How to Make an Apron- Part 1

[@TealCheetah]

"Numbers are a crutch, and inches are optional."

[@libbygunter2133]

I really appreciate you guys showing how they did things originally without numbers. I've always wondered how they did things but could never quite picture what they were describing in books because I had no basis for comparison (complete new historical costumer here). I took sewing classes in high school so I'm not a complete noob at sewing, but I want to know how people in the past did things because that is something that has always interested me. And I love historical fashion so the two mixed together is a match made in heaven. Thank you so much for these videos!

[@BurnleyandTrowbridge]

We are so glad you are time traveling with us! Have fun!

[@TheHellsHobbit]

Wish you had that blue and white fabric

[@BurnleyandTrowbridge]

Check every Tuesday on our website for new fabric offerings!

[@markhutchinson5835]

Quick question re the apron: I'm using white cotton (which is all that I had at home here). But I don't have any pure cotton (or linen or silk) thread in white. I do have some cotton DMC embroidery floss. Since it's all hand sewing anyway, is there any reason I couldn't use a single strand of floss to sew the apron? It's either that or poly thread.

[@BurnleyandTrowbridge]

Hmmm never considered using DMC. Actually not sure what it's tensile strength is. I think for the sake of using something that would be similar to cotton, I would go with the poly. Just make sure your cotton is prewashed in hot so it has done all of its shrinking as the poly will not shrink.

[@Marialla.]

I think embroidery floss is pretty fragile at only one strand. Test it to see how easily it breaks if you pull it between your hands. If you still want to use it, I recommend a back stitch or running back stitch rather than a plain running stitch, for security, so any broken places won't unravel your whole seam.

[@kimberlycooper4170]

I need to learn what fabric to use for sewing aprons. Your fabric appears to be medium weight. Maybe 100% cotton, too? I have cotton quilting fabric.

[@BurnleyandTrowbridge]

A simple guide: Linen is the most common for the 18thc. Extant aprons tend to be a medium to light weight.

[@sandrajusak3791]

I have finished an apron, but have a question. Can you use a floral cotton print for the late 18th century apron or are checks and stripes in linen more in line to be correct for the time?

[@BurnleyandTrowbridge]

You do find some documentation for printed florals being made into aprons. Colonial Williamsburg holds a French apron dating to the last quarter which is a lovely chintz. If you would like to do a print, I strongly recommend finding some primary sources to base it from.

[@karencheek7518]

What needles do you use with linen three. ( larger eye) ?

[@BurnleyandTrowbridge]

Hi Karen, It depends on what you mean. If you are referring to 80/3 I am fond of a size 10 needle although I will admit I need one with a larger eye!

[@AH-cy4md]

I can’t get my 80/3 linen thread through the eye of my Bohin size 10 sharp needle☹️, so I’m using a large eye Bohin size 9(i think) sharp

[@Loweene_Ancalimon]

I *may* have done a cutting mistake, and cut it 30in wide instead of 40+. I can theoretically just add a piece in width, right ? It'll be a natural check working apron, that I suspect will get some hard wear, so I don't mind it being pieced, but I wonder how to fit that seam into the gathers.

[@BurnleyandTrowbridge]

Piecing is period correct!

[@Loweene_Ancalimon]

@@BurnleyandTrowbridge I know, but I can't figure out how to make the gathers work with the bulk of the seam in the middle !

[@Marialla.]

@@Loweene_Ancalimon Maybe make pleats instead of gathers? Then you can hide the seam in the middle of a backwards part of a pleat. If you really want gathers, try spreading the seam open instead of the old turn-and-fell thing, to reduce bulk in the gather. Then just finish the seam edges however you wish after the waistband is all attached. Maybe the free edges could be whipped, or turned and sewn with a running stitch down each edge, or even pulled together into a traditional turn-and-fell thing a few inches down from the waistband and then on to the hem.

[@praiseworship8158]

They’re adorable!!!!! #pets #princeandsassy