How to Create a Retro Cocktail Apron

March 23rd, 2008 in sewing, patterns & designs, restyle, magazine extras

Jennifer Sauer, contributor

10 users recommend

When making a retro-style apron, opt for bold colors and fringe trim (middle) or a quirky vintage map tea towel (right).

Back ribbon and interfacing with another ribbon.

When making a retro-style apron, opt for bold colors and fringe trim (middle) or a quirky vintage map tea towel (right).

Photo: Sloan Howard

Add Comment
Print

I can't think of anything cuter and easier to stitch up than a perky cocktail apron a la Lucille Ball. It makes a great accessory for entertaining (what a conversation starter!) or the perfect unique gift -- all for under $10 and less than half an hour of your sewing time. All you need is a vintage tea towel in a quirky print and a length of wide ribbon to give this waist-hugging cover-up a modern twist.

What You'll Need:
Vintage tea towel
2-1/2 yards of 2-inch-wide ribbon (or bias strip of fabric)
1 yard of 2-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon (for backing)
Lightweight fusible interfacing and iron
Sewing machine
Hand needle and thread

Step 1: Prepare the tea towel
Before you begin, you may want to gently launder your tea towel. Treat any stains (visit Sdahq.org for more info); then soak in water and mild soap (Linen Wash or Orvus). Rinse, dry flat; then press using a press cloth.

Step 2: Interface your ribbon
From each end, trim about 4 inches of your ribbon, cutting on a diagonal and set aside (these pieces will be used in Step 5.) Cut a strip of interfacing the width of the tea towel just shy of the ribbon width. Center the interfacing on the ribbon and fuse with your iron.

Fuse interfacing in place, centered on the wrong side of the sash.

Step 3: Back sash with another ribbon
Cut a piece of grosgrain ribbon the width of the tea towel, plus 1 inch. Press under 1/2 inch on each short ribbon end, and pin it centered on the back of the interfaced ribbon. Topstitch along one long edge.

Add grosgrain ribbon to the backside of the sash over the interfacing and topstitch top edge.

Step 4: Sew the sash to the tea towel
Sandwich the tea towel between the two layers of ribbon. Pin, then topstitch along the bottom edge and on the two short sides of the backing grosgrain ribbon.

Topstitch bottom edge of the sash to attach to tea towel.

Step 5: Make decorative bows
With each of the two 4-inch pieces of ribbon from step 1, tie a bow. Hand sew them at the top of the apron, over the vertical stitching lines.

Add decorative bows to hide stitching.

Step 6: Additional design ideas

Use different shaped tea towels: Some have pretty scalloped edges, some are longer. Some tea towels were created in themed sets, and many were printed with calendars or souvenir maps.

Mix up the ribbon bands: Try a skinny band, or layer and pleat ribbons for a multi-layered look.

Sew tea towels together: Create a bib apron or longer bistro apron with more than one towel.

Create a chef’s pocket: With a tea towel or other vintage linen that looks the same on both sides, simply fold up the bottom and sew the sides for an instant deep chef’s-style pocket. Tack in a few spots to create compartments.

Branch out into other vintage and modern linens: Napkins of all sized, handkerchiefs, tablecloths, and even table runners can be pieced or cut to size to create a unique apron.

Sources: Look for vintage tea towels at flea markets, tag sales, and antique shops. Also scout on ebay.com and these online stores for deals: Etsy.com, GrandmaGsCottage.com, GypsyRosalie.com, MamaWiskas.com, RetroToGo.com, RubyLane.com, Tias.com. And for vintage-look linens: Anthropologie.com

Photos by: Scott Phillips (except where noted).

Did you make this?
After you make this project, show off your work to other members!
Post your project in the gallery

Quick Stuff to Sew, Vol. 1
From the editors of Threads A fashionable collection of quick, creative sewing projects $6.99 more info...

posted in: sewing, patterns & designs, restyle, magazine extras, apron

Add Comment Print

Comments (4)

chaosbarbie writes: If you want patterns made from real vintage aprons, I found some at http://www.neighborhoodfruit.com/aprons

I tried to make one and it was so easy!

Love your idea with the vintage tea towels too!
Posted: 8:33 pm on November 20th