Apron: A Timely Handicraft Gift Idea

It is Christmas time and you may be wondering what to give your friends and loved ones that is cool aside from being useful. This gift idea, an apron, can be one of the best ideas you may consider doing this holiday season.

Apron is a useful and a simple handicraft gift idea to do for your friends and your family. You can give it to mommies and grandmas to use when cooking or doing other kitchen works. You can also give it to daddies because they can also wear this while barbecuing sometimes. In addition, it can be used in their workshops. Kids also need aprons when they are dong arts and crafts to protect their clothes from stains and paints. If you wish to make one, here are the simple instructions for making apron handicrafts.

Start with a sturdy piece of cloth suitable for the individual who will use the apron afterwards. The fabric’s width must be enough to wrap ½ to ¾ of the model’s body and long enough to cover the body from collar bone to just above the knee. For a large adult, 25-30 inches wide by 36-40 inches long will be just enough. For children aged 15 years and below, you will need at least a piece of fabric 18 inches wide by 25-30 inches long..

Also, use sturdy cotton fabrics such as medium weight denims or twill. Soft cottons such as broadcloth or muslin may be good enough for kitchen works, but it will not last long and will not work well in the gardens and workshops. You will also need a sewing machine and some threads. You will also need extra length of fabric to make straps to go around the neck, ties for the back, and pockets.

In designing your handicraft, it is best to combine beauty and functionality. Add pockets so the user will have some place to put their things while working. The first step is to fold the fabric lengthwise. This will you help you cut symmetrical shapes with just one cut. What you will be shaping when you make the cut will be the bib section of the apron. The bib for an adult sized apron will need to be about 9 inches wide.

Take a measurement from the fold of about 5-1/2 inches. This is half the width of the bib plus an inch to fold under twice to form a hem. The piece you will cut off the side to shape the bib will be a half bullet shape with the tip of the bullet being where the ties will be attached. The length of the half bullet shape should be about a foot, and the width will be from the spot you marked 5-1/2 inches from the fold to the outside edge of the fabric. After cutting these pieces you must come up with somewhat like of an apron shape.

You may now decorate the body of the apron with pockets and any other decorations you desire such as patches and appliqué. Afterwards, fold under the edges all around, and stitch it down using a sewing machine. Make sure to keep the stitches sturdy to make a nice hem around the apron. After sewing the body of the apron, it is now time to make the straps. Cut a pair of fabric a yard long and two inches wide to make the ties. Fold lengthwise and fold raw edges to the inside. Press and sew along the length to form the ties. Attach each tie on the sides of the apron’s waist.

Cut another piece, 18-20 inch-long by 5 inch-wide fold in half lengthwise and press. Repeat the procedures you did for the ties, and then attach both ends to the topsides of the bib. This will serve as the strap to hang the apron on the user’s neck. Be careful not to twist it when you attach it. After putting all the pieces together, you now have a beautiful and functional handicraft product. If you will use this as a gift for someone, surely, he or she will appreciate it very much.


LESSON IN LIFE:
“When giving gifts, it’s the thought that counts; so think carefully what you are going to give.”