Four Fat Quarter Apron Tutorial : :

Today I'm sharing a tutorial for a half apron that sews up quickly and requires less than four fat quarters to make! This step by step tutorial creates the basic half apron design, however you can take this simple pattern and add your own details -- applique, pockets, longer straps to wrap around to tie in the front, etc. If you have any questions leave a comment or feel free to email me at maureencracknell@hotmail.com. Now let's get started!!    

What you'll need : :

• 1 - fat quarter measuring 18" x 22" for the main apron fabric
• 1 - fat quarter cut in half, into two equal pieces measuring 11"x 18" for the side panel fabrics
• 1 - fat quarter to cut a piece measuring 9" x 22" for the waistband
• 1 - fat quarter to cut two pieces measuring 7" 22" for the straps
• coordinating thread
• Sewing pins
• Sharp scissors and/or a rotary cutter/mat set 

Creating the Apron Skirt : :

1. Using the fat quarter chosen for the first layer of the apron skirt, create a hem by folding in the bottom edge 1/4" and press 2. Fold 1/4" again, press, and pin in place 3. Repeat this step for both sides of the fat quarter piece  4. Sew along inner folded edge and the outer edge to create a double seam

Once finished the bottom of the fat quarter and both sides should have a nice double seam hem.



Creating the Apron Skirt Panels : : 

5. Using the fat quarter chosen for creating each side panel, cut this fat quarter in half, to two pieces measuring 11" x 18"  6. Using the same steps for hemming the skirt, create a hem on both the bottom and each side of the panel pieces. There is no need to hem the top 7. Lay each panel piece on top of the hemmed skirt piece at a slight angle as shown below

Once the panel pieces are positioned, pin in place.



Creating the Apron Waistband : :  

8. From the fat quarter chosen for the waistband, cut a piece measuring 9" x 22"  9. Fold in each edge a 1/4" and press 10. Fold this piece in half so the sides match up and press well

The pressed waistband should have no exposed raw edges.



Attaching the Apron Waistband : :  

11. Place the finished apron skirt inside the waistband, so the waistband covers the raw edges at the top of the apron skirt  12. Pin in place 13. Sew along both the top of the waistband, staying close to the edge, and along the bottom, leaving both sides of the waistband open (for the straps)

Remove the pins, now it's time to make the straps!



Creating the Apron Straps : :  

14. From the fat quarter chosen for the straps, cut two pieces measuring 7" x 22"  15. Using the same instructions for creating the waistband, fold in edges, press and then fold in half  16. sew along the outside edge of each strap piece, staying close to the edge  17. Insert strap piece into the opening left on each side of the waistband, pin in place  18. Sew straps in place, for this I always sew two seams

Voila! Using less than four fat quarters you've created a super cute apron! My favorite part is that the bottom skirt fabric stays draped and you can lift the side panels to wipe your hands almost like hanging tea towels! Love that!! 



The wide waistband makes this apron easy wearing and flattering to all our shapes, and the angled side panel pieces add a sweet feminine and flirty-ness, too!

I hope you enjoy making and wearing this apron! You can read about my reason for creating this apron here. As always, if you decided to give this tutorial a try -- be sure to let me know and feel free to share a photo on my facebook page anytime!!

Happy Monday, friends!!  ♥ Maureen 

* * * * * * UPDATE : :  After making this apron a few more times myself and having so many of my blog followers and friends make one as well, I do recommend lengthening the straps. The size in the tutorial will work for a size small/medium, so I just suggest that you adjust the length to a comfortable length for yourself or for the person who will be wearing it! THANKS!! M