ONE PAIR OF “MOMMY” JEANS: 4 NEW APRONS: PART 2

PART 2: The Waist/Half Apron

Supplies needed:
One pair of high waisted jeans—the larger the size, the larger the aprons
Double Fold Extra Wide Bias Tape—2-3 packages or make your own
Any extra trims, buttons, fabric or tulle that you desire to use for embellishments
































Step 1:
Cut the jeans into 4 sections: Front, Back, and 2 Legs
Save the leg portions for PART 1 and the back for Apron #2





Step 2:

In this example, I am using the front portion of the jeans. If you notice, the front seam does not lie flat near the crotch area. In order to alleviate this issue, open the front seam 1.5”-2”, so that you can “flap” one side over the other, making the front flat. Sew the “flap” in place and trim off the excess denim underneath.































Step 3:
If the bottom of the front is uneven, using care, cut across the front making it as straight as possible. I went ahead and curved both lower corners, my personal preference for this project.







Step 4:

Cover the raw edges with the bias tape. I actually made my own in Part 1 and had enough left over to use for this apron. Optional: detach the lower part of the side belt loops, attach the bias tape, and reattach the belt loops. This allows for a more finished appearance.































Step 5:
Decide what you would like to use for the tie/waistband and how long you need it to be. I used the same fabric as the bias tape, cutting a piece 9” X 72”. With right sides together fold it in half and sew across one end and along the length of the piece. Turn the “tube” inside out and stitch the open end closed. Press and insert it through the belt loops. You just made the tie/waistband! I felt like my new apron needed a “little more” so I cut out a floral shape from a scrap of denim and my printed fabric , attaching them to the apron with a fancy zigzag stitch. My apron is complete—what do you think?





























































Here’s the apron I fashioned from the back portion of the jeans:





To summarize:
Take ONE pair of “old jeans” and make FOUR “new aprons”:

ONE PAIR OF “MOMMY” JEANS: 4 NEW APRONS: PART 1

PART 1: The Bib Apron
Here's Part 1 of the tutorial I promised in my post from 3/31/09. I hope to have Part 2 for you soon!
Supplies needed:
One pair of high waisted jeans—the larger the size, the larger the aprons
Double Fold Extra Wide Bias Tape—2-3 packages or make your own
Any extra trims, buttons, or tulle that you desire to use for embellishments












Step 1:
Cut the jeans into 4 sections: Front, Back, and 2 Legs
Save the front and back for PART 2 and one leg for Apron #2





Step 2:
Using one leg portion, open one of the seams the full length of the leg. I usually leave the topstitched seam intact and open the other seam. I use a seam ripper and/or small scissors.





Step 3:
The hemmed edge (cuff) will become the bib/top portion of the apron. Cut off the hem and fold in half with the intact seam as the center of the fold. Cut out the curve portion for the “arm” area. Shorten the leg to the length you desire and cut the bottom of the apron to your desired shape. In my example, I made this apron 24” in length and “curved” the hem.




















Step 4:
Apply bias tape to the top and around the bottom portion of the apron. I decided to make my own bias tape using instructions I found on the web.
























Step 5:
Cut 2 pieces of bias tape to serve as the ties for the apron. The length is based on your own preference of whether you want the ties long enough for making bows. I like long ties at both the neck and the waist. My bias tape strips are each 60” long. I measured the “arm” curve (10”) and added 20” for the neck section of the tie and added 30” for the waist section, hence 10” + 20” + 30” = 60”.
Pin the strips in place, and attach by sewing. I just turn the ends inward and stitch them down to finish.





















Step 6:
Now you are ready to add embellishments. I fashioned a pocket from the portion of the leg that I cut off in Step 3. I added bias tape around its perimeter, and then attached it to the apron. Note: I try to allow a little “hand room” when attaching.


















I then covered some buttons and added to the top! Here’s the finished apron!





















Here's a look at what I made from the other leg part of the jeans! Now go search for those old jeans and make some aprons! Part 2: half/waist aprons coming soon!