I admit to a little skepticism when my Mum asked me to transform her tea towel into an apron. But I was wrong – the tea towel is a good size, measuring 50 by 81 cm. I think it could be lots of fun to transform a pile of vintage tea towels into aprons – I’m thinking cream teas, crickets grounds and lots of fun aprons. Or quirky tea towels transformed as unique gifts? Just check the size, not all tea towels are the same size!!
In the meantime back to Mums “I Climbed Snowdonia” tea towel. It seemed a fitting project to try and understand the vintage sewing machine my daughter owns – I’m unable to support her to use it unless I can thread the machine. Thanks to You Tube and Mum I solved loading the bobbin and threading the machine.
To transform your tea towel you will need 1.8m of webbing for the straps plus bias binding.
Start by marking out your arm holes. Fold the tea towel in half, cutting out both arm holes at the same time to ensure they mirror. Mark in along the top 11 cm, and down the side 15 cm. Draw an ark then cut out (or use an existing apron as a template).
Cut your straps 56 cm long each. Fold in 1/2cm edge, pin with the folded edge on the inside as shown in the picture. My apron ties are 18cm down from the arm hole.
Cut your neck strap 54cm, fold the raw edge in and pin.
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Stitch your straps into place.
Next bias bind the armholes. Pin the bias binding to the front of the tea towel. Stitch.
Fold over and pin in the ditch, turn over and ensure the pins are in the bias binding.
Stitch in the ditch.
And that’s it in your done! Its super quick. Apologies to my Mum who has waited far too long for such a simple transformation.
If you love upcycled aprons I have an alternative denim half apron pattern, denim full height apron, or even a crisp packet apron! I have to say my favorite is this full-size denim apron.
Lucy Blossom
Thursday 8th of September 2016
What a great idea
Ginny
Monday 5th of September 2016
What a cute idea. I would need one that says "I only got half way up Snowdon" because my boots were rubbing, although the rest of the family said it was a feeble excuse.
Elsie Pop
Monday 5th of September 2016
What a great idea! I already have a tea towel in mind for this! xx
Caroline
Monday 5th of September 2016
Lovely idea as some of these t-towels are too good to be used on dishes
Julie
Monday 5th of September 2016
I wouldn't have thought it would be big enough but this turned out great. Nice job.