the main apron, apron facing and two pockets. Finish the bottom raw edge of the facing piece with a zig-zag stitch or overlocker.

Step 2

Place the facing piece, right sides together, on top of the main apron front. Pin all the way around from facing edge, around the straps and front, and finishing at the facing edge on the other side. Make sure you mark the top of the apron front with double pins, leaving two gaps of 6.5cm, 1cm from each edge. These will be where we add the straps.

Step 3

Sew around these sides, leaving the gaps you've marked. Trim corners, and cut notches into curves. Then turn right way around and Press.

Step 4

Finished the lower edge of the apron with a slightly rolled hem. If you're making the curved version, this will be a little harder, you will have to pucker it slightly and stretch it into shape as you go. Start and end where it meets the facing edge. Press to finish.

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Step 5

Slip the straps into their gaps in the apron front top. Don't forget to cross them over. Pin in place and try the apron on. You might need to put more of the strap inside your facings, the straps will change the shape at the back, so check this too.

Step 6

Once happy sew in place and continue the stitching to topstitch around the apron edge. You might want to do this in stages, so you don't get in a tangle. Sew all edges until you meet your hem stitching at the edges of the facing.

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Step 7

Next get your pockets and zig-zag or overlock three sides, leaving the top untouched. Next, fold down the top by 1cm, then again by 2cm. Press. Sew this hem down with a 1.5cm seam allowance.

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Step 8

Press the 3 finished pockets sides in by 1cm. Then pin in place on the front of the apron, 15cm from the bottom and 15cm apart from each other. Try the apron on and make sure you're happy with that placement.

Step 9

Topstitch the pockets on sewing your first line 10mm from the pressed edge, then continue back around to the start, sewing right on the edge of the pocket. This will make the pocket edges really strong. Press.

Step 10

Next trace the Sun embroidery onto tracing paper or 'Stitch n Tear'. Pin in place on one pocket, tucking it in slightly so the bottom of the sun 'sits' on the top edge.

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Step 11

Use embroidery thread to do a series of running and back stitches covering all the pencil lines. Once happy, rip all the 'Stitch n Tear' away. Press.

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Step 12

Wear with pride.

Rated 4 out of 5 by from Great first pattern for a begginner This is the first time I've made anything other than a napkin on the sewing machine and found the pattern to be a great first progression. I sometimes found the pattern difficult to understand but you can find any terminology online these days. Having the video uploaded recently and getting advice from my mum really helped. I would say the pattern is probably not a universal fit, my partner is taller than most women so it's a bit tight on her- but that might be because I used heavyweight cotton? I also made the pockets twice as large and turned them 90 degrees to be able to fit a hand properly. Overall, good fun and a great learning experience for me. Very pleased :)
Date published: 2023-03-10
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Quick Easy Japanese Apron Once I got the pattern put together everything went well. For beginners it may be helpful to include instructions on how to size the pattern up or down. Added the seam allowances and prototype fits a bit snug 5’9” 140 lbs willl adjust for the twill one
Date published: 2023-03-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Super easy and effective I'm a beginner sewer and found the instructions super easy to follow with gorgeous results at the end. The pattern was easy to put together and the overall apron is super cute!
Date published: 2022-09-21
Rated 4 out of 5 by from I have a question When you're cutting out the pattern in the video, it looks like you have cut extra all around. Is that the seam allowance? I didn't know that before I cut and now I'm testing the straps and it seems too small. It comes right up to my neck in the front and is clingier overall.
Date published: 2023-03-13
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Great idea! Looks great, and will be making soon. And no fitting needed!
Date published: 2023-02-07
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