I want a cross back apron. But it needs to be plus size and cute. I want it to fit. I’m not looking for an apron that barely makes it around I need it to fit like it was made for my chunky butt. So I made it myself. This apron is very forgiving in sizing while using little fabric. It has large side pockets that will fit your cell phone and a large front pocket that will fit everything else. I have made these instructions as a guideline and have included many pictures. I have made the pattern available to buy form my Etsy page. VanZandtStudios
Fabric and Supplies
1 yard + 9 inches ( 45 inches ) for the front of the apron and pocket
1 yard + 9 inches ( 45 inches )
for the back and front pocket.
9 yards ( 3 packets ) Bias tape, extra wide, double fold
3 buttons
45” wide fabric
You will need to pick a fabric that is cotton or linen. You do not want fabric with any stretch in it. I like 100% cotton and I like to get my fabric from the scrap bin. All my fabrics are from Walmart. I like the Waverly line. You can buy them online by the yard. Here is a link to the FRONT and BACK fabric.
Please take the time to wash and iron your fabrics. It is worth the time. Make sure to zig-zag your edge so the fabric does not unravel. Once the fabric is washed iron it and fold it in half long ways with the right sides facing
For the actual pattern please buy it from my Etsy store Plus Size pattern.
I also have a small to XL pattern Reg pattern
Start with the pouch, sewing over the edge making the buttonholes and attaching it to the front of the apron. Using your narrow hem foot roll the hem all the way around the large front pocket.
Iron the edges of the large pocket leaving the center seam. If you do not have a hem foot you can fold it over by hand and hem it.
Fold over the top edge of the pouch about 3/4 of an inch and pin down. I like to use the width of my buttonhole maker. It helps me keep the buttons straight.
Making sure to pin the corners under.
Use the All-purpose sewing foot to sew down the folded edge
Lay the pouch flat right side up and fold both edges over to the center. Mark the fold and the center for your buttonholes. Lay the pouch flat right side up and fold both edges over to the center. Mark the fold or iron a crease.
Use your buttonhole foot and button stitch make 3 buttonholes where the crease or marks are.
Place the ouch about one inch down from the pocket mark. Use the fold to keep it straight. You can adjust the pocket up or down if you like.
Use the zig-zag stitch to attach the top part of the pouch. You want to go in about an inch. You can stitch on the top and side to make it stronger if you want.
Now you want to topstitch the pouch on to the apron. Following the stitch line from the hem.
After you have the pouch attached you want to pick a decorative stitch.
This is a great chance to use some of the more decorative stitches that come with many sewing machines. Try a few out on some scrap fabric to make sure you like it and your sewing tension is correct. Once you have found a stitch you like, start your decorative stitch at the top of the pouch using the edge of the sewing foot next to the edge of the pouch to help curve the stitch around. If your machine doesn’t come with any decorative stitches just use a zig-zag stitch to reinforce the pocket.
Now that the pouch in attached cut open the button holes on the pouch and lay it back down. Mark threw the buttonhole marking the apron. Attach the buttons using your sewing machine. When your done sewing the buttons tie the loose strings together on the front and the back. It helps keep buttons on. I like to add a small drop of clear nail polish to the threads when I’m done to help keep the buttons on.
Time to attach the pockets. Layout the front of the apron and find your pocket marks. If you haven’t moved the mark to the frontside it makes it easier if you do. Take the pockets and lay them down on the
Sew all the pocket on with a 1/4 inch straight stitch. Then go over the edge with a zig-zag stitch.
Iron all the pockets open.
Lay the front of the apron facing up then place the back pieces on top. Right sides together lining up the pockets. It’s ok if the top or bottom do not match up. But make sure the pockets line up. Pin both sides of the pockets and sides together.
Sew a 1/4 seam along the edge going around the pocket. When you get to the bottom of the pocket you want to back stitch the pocket going up 1 inch and a half and then back down. This will help to keep your cell phone and other things in your pocket.
Making sure the back pieces are straight you want to cross the back and match up the top piece on the shoulder and sew a 1/4 seam. Now go back and zig-zag all the sides and top. You do not have to zig-zag the back stitch on the pocket.
Go back and trim any of the overlaps at the top or the bottom on the sides. This is also a good time to put on the apron and see if you like the length. If its to long trim it off evenly along the bottom.
Open the bias tape with the wide side edge along the back side of the fabric. Start it anywhere along the cross on the back pieces. Fold over about half an inch at the start of the tape and pin down the fold. You can pin down all the bias tape or just line it up to the edge as you go along. I like to line it up. Using a standard stitch to stitch in the ditch.
When you get to the end fold the tape back over about a half inch and sew it down. Backstitch so you can lay the next bias tape down. You do not need to fold over the start of the next tape. The bias tape will go all the way around and you will finish where you started. It’s a Mobius strip.
Now that you have the bias tape sewn down you will want to go along the edge and snip the fabric around the whole apron. This will allow the bias tape to lay flat.
Once you have it all sniped you will want to fold over the bias tape
Pin down and sew along the edge.
That’s it. I hope it was easy and fun. Here’s one more link to the pattern if you would like to buy it from my Etsy store.
I also have a small to XL pattern Reg pattern Thank you for taking the time to look at my project. Jaime
