Happy Saturday –
With the fall season here, many of us are spending more time cooking and baking cozy meals. I’ve ruined plenty of shirts with grease stains over the years, so making an apron for the cooks on your list is a wonderful (and practical) handmade gift. Aprons are becoming popular again, and the fabric stores are packed with every print you can imagine.
I want to show you how to make a simple apron using McCalls M5284 and fabric scraps from earlier quilts. I chose an easy pattern since fall tends to get busy for all of us.
Making the Pocket
We start with the pocket. The top edge is already finished, and the rounded bottom edges have been gathered.
Next, fold the top of the pocket so the right sides are together, pin the edges, and stitch. Trim the corners, turn the pocket right side out, and press the 5/8″ seam allowance to the inside.
Once the pocket is turned and pressed, sew it onto the apron, aligning the pattern symbols. I serged the entire apron to save time — a great shortcut if you have a serger.
Neckband and Ties
Fold the neckband in half lengthwise, sew a 3/8″ seam, then turn it right side out. Repeat the same process for the ties.
I couldn’t find my turning tool (isn’t that always how it goes?), so I used a small rod to push the fabric through. It took a little patience, but it worked.
Final Assembly
Attach the neckband to the top of the apron and hem the top edge.
Then attach the ties at the corners and hem the entire apron. Simple steps, clean finish, and before long — you have a handmade apron ready to gift.
This apron turned out so cute and would make a lovely fall‑season gift for someone on your list. Quick, useful, and made with love.
Let me know what you’ve been sewing for gifts this fall. We can inspire each other and come up with beautiful handmade surprises for our friends and families.
Happy sewing,
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 