A Child's Denim Apron: Archive Sewing Project

I want to share an unusual way of making an apron that the youngest little crafters will surely like. Why do I think so? I present for discussion the work of my younger daughter (10 years old), who made an apron with her own hands for her older sister.

I came across the project when it was already well under way. My ten-year-old daughter had chosen an old pair of her own jeans and measured her sister's clothes to estimate the apron size. This is an archive family project, not a fitted garment pattern: an adult should check the fit and help with measuring, cutting, needles, scissors, and pressing.

Here are the pieces for the top and bottom of the apron that turned out (it was at this exact moment that I caught the child at work).

From the remaining denim, we cut strips for ruffles. Their length and width are a matter of preference and the overall look of the apron; an adult should do or supervise the cutting.

Using simple, evenly spaced stitches, baste one edge of a denim strip and pull the thread gently to gather it. Use a needle carefully and ask an adult for help if needed.

We sew the finished ruffle to the bottom piece by hand using a running stitch.

The decorative element that was on the back pocket was also put to use. It was sewn onto the bottom part of the apron.

Additionally, the edges of the bottom part were finished with a blanket stitch. This is not so much for beauty as to keep the raw edges from fraying.

My daughter decided to make the top part of the apron romantic, in the shape of a heart. We also finish the edges of the piece with a blanket stitch.

The two halves of the apron are sewn together with a slanted stitch.

Satin ribbons were used for the ties and upper part of the apron. The project was a gift for the older sister; the author also notes that children should ask before cutting up clothing and work with an adult on the practical steps.