Fun Way to Use a Panel :: A Tutorial

I had an idea recently for a fun way to use a panel. With the help of one of my talented employees, Peg, I was able to get two samples made.

For the first one we used the entire panel. It's a bit long, but for taller folks or certain projects where you need more coverage, it works well. It is unlined. In addition to the panel, you'll need 1/4 yard of fabric for the ties (1/3 yard if you want to make your ties longer).

For the second one we shortened the panel. It is lined as well. In addition to the panel, you'll need 2/3 yard of fabric for the lining and 1/4 yard of fabric for the ties (1/3 yard if you want to make your ties longer).

These are so easy to make and based upon the Towel Apron idea I shared with you in the past. 

To make an unlined apron you need to decide if you want to use the entire panel or not. If you are going to cut down the panel like we did for our second version, do this first. Even if you aren't going to shorten the panel you still need to cut off the selvedges and square up the sides. When you trim the panel keep in mind that you need to leave a 1/2" seam allowance on each side for the unlined version.

Once you have your panel cut the way you want it, you need to finish the raw edges all the way around by pressing 1/4" under (to the wrong side of the fabric) all the way around once, then do it again to hide the raw edges completely. Topstitch this twice folded hem in place all the way around the panel.

*From this point you treat this like your "towel" in the Towel Apron idea. You need to mark the center of the top of the panel, which will be the top of your apron. Measure over 5" from either side of the center and make a small mark either with a marking tool or a pin. (Note: The panel is a little wider than the towel so I adjusted this measurement from 4" to 5").

Measure down 10" from the top right and top left corners of the panel and make a mark. Cut the top corners off the panel. See diagram below. Dashed lines represent the cutting lines.

This is now a bias edge so be careful not to stretch it. Fold these cut edges under (to the wrong side of the fabric) 1/4" and press. Then fold it again 1" wide and topstitch to make a casing for the ties.

To make the ties: Cut your tie fabric into 3" by width of fabric strips. You'll need at least three of these, four if you want to make them a bit longer. Join these into a 3" wide by really long piece. (You can sew them together with a straight seam or on the diagonal. A diagonal join will be less bulky and is what we did for our samples). 

Press this in half lengthwise to make a 1.5" wide by really long piece. Open this back out and press each edge to the center fold, then press in half again along the first fold. Tuck the raw edges inside along the short ends. This makes a 3/4" wide by really long piece with all the raw edges concealed. Topstitch all the way around. 

Feed the ties up toward the top of the apron through one side casing and the down through the other. This makes the side ties and the neck ties all with one step. 

To make a lined apron, trim the panel to the size you want making sure to add 1/4" seam allowance to each side. Cut your 2/3 yard of lining fabric to the exact same size. Place them right sides together and sew all the way around using a 1/4" seam allowance but leave a 4" opening at the top of one of the side seams (along one of the parts you will be cutting off later). Turn this right side out through the opening. Press and then topstitch all the way around the outside edge. Then follow the directions above from the * to complete your apron.