A New Adjustable Apron + Simple Dishtowels
Since making my Adjustable Apron last summer, it has become a real staple in my kitchen! It is now worn-in and soft from repeated washes, and it proudly displays fabric ink smudged across the chest and spaghetti sauce stains on the pocket. Somehow these battle scars just add to the apron’s beauty. I’ve been hankering to make another one because, as I mentioned in the original post, I wear aprons all the time, and I love to stock pile favorites!
Purl Soho recently got some incredible new fabrics from Japan that begged to be my next Adjustable Apron, but choosing proved difficult! There was a light Linen Blend Solid in beautiful natural colors, a heavier Upholstery Weight Solid, and an absorbent, soft, and totally unique Herringbone. I loved each more than the next! And so, I used all three and ended up with an awesome new apron and a lovely set of three simple dishtowels finished with pretty Cotton Chambray Ribbon.
I’m especially excited about the dishtowel pattern, because if there’s one thing I use more than my apron, it’s dishtowels! Don’t be fooled by their professional finish; they’re totally easy! The apron and dishtowels together would make an incredible housewarming or wedding gift. The apron adjusts to fit anyone, and the dishtowels are pretty enough to be special and sturdy enough to use everyday. Best of all, the whole shebang can be sewn in an afternoon! Thanks! -Molly
Adjustable Apron
Materials
- 1 1/4-yards of Ecrulet Herringbone in Grey (Please Note: The original fabrics used in this project are no longer available. To view our full line of fabrics, click here!)
- 1/2-yard of Linen Blend Solid in Lavendar
- 3 yards of 30mm Twill Tape in Ecru
- 100% cotton thread in color 3260
Pattern
For the full, free Adjustable Apron pattern, visit the original post here!
Simple Dishtowels
Materials
To make a set of three dishtowels:
- 1/2 yard of each : Kiyohara Linen Blend Solid in Lavendar, Kiyohara Upholstery Weight Solid in Brown, Ecrulet Herringbone in Grey.
- (Please Note: The original fabrics used in this project are no longer available. To view our full line of fabrics, click here!)
- 8 yards of Chambray Cotton Ribbon in Taupe. (If you’re making less than three towels you will need 3-yards per towel.)
- 100% Cotton Thread in color 3260
Dishtowel Size
17 inches x 27 inches
Dishtowel Pattern
Cutting + Folding
Cut one of the fabrics into a rectangle 18-inches by 28-inches.
Fold over and press each of the raw sides 1/2-inch towards the right side of the fabric. Tuck in and press the corners in as shown above so they look neatly mitered.
Pinning on the Ribbon
Press the end of the ribbon into a point with the raw edges facing the wrong side of the ribbon. Starting 1 1/2-inches from the folded end of the ribbon pin the ribbon, right side facing up, to the edge of the right side of the cut and folded fabric, 1/8-inch from the folded edge. You will be pinning over the raw edge of the fabric in this process.
When you get to the upper left corner let the ribbon go straight past the corner as shown above.
Then turn the ribbon around, without twisting it, leave a 6-inch loop and begin pinning it across the next side.
When you get to the other three corners fold the ribbon back on itself away from the fabric forming a 45-degree angle fold as shown above.
Fold the ribbon back again, retaining the 45-degree fold from the previous step and forming a right angle on top of it, and continue pinning it across the next side, as shown above.
When you get back to the beginning of the ribbon cut the ribbon to overlap the beginning by three inches. Fold the newly cut end into a point towards the wrong side.
Fold and press the end 1/2-inch towards the wrong side and then pin it on top of the beginning of the ribbon thus hiding the pointed end of the ribbon.
Sewing
Edge stitch the outside edge of the ribbon onto the fabric. When you come to a corner leave the needle down, pick up the foot, pivot the fabric 90-degrees and continue sewing. Backstitch at the beginning and end of this seam.
Edge stitch the inside of the ribbon on in the same manner backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam.
NOTE: When going around the looped corner make sure to keep it neat by pivoting in the same manner.
Repeat all steps for the remaining two dishtowels and you’ll be all done!
Update 2024: You can explore our current collection of beautiful fabrics and supplies on our page of Sewing Tools + Notions!
woooow….. nice, i like it
Great idea for hiding hems and for the hangar. Nice design.
I just discovered this dishtowel pattern and I’m dying to make it! However, I searched for the Chambray Cotton Ribbon you mentioned, and it appears you no longer sell it :(. What would be a good ribbon to substitute? Obviously it would need to be somewhat durable to stand up to kitchen use.
As always, I LOVE your patterns and how easy they are to follow. You’ve really helped me adventure into new creative territories, and I have many prized projects to show for it! Thank you for inspiring creativity everywhere!
Hi Stephanie-
Our 14mm cotton twill tape would work well. Here’s a link: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8429-Purl-Soho-14-mm-Cotton-Twill-Tape
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Molly
How do you keep the tape from pulling through the apron all the way?
Hi Julie,
Thanks for writing in! The tape here is not secured as that would restrict the ability to adjust the the size of the apron at will. If you are looking for an apron with fixed stays, I would recommend trying our Simple Linen Apron. It has fixed stays on the sides and an adjustable neck strap!
Best,
Cassy
What other fabrics can you suggest that I look for for the apron and dishtowels? I wish you had the same fabrics in stock! Beautiful stuff!
Hi Alexandra,
Thanks for reaching out! It’s always a disappointment when one of our favorite fabrics is discontinued, but we have some lovely alternatives! We recently re-made this apron in our Daily Linen, which is a wonderfully durable fabric for both aprons and dishtowels! Essex and Essex Yarn Dyed are also beautiful easy-care options.
I hope that helps!
Julianna