Stitch a Chef Apron
Updated: May 26, 2022
These directions are my ‘new and improved’ techniques to create a well-sewn classic Chef Apron. I have used the pattern pieces from the McCalls 5358 (2007). Honestly, it amazes me how very minimal the included directions are for a simple project like this chef apron - a great gift for anyone! Especially, since this project looks line one perfect for a new sewer, I found the poor directions to be disappointing. Below, I have written new and complete directions in order to prepare for teaching this as a project for my Young Sewers (age 9 and up) class. Skills taught in these directions include learning how to: create a continuous binding, apply bias binding that looks good on the front AND the back, create smooth edges and how to secure corners on a patch pocket that will get hard use.
Supplies
Fabric: I strongly recommend a heavier home-dec type fabric with ample body for this project (though not as heavy as a jeans-type denim.) All cotton will make the bias shaping respond easily to shaping. Prints will camouflage stitching more than solids.
54” or 60” fabric: 1 3/8 yard
45” fabric: 1 1/2 yard PRESHRINK THE FABRIC!!!
Lighter Weight Fabrics: Add fusible woven interfacing for the Front Upper edge and to ‘beef up’ the entire Pocket, or at least the upper edge of the Pocket. 1/4 yard would be enough.
Thread: the thread will show everywhere - so take care when selecting the color.
Cardboard - to cut a template for the pocket and a 3/4” template for tie pressing.
Cutting
Pattern pieces define the cutting. You are cutting one Pocket, one Binding on the bias, and one Front - on the fold.
Stitching Directions
Finish Front Upper Edge
If using a lighter weight fabric, fuse fusible interfacing to the upper edge - it should be 1 1/4” wide.
1. Press 1/4” to the wrong side at the top edge. Stitch with a wide zigzag stitch.
2. Stitch right along the folded edge from the wrong side to secure it in place.
Prepare & Attach Patch Pocket
To see the magic of a cardboard pocket template, watch the beginning of the video on my YouTube Channel: Patch Pocket Magic. I'll add this video at the end of this post, or you can find it at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7BlIIrfh24&t=37s
1. Cut a cardboard template to the FINISHED SIZE of the Pocket - so that means withOUT the upper facing part and withOUT the side and lower 5/8” seam allowances. I do this by first carefully marking the 5/8” seam allowance