Unique Apron Pattern Construction

As much as I love the illustrations on vintage sewing patterns, I REALLY like the envelope back or instruction section where they print a detailed illustration of the pattern pieces.

These diagrams always stick in my mind and get filed away as my brain absorbs the shapes of the flat pattern pieces and runs wild imaging how those pieces are joined and molded into a 3-dimensional shape.

I thought you might especially enjoy looking at two 1950s mail order apron patterns because their pattern piece diagrams are so clever.

First we have Mail Order 2760, which makes two versions of half-aprons.

Pieces 1, 2, and 3 seem to make up the upper apon with the cool shaped belt-waistband stitched over a gathered waistline with a pointed/ handkerchief hem.

Pieces 4, 5, 6, and 3 seem to make the lower apron. Pocket piece 5 is finished and stitched onto piece 6 before it is joined into either side of piece 4 to add fullness to the skirt. Piece 7 makes a pot-holder with ric-rac trimmed applique flowers.

Next we have Mail Order 2150 which makes a full coverage halter neck apron with amazing princess seaming at the bust/ bib section.

Note how piece 3 is dart-fitted at the side waist, and then seamed into piece 1 at either side to create a very contoured bust shape.
The pocket detail is also great. Not only is it a fun diamond shape, but it is designed to have a button closure at the top edge.

Note that a button stitched somewhere convenient near the waist of your apron makes a great way to attach a hand towel with a handy loop on it for quick hand wiping. You can also attach a potholder like the one in our first pattern above to the apron, in order to always have one handy.

At some point, a clever apron design becomes a hybrid between and apron and a chatelaine if you add enough doo-dads and tools!