| If you are looking for a handicraft gift idea to | | | | lengthwise. This will allow you to cut the shape |
| make for someone special, perhaps that person | | | | with one cut, making the two sides symmetrical. |
| would like an apron. When we think of aprons, we | | | | What you will be shaping when you make the cut |
| often think of mothers and grandmothers in the | | | | will be the bib section of the apron. The bib for an |
| kitchen, but men can often benefit from having | | | | adult sized apron will need to be about 9 inches |
| an apron as well. They often enjoy barbecuing, | | | | wide. Measure from the fold about 5-1/2 inches. |
| for one thing. They also can use an apron in the | | | | This is half the width of the bib plus an inch to |
| workshop. Children, too, can use an apron for | | | | fold under twice to form a hem. The piece you |
| many of their activities, such as arts and crafts. | | | | will cut off the side to shape the bib will be a half |
| Here are simple instructions for making a | | | | bullet shape with the tip of the bullet being where |
| handicraft gift of an apron that can be adapted | | | | the ties will be attached. The length of the half |
| for anyone. | | | | bullet shape should be about a foot, and the width |
| Start with a piece of sturdy fabric suitable for the | | | | will be from the spot you marked 5-1/2 inches |
| individual for whom you are making the handicraft | | | | from the fold to the outside edge of the fabric. |
| gift. The fabric needs to be wide enough to wrap | | | | When these pieces are cut off, the result should |
| 1/2 to 3/4 of the way around them and long | | | | be an apron shaped piece of fabric. |
| enough to cover them from collar bone to just | | | | Now decorate the apron with pockets and any |
| above the knee. For a large adult, 25 to 30 inches | | | | other decorations you desire. After this it is time |
| wide by 36 to 40 inches long should be about | | | | to fold under the edges all around and stitch down |
| right. A slimmer adult can use a narrower apron, | | | | with sturdy stitching for a nice hem all around the |
| but if they will be wiping their hands on the sides | | | | handicraft gift. Cut two pieces of fabric a yard |
| of it, they might appreciate the extra width. An | | | | long by two inches wide. Fold lengthwise and fold |
| apron for a child of 10 could start with a piece of | | | | raw edges to the inside. Press and stitch down |
| fabric about 18 inches wide by 25-30 inches long. | | | | along the length to make the ties. Attach the ties |
| The best types of fabric to use are sturdy | | | | at the waist of the apron handicraft gift. (If these |
| cottons, such as medium weight denim or twill. | | | | ties seem a little long, it is because a lot of people |
| Soft cottons such as broadcloth or muslin are all | | | | like to bring the ties to the front and tie them |
| right in the kitchen, but will not last long, and | | | | there.) Cut another piece of fabric 18 to 20 inches |
| would not hold up in the garden or workshop at | | | | long by 5 inches wide fold in half lengthwise and |
| all. Other materials you'll need are thread and a | | | | press. Press again with the raw edges of the long |
| sewing machine. You will also need enough extra | | | | side tucked under 1/2 inch. Stitch down the open |
| fabric to make a strap to go around the neck, | | | | side. Attach this piece to the sides of the top of |
| ties for the back, and pockets. | | | | the bib, sewing it to the back of the bib and |
| When designing the handicraft gift, you can be as | | | | topstitching on the front side of the bib. Be careful |
| creative as you like with pockets. Every apron is | | | | not to twist it when you attach it. |
| more useful with pockets. A person who cleans | | | | People who work hard at homemaking, barbecuing |
| houses, for instance, can use pockets for odds | | | | and in the workshop will appreciate a handicraft |
| and ends they pick up as well as for their spray | | | | gift of a sturdy apron. Mostly they will appreciate |
| bottles, sponges, and scrub brushes. | | | | the effort and design you have put into making a |
| To make the apron, fold the piece of fabric | | | | handicraft gift that they can use. |