Sewing with children, Lesson 2: sewing an apron
Directions for sewing an apron
- Hem strings making a tiny hem on the two sides and an inch hem on one end. Leave other end untouched.
- Take the larger apron piece and turn in one quarter inch on all but the top side.
- Stitch edging on these turned-in sides, fitting the turned-in edge neat and close to the embroidered edge of the trimming. Stitch in two rows 1/16 inch apart. This makes a neat and firm finish.
- Turn in one quarter inch on all but top side of both small pieces.
- Stitch edging in place down the side A to A and up the curved side to within six inches of the top.
- Lay the larger piece out on the table.
- Slip one smaller piece under the right curved edge of the larger and pin in place, so that they lap five inches at the widest point. Pin in place.
- Fit the other smaller piece in place on the left side, lapping five inches at the widest place, and pin in place.
- The apron is now in one piece and the sides A to D of the smaller sections are the outside edge.
- Stitch the lapped sections i place with double stitching. Leave an opening of seven inches on the trimmed edge of the top piece,-this is to make a pocket.
- With six tiny little gathers (three on each side) set the apron into the belt. Leave the ends of the belt open.
- Turn in one half inch at each end of the belt.
- Fold the unhemmed end of one string into three little folds.
- Slip in into the turned-in belt and stitch in place with three rows of stitching.
- Repeat with other string and the apron is finished.
“There!” said Mother, “let me warn you though; never try to go faster than your instructions. If you do each step correctly as it comes, you will understand the instructions for the next step. But if you try to get ahead of yourself, you’ll soon be hopelessly lost.”
Mother continued, “There’s no handwork, other than basting required, and I believe girls should learn to sew by the quickest method possible when starting-beginning on a sewing machine is best. But if you’re very young-this apron can also be completed with very simple hand work.”
