For all of those who want to learn to sew but don't know where to begin, this is it! I'm hosting a sew-a-long where I will go through the steps to sew this apron and you can sew along with me! Before the sew-a-long, you will need to know the basics of how to work your sewing machine like how to thread it, winding the bobbin and machine operation. All sewing machines are different (otherwise, I'd cover that too!) but you can check your sewing machine manual for detailed instructions on these things.
The sew-a-long will begin on Friday August 13th. In the meantime, everyone who wants to participate will need to gather these items
1.)A Sewing Machine- dig out yours or borrow from a friend or relative.
2.)A sewing machine needle- If you have an old needle, put in a fresh one.
3.)Fabric scissors- make sure they're good and sharp!
4.)Pinking shears- for finishing edges, they look like this
5.)Thread- In the same color as your fabric. Use all-purpose thread. You will need one new spool
6.) An Iron- You will need an iron and ironing board for pressing seams and ironing your pattern.
7.)The Pattern- The pattern will be Butterick's retro apron, pattern number B5435. This is a modern pattern that you can find at any fabric store. Fabric stores often put patterns on sale for $1-$2 each so keep your eyes peeled for pattern sales! We'll be sewing apron view C
8.)Fabric make sure it's cotton. For beginners, it's the easiest to sew on!
Fabric needed (in inches)for U.S. readers
You will need 3/4 yard cotton fabric
3/8 yard fabric in a contrasting color (whatever colors you like!)
5/8 yards sew-in interfacing
1 pack jumbo rick-rack to match your fabric
Fabric needed (in centimeters)for readers using the metric system
You will need 0.70m cotton fabric
0.40m fabric in a contrasting color
0.60, sew-in interfacing
1 pack jumbo rick rack to match your fabric
* Don't be afraid to ask fabric store employees for help! They know a lot about sewing and are always happy to help beginners!
The sew-a-long will be broken up over 3 days.
Day 1- cutting
Day 2- sewing
Day 3- finishing
If the sew-a-long goes well, we'll do a whole dress next time! Always vintage-inspired, of course!!
What a great idea for a blog series...thanks for sharing...I will be waiting for post number 2 :)
ReplyDeleteShoot! My sewing machine is still at my moms. We didnt have room for it til we just moved into our house.
ReplyDeleteI just got a machine; I am very excited about this! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteps... just wanted to tell you that I LOVE your blog. I follow quite a few vintage blogs and your tops them all! :)
Great idea! I can handle the apron but will be following along to enjoy everyone else's experience. Looking forward to the dress tutorial though - I can always use some hints with something like that!!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be so great! I really want to learn to sew and an apron sounds like a great place to start.
ReplyDeleteI probably won't be able do this, but this is such a great idea for a blog!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, I've been sewing for years and often people say I couldn't sew on a button but I know it's fear and lack of knowledge, good on ya!
ReplyDeletethis is such a great thing you're doing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, ladies! I only hope that my tutorials are easy to understand! :) Should be fun!!
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled that you are doing this! I have been wanting to try to sew an apron. I just bought all of my supplies today! My mom gave me a sewing machiene two years ago and this will be the first time I use it (I have been too intimidated to try)!! One teensy problemo though I volunteer at a camp for kids so I will be away next friday night for the cutting . . .will I be able to read the instructions on your blog on SAT?
ReplyDeleteMaineMamma- yep, don't worry! I'll post the cutting day, the sewing day and the finishing day so it will all be there when you are ready for it! If you're a bit behind, no problem! Camp sounds like SO much fun!! So happy that you'll be joining in!! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat, thanks Brittany.
ReplyDeleteI want to do this, but will be out of town that weekend too. Monday morning, no wait, I'm gone Monday too. Tuesday morning I will definitely be checking in to start my project. Can't wait!
ReplyDelete♥ Rebecca Jean
Midnight Maniac
my local fabric store will have butterick patterns on sale this week for $1.99. I plan to do a little stocking up and was wondering if you were planning to more butterick patterns for future sewing tutorials . . .
ReplyDeleteI actually have this pattern. I have been sewing for almost 40 years and I hate to admit that this is one of the few patterns that defeated me. The whole apron was thrown in the rag bag. I guess I will have to dig it out and give another try. Scallops also defeat me--they just never have a pretty curve to them when I finish.
ReplyDeleteOMGosh, I have this pattern, just mastered one of them and was wanting to make this one too, so I'm in, hopefully! :)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about pinking shears. I told my husband I needed some because that is what my grandmother always used to keep the edges from fraying. Is this correct? I'm new to sewing.
ReplyDeleteCan not wait for this tutorial to start off to find the pattern and fabric during my lunch hour today.
ReplyDeleteMaine Mamma- I LOVE the vintage buttericks so yes, I hope to do more! I own every one available right now! *lol*
ReplyDeleteMissy, yes you are right! The zig zag created by the pinking shears keeps your fabric from fraying. There are many other non-fray methods but in the old days, every lady had a pair of pinking shears in her sewing box!
Darn! I would really love to join this, but just found you tonight :-( I don't have that pattern.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a great time looking around on your blog! Stop by mine sometime :-) www.crazyforthecountry.com