Christmas Gift Idea – Make a Black Velveteen Apron with Rhinestone Trim

Don’t you love receiving or giving a hand made gift at Christmas?

This is a very simple project if you have a sewing machine and can sew a straight line. (A serger gives a professional finished look but edges can be zigzagged or turned under).

I’ve made black velvet aprons with rhinestone trim for the past 4 years and give them as hostess gifts, gifts to friends, or just to indulge myself. I love mine especially because I have black “bling, bling” flip flops

to wear with it this year. Hmmmm…. I’ll bet my husband would like it a lot if that was all I were to wear while cooking the turkey!

If you’d like to tackle this project here is a supply list:

1 yard (36 inches) black velveteen (or any other color or fabric you like)

2 1/6 yards (78 inches) 1 inch wide black satin or grossgrain ribbon

1/4 yard (9 inches) rhinestone trim (you will find some to be very expensive but there are lots of trims that are reasonable as well – depends on how glam you want your apron)

Black thread

Pattern – buy a simple pattern, find an apron in your closet to cut a pattern from – or just wing it from my approximate measurements ***

Method:

Cut out apron – I’ve allowed 1/4 inch turn under for side hems and 1 inch hems top and bottom.

Serge or zigzag all the edges.

Turn under underarm edges 1/4 inch, easing around the curves, pinning in place. Top Stitch.

Turn under side edges 1/4 inch. Pin in place. Top stitch.

Turn under top edge 1 inch. Pin in place. Top stitch 3/4 inch from top edge.

Turn under bottom edge 1 inch. Pin in place. Top stitch 3/4 inch from bottom edge.

Cut 2 pieces ribbon 29 inches long and 1 piece 20 inches long.

Turn under one end of a 29 inch ribbon 3/8 inch. Pin and stitch carefully to under arm opening with wrong sides of fabric and ribbon together. Do the same on the other side (as per photo).

Turn under tail of ribbon 1/8 inch then 1/4 inch so it will not fray. Pin and stitch carefully.

Turn under 1/4 inch of neck ribbon (20 inch piece) on each end. Pin to hold.

Place wrong side of ribbon against wrong side of apron fabric. Pin and stitch carefully at each end (as per photo) to create a neck loop.

Cut rhinestone trim to fit (I usually leave about 1/4 to 1/2 inch at edges (as per photo below).

Use Alene’s craft glue to attach the trim (then let it dry overnight) or hand sew it. I’ve tried using my hot glue gun, but it’s messy and doesn’t hold very well. A large zigzag stitch on my sewing machine worked in a pinch to attach small trim, but I wouldn’t recommend trying it unless you have lots of practice and know your machine well.

I make this type of apron throughout the year – as gifts for men as well as women. Denim works great and you can add a large pocket – across the front or one on each side – even one cut off the butt of an old pair of jeans. The apron is fun to embellish – you can buy any different appliques or be inventive and draw your own idea then embroider it – by machine or hand.

Be ready for the ooohs and aaaahhhs when you give this beautiful gift of creativity! And send me a photo

*** Here are the approximate measurements I use – and it’s easy to make the apron longer or bigger around:

Cut fabric into an oblong, 28 1/2 inches wide by 35 inches long.

Fold fabric in half lengthwise.

At top, measure 4 3/4 inches from fold and mark with a pin in each layer (this ends up being a 9 1/2 inch (9 inches finished) top edge).

Measure the side from the bottom up – 24 3/4 inches and mark with a pin in each layer.

Mark a nicely arced underarm from pin to pin (see the photo of my apron above) Be sure both sides are the same.

Lay fabric out flat and cut the arcs for the underarm – from pin to pin.

If you find my directions a bit vague for the cutting without a pattern, let me know and I’ll draw and email you a diagram.

Follow the directions above to finish your apron, then go meet your husband at the door wearing nothing but your apron and your bling flip flops or high heels! I’ll bet he thinks you are the most talented woman in the world