Dress Pattern to Sassy Apron Tutorial

For this tutorial Thursday, I'm going to demonstrate how to take a basic dress pattern and convert it in to a sassy apron! Now this tutorial is just concept based and not an EXACT step-by-step tutorial. Depending on the dress pattern used, the apron will come out differently. To complete this project using my tutorial, you will need to have basic knowledge on patterns and reading manufacturer's instructions. Use your own creative mindset to make this apron your own!

Here's What You'll Need:

• Commercial Sewing Pattern   
• Fabric for Outside and for Lining ( estimate based on the pattern used) 
• Sewing Machine
• Scissors 
• Dress Pins
• Pen or Pencil
• Pattern Paper
• Tailor's Chalk or Fabric Pencil
• Ruler
• Optional: Serger
• Iron
• Ironing Board

Step 1: Chose the view and size ( I recommend 2 sizes up from your normal size) you want from your pattern and only cut the front pieces out. Then, pin the pieces to your main fabric and cut it out. Make sure to also cut lining pieces for your bodice and midriff (If your dress has a midriff).

Step 2: Sew your main bodice and bodice lining according to the manufacturer's instructions of your pattern. Next, Pin the bodice and lining pieces right sides together. Starting from the bottom of the side seam, sew all the way around the top edge of the bodice, ending back at the bottom of the other side.

Step 3: Turn the bodice right side out and press. Set the bodice aside.

Step 4: If your pattern has a midriff, place the main midriff piece and lining piece, right sides together. Pin at the side seams and sew. 

Step 5: Grab your bodice and sandwich it in between your main midriff and midriff lining pieces, right sides together. Sew.

Step 6: Turn top right side out and press. Set top aside.

Step 7: Take the skirt piece to your ironing board. On the side seam, press down 1/4" inch. Then press down again 1/4" inch more. Stitch down closest to the edge as you can. Then, hem the bottom of the skirt according to the manufacturer's directions of the pattern.

Step 8: Pin the bottom of you bodice to the top of your skirt, right sides together and sew. Finish off the seam allowance with a serger, pinking shears, or zig-zag stitch. Press the seam down toward the skirt.

Step 9: Starting at the bottom edge of the skirt, on the side seam, topstitch the entire apron. Across the top, and end at the other side of the skirt side seam.

Step 10: Now that the entire apron is sewn, you will need to put holes in three places for the halter straps  and waist tie. These holes will be placed: one on the top of the bodice (Where your straps would normally placed), one next to the side seam where the armhole ends, and one at the waistline.  You can either use large grommets or what I did was made large buttonholes 1/2"x1 1/2" and slit in the middle using a seam ripper. 

Step 11: Now we are going to make the halter straps and waist tie. Take your pattern paper, pen and ruler and draw a rectangle 45"x 4". This will fit most sizes, but you can increase or decrease the 45" as much as you like depending on how big you want the bows in the back to be. Next, on only one end of the rectangle, take your ruler and make a mark at 2" down on each side. Make a triangle shape by drawing a line from each end towards the middle of the top. Cut along these lines.

Step 12: Take you new pattern piece and cut out 2 for the halter straps and 2 for the waist ties. Grab 2 pieces and pin, right sides together, at the non triangle edge. Stitch using 1/2" seam allowance. Press the seam open.

Step 13: Next fold the strap in half, right sides together. Pin the non-folded edge and stitch with a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving a turning hole where the middle seam is.

Step 14: Turn strap right side out, press, and slip stitch the opening closed.

Step 15: Now the waist tie is placed over the front and threaded front to back at through the holes and tied in the back. For the halter straps first wrap it around the back of your neck making sure both end are even on each side. Then, thread each end back to front through the top hole. Next, thread through the armhole hole front to back. Lastly, tie in the back.

And Your Finished!

Play with this idea! Add pockets, a flounce, whatever your heart desires!