I have several pinafores, most of which are well-stained with grease and tomato sauce by now, but none that cover my dress adequately for messy work, like whipping cream on Sunday mornings. So when I found Butterick 5744 pattern from the 1950s on Ebay I snapped it up.

The apron is made in the neatest way – cut out in one piece plus pockets and ties, then there are buttons on the back corners which button through the front, and the front ties in the back. Very clever and covers/protects everything except sleeves and maybe your collar. Super easy, if you're a beginner to garments.

I paired it with a vintage sheet I had which was printed to look like old fashioned ticking. Perfect for an apron since it is dark and a busy pattern, which helps disguise stains. And mine always get stained!

I chose the tailored model shown instead of the one with ruffles.

It was my first experience working with bias tape, and I loved it! But I could not get the hang of mitered corners, despite several online tutorials, so don't look at the corners too closely.

Since this project I have used bias tape several times, and even made my own. The ease with which it edges and trims and secures raw edges from fraying all at one time is just wonderful! Now I am definitely going to get one of those bias tape folder things in several sizes. It really takes the quality of a garment up a notch when you can edge it with bias tape made from the same fabric, sort of like piping. And if you make your own, you always have a novelty bias tape (which incidentally is fairly expensive to buy) and you get to use up your scraps of fabric.

The pattern said it would fit sizes 12-20. I am size 18-20 in vintage patterns, and it was a little too small for me, so I would say it actually doesn't fit higher than size 18, and if I make it again I'll cut it out with an extra 1/2 in. around the pattern to give me a bit more room. It probably would fit better if I sewed the front darts not quite as deep as instructed, too.

I learned several things while making this:

1: Read the instructions first! I ended up making several extra steps for myself because I just cut into it, thinking I knew what I was doing, without reading the instructions.

2. When working with 1/4 in. bias tape make sure you stitch close to the inside edge!

3. Have someone around who knows how to miter corners on bias tape, to show you how.

Details:

So now I have an adequate coverall apron for all the summer canning days and weekly baking days. My clothes will be happier for it!

And I sort of like it too. 🙂