Pattern Description:
This tutorial details how to create a quick and simple DIY tea towel half apron. It is designed as a really easy beginner sewing project that fits any adult size and gender.
When selecting materials, choose a medium-to-lightweight towel with a non-directional print or pattern. This apron is easy to personalize with trims, iron-on vinyl, or embroidery.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Tea towel or hand towel.
- It should use a non-directional print or pattern. Avoid prints that are vertical or towels with words/phrases, as they will be sideways when worn.
- A medium weight towel to a lightweight towel can be used. Terry cloth is an option if the apron is to be used frequently as a hand towel.
- Ribbon (for waistband):Two or more yards of ribbon.
- The length will depend on the person you are making it for.
- A thicker, stronger ribbon is preferred. Recommended width is 1.5 to 2 inch, such as grosgrain ribbon.
- Sewing tools.
Key Construction Measurements/Details:
- Pleats: Add two to four pleats starting at the center front of the long side of the towel. The amount of pleats changes based on the towel length and the recipient. The pleats created in the tutorial example were 1.5″ deep.
- Seam Allowance: Sew the ribbon to the towel using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
- Hemming Ends: Fold the short edges (of the ribbon) over 1/4 inch twice before sewing.
Instructions for Making the Kitchen Towel Apron Pattern:
Step 1: Preparing the Pleats
The first step involves gathering the long edge of the towel to create the proper fit for the waistband.
- Find the center front of the LONG side of the towel.
- Starting at this center point and moving outwards, add two to four pleats. The quantity of pleats used is dependent on the length of the towel and the recipient.
- For a small towel, only two pleats may be necessary at the center front.
- Tip for tag placement: If there is a tag on the side of the towel, make sure that the pleats are positioned on the side where the tag is located to conceal it. If the tag happens to be on the short side of the towel, it cannot be hidden within the pleats.
Step 2: Finishing the Ribbon Ends
Once you have cut your ribbon to the appropriate length (2 yards or longer), prepare the short ends.
- To finish the short edges of the ribbon, fold the ends over 1/4 inch twice.
- Sew these folded ends. Crucially, ensure that both ends are folded toward each other on the same side of the ribbon.
Step 3: Attaching the Waistband
Next, the prepared waistband is attached to the pleated edge of the towel.
- Align the center front of the ribbon with the center front of the pleated side of the towel.
- Pin or clip the ribbon along the entire edge, ensuring that the right sides of the ribbon and towel are together.
- Sew the ribbon to the towel using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
- To secure the seam, backstitch at the start and at the end of the stitching line to lock the stitches in place.
Step 4: Pressing and Topstitching
The final steps involve pressing the seam and topstitching to create a durable and neat finish.
- Press the seam allowance down towards the towel.
- Topstitch the seam allowance down towards the towel.
- Again, backstitch at both the start and the end of the topstitching line to lock the stitches.
Caution: The area around the pleats will be really bulky when topstitching. This bulkiness is present even if only two pleats were used. Due to the thickness of the fabric in this area, you should sew slowly and carefully.
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