1394 Rural School Leaflet 



children, and to assist them in standardizing their work and making the 

 effort that they expend of value. It has seemed desirable to separate the 

 machine-made from the handmade aprons, for the two kinds are distinct, 

 and will be judged separately. Wherever a sewing machine is available, 

 it is not economically worth while to make an apron by hand. 



Pattern. — Use any pattern desired that is appropriate to the purpose 

 for which the apron is intended. 



Material. — Gingham, print, percale, long cloth, indianhead, cambric, 

 muslin, and linen are all suitable materials. 



Trimming. — Stickerei braiding, scalloped tape, bias binding, ruffles, 

 stitching, or bias bands of the same material, are good for trimming. 

 It is better to keep the apron in one color as much as possible, not using 

 complementary or contrasting colors. 



Making. — (i) Placing pattern. The general rule is to place the largest 

 pieces of the pattern first and the largest end of the pattern toward the 

 cut end of the goods. Pin all of the pattern in place before cutting any 

 part. 



(2) Cutting, a orb. (a) Trace around the edge of the pattern. Remove 

 the pattern and cut beyond the tracing the scam allowance if the seams are 

 not allowed on the pattern. (The seam allowance depends on the type of 

 seam used. An enclosed seam is most appropriate for any wash garment. 

 See general directions at end.) (b) Cut the cloth allowing for seams 

 while the pattern is still pinned to the goods. 



(3) Basting. Match and pin together corresponding notches as in- 

 dicated by the pattern. Then baste the garment together always holding 

 the more bias edge toward the sewer. (Whether garment is basted on 

 right or wrong side depends on the type of seam used. The kind of seam 

 must be decided on before the garment is cut.) 



(4) Fitting. Try the garment on and make any necessary alterations, 

 rebasting all changes. 



(5) Stitching seams. Stitch seams following general directions given 

 under that heading. 



(6) Hems. First baste the hems on the back sides of the apron from the 

 top to the bottom. Then baste in the bottom hem and try on the apron. 

 If the apron is slightly circular at the bottom, lay the garment out fiat on 

 the table, wrong side up, and turn the hem away from the sewer on to 

 the garment. Match the seams. Any extra fullness should be placed 

 in small plaits before the last turn of the hem is made. Plaits should all 

 turn in the same direction. The second turn should preferabh' be one- 

 quarter inch wide and not more than one-half inch. The edge must be 

 clean and straight before it is turned in. Make the second turn, baste the 

 hem, and stitch it. The stitching of the bottom hem should only extend 

 as far as the stitching of the back hems, and the back hems should only 

 be stitched down to the stitching of the bottom hem. The open ends of the 

 hem should be overhanded together. If there is to be a band on the apron, 

 it should be sewed on at this time. 



(7) Trimming. All desired trimming should now be applied. If a pocket 

 is desired, it should usually be placed on the right side, a few inches below 

 the waist line, or wherever it is most convenient for the wearer. 



