Retro Apron for Girls and Dolls

Create a little bit of history for your 18" doll with this 1960s Retro Apron pattern. In the early 1960s, cross stitched gingham aprons were all the rage. The little squares that make up gingham fabric provide the perfect background for cross stitching. Gingham comes in a variety of colors and so does 6-stranded embroidery floss. Pattern options are endless! This PDF sewing pattern includes apron instructions for the following sizes: 18" doll, child medium (waist approximately 24"), adult (one size fits all).

This pattern is dedicated to my mother and memories of her baking cookies while wearing a hand stitched gingham apron.

Interesting factoid: Cross stitching on gingham is also called "Chicken Scratch".

Recommended Fabrics:  gingham fabric, light weight cotton fabric

Supplies Needed:
Gingham cross stitch option for the 18" doll apron:
-14" x 16" piece of gingham fabric (squares = approximately 7 per inch)
-Matching sewing thread
-6-stranded embroidery floss: 2 colors of your own choice
-Sharp or crewel sewing needle
-Small embroidery hoop (4" - 6" diameter)
-Measuring tape
-Optional: Waste canvas (wash away Aida cloth)

For the 18" doll basic apron:
-One fat quarter light weight woven fabric such as cotton quilting fabric measuring 14" x 13"
-Scrap piece of fabric (4" x 5") for optional pocket

For the Child and Adult Apron (includes optional pocket):
-Child: 1 yard woven fabric with a minimum width of 44"
-Adult: 1 1/3 yard woven fabric with a minimum width of 44" (Cross stitched gingham option: squares = approximately 7 per inch)

Cutting and pattern drawing supplies for the child and adult apron:
-Option 1: Yardstick, project paper, pen
-Option 2. Quilter's cutting board, rotary cutter, cutting grid
-Optional embellishments for all aprons: Rick rack, trim, or ribbon

Skill Level:  Confident Beginner

What You Get: One 36 page sewing pattern that you digitally download as a PDF file so you can start your project immediately! The PDF sewing pattern provides full color step-by-step illustrated instructions and full size pattern pieces. A PDF reader is required to view and print the files (example: Adobe Reader or Preview for MAC). The download link is received immediately after the transaction is complete. Print copies are NOT available.

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