A great gift for the person making Christmas dinner, or even for the reluctant cook who you want to get involved in the kitchen.
There’s no reason why an apron shouldn’t also look stylish. This is a lovely present for anyone who likes to spend time in the kitchen cooking, baking, or simply pottering about. And it’s a simple sewing project for beginners.
You will need:
- Cotton fabric, 140 × 100cm (4.5ft × 3ft 3in)
- Pattern template (see below)
- Pins
- Tailor’s chalk, or pencil
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Cotton thread
How to make Kitchen Apron – A great gift for the person making Christmas dinner?
Step 1: Fold the fabric in half lengthways, with right sides facing, and lay the pattern along the fold. Pin the template in place on the fabric and trace the outline using tailor’s chalk or pencil. Cut out the apron and all 3 straps.
Step 2: First sew the straps. To do this, fold in both the long edges, fix with pins, and stitch along both sides.
Step 3: Now hem the apron. Fold the outer edge over twice by 1cm (½in), pin in place, and stitch. This works best if you start with the 2 arm sections (seam A on the template), then stitch along the sides (B), and finally the lower edge of the apron.
Step 4: After this, sew the straps on to the apron: first fold the open end of the long straps inwards and stitch. Then pin the straps on the reverse side of the apron at position F, and sew them on from the right side.
Step 5: Fold over the top edge (C) twice, as you did before; the turnover here should be 3.5cm (1½in) wide.
Step 6: Now you sew the neck strap on to the apron. Lay both ends of the loop which will go around the head under the turnover (G). Stitch the lower seam (D) of the turnover, fixing the neck loop in place as you do this. Finally fold up the neck loop and stitch the upper seam (E). This stitches the neck strap firmly in place for a second time.
“Give sincerely and freely. Bestow what dwells within you – your opinions, taste, and humour – and you will be abundantly rewarded”
– Joachim Ringelnatz
To make the hemming easier here, iron all the edges and pin them in place before sewing.
A kitchen apron is a practical and thoughtful gift for the person responsible for making Christmas dinner. Not only does it provide protection from spills and stains, but it also adds a stylish and festive touch to their cooking attire.
When it comes to cooking a big holiday meal, there is always the potential for spills and splatters. A kitchen apron provides a layer of protection for the cook’s clothing, helping to keep them clean and presentable throughout the cooking process. This is especially important when preparing a feast for a large number of guests, as there is added pressure to keep everything looking perfect.
In addition to its functionality, a kitchen apron can also be a fashion statement. There are countless designs and styles to choose from, ranging from classic and elegant to fun and playful. For Christmas dinner, a festive apron adorned with holiday motifs such as snowflakes, reindeer, or Santa Claus can add a touch of cheer to the kitchen atmosphere. This is sure to put a smile on the cook’s face and create a warm and inviting ambiance for the holiday meal.
A kitchen apron can serve as a practical accessory for the cook. Many aprons feature pockets that can hold important kitchen tools and utensils, making them easily accessible while cooking. This can help the cook stay organized and efficient, allowing them to focus on creating a delicious and memorable Christmas dinner.
Presenting the cook with a personalized kitchen apron can also make them feel appreciated and special. Adding their name or a heartfelt message to the apron can show them that their hard work and dedication to preparing the holiday meal are valued and recognized.
A kitchen apron is a great gift for the person making Christmas dinner. It provides practical protection, adds a festive touch to their attire, helps them stay organized, and makes them feel appreciated. It is a thoughtful gesture that can enhance their cooking experience and contribute to the joy and warmth of the holiday season.
Stylish and functional features to look for in a kitchen apron when giving it as a gift for the person making Christmas dinner:
1. Adjustable neck strap and waist ties for a comfortable and customizable fit
2. Multiple pockets for storing utensils and gadgets
3. Made of durable and stain-resistant materials
4. Stylish and attractive design that reflects the recipient’s personal style
5. Easy to clean and machine washable
6. Heat-resistant fabric to protect against splatters and spills from hot pots and pans
7. A loop or hook for hanging the apron when not in use
8. Personalization options such as monogramming or custom embroidery
9. Apron length that provides ample coverage and protection from spills and messes
10. Insulated or waterproof features for added protection and functionality
The practical benefits of a kitchen apron for someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen preparing meals, especially during the holiday season:
- Protection from spills and stains: An apron can help to keep clothes clean and free from food and liquid spills, which can be especially helpful during the busy and messy holiday season.
- Hygiene: Wearing an apron can help to maintain good hygiene in the kitchen by providing a barrier between the cook’s clothes and the food being prepared.
- Convenience: Aprons often come with pockets, which can be useful for keeping cooking utensils, recipe cards, or other essential items close at hand while preparing meals.
- Comfort: Wearing an apron can help to keep the cook comfortable and dry, as it can protect clothes from moisture and heat while working in the kitchen.
- Personalization: Aprons come in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns, allowing the cook to express their personal style and add a festive touch to their holiday cooking attire.
Making a kitchen apron can be a thoughtful and practical gift for the person who will be preparing the Christmas dinner. You can customize the apron with fun patterns or designs that you know the recipient will love. Here's how to make a personalized kitchen apron for the Christmas cook.
- Materials needed:
– 1 yard of kitchen-themed fabric
– 1 yard of coordinating fabric for the backing
– Matching thread
– Sewing machine
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Iron
– Pins
– Fabric marker
– Iron-on letters or design (optional)
Instructions:
- 1. Choose your fabric: Start by selecting a kitchen-themed fabric that the recipient will love. This could be a festive Christmas pattern or another design that reflects their personality. You will also need a coordinating fabric for the backing of the apron.
- 2. Measure and cut: Use a measuring tape to measure and cut the following pieces from your fabric:
– 1 piece measuring 30 inches by 20 inches for the apron front
– 2 pieces measuring 30 inches by 3 inches for the neck straps
– 2 pieces measuring 40 inches by 3 inches for the waist straps
– 1 piece measuring 30 inches by 16 inches for the pocket (optional) - 3. Sew the straps: Take the neck and waist strap pieces and fold them in half lengthwise, right sides facing. Sew along the long edge and one short edge, leaving one short edge open. Turn the straps right side out and press them flat with an iron.
- 4. Attach the straps: Place the apron front piece right side up on your work surface. Position the neck straps at the top corners of the apron, and the waist straps about 8 inches from the sides. Make sure the straps are evenly spaced and pin them in place. Baste the straps in place to secure them.
- 5. Add the pocket: If you are including a pocket, fold the top edge of the pocket piece down by 1/2 inch and press. Then, fold the remaining edges under by 1/2 inch and press again. Position the pocket on the apron front and pin in place. Stitch around the sides and bottom of the pocket to secure it to the apron.
- 6. Assemble the apron: Place the backing fabric right side down on top of the apron front, aligning the edges. Pin the layers together, leaving a 6-inch opening along the bottom edge for turning. Sew around the edges, leaving the opening unsewn.
- 7. Turn the apron right side out: Reach through the opening and carefully turn the apron right side out. Use a pencil or chopstick to push out the corners and smooth the edges.
- 8. Topstitch and finish: Topstitch around the entire apron, closing the opening as you sew. This will also give the apron a professional-looking finish. If desired, you can also add iron-on letters or a design to personalize the apron even more.
Once your kitchen apron is complete, fold it neatly and tie it with a matching ribbon or pack it in a gift box with a festive bow. Present it to the Christmas cook with a heartfelt note, and they will surely appreciate the time and effort you put into making such a practical and thoughtful gift.
Customization and personal touches to make the kitchen apron a unique and thoughtful gift for the person making Christmas dinner:
- 1. Embroidery: Consider adding the recipient’s name, initials, or a special message to the apron with embroidered lettering for a personal touch.
- 2. Pockets: Customize the apron by adding extra pockets for holding cooking utensils, recipe cards, or other essentials that the recipient may need while preparing their Christmas dinner.
- 3. Fabric selection: Choose a fabric that reflects the recipient’s personal style or interests, such as a pattern or color that they love, to make the apron more unique and thoughtful.
- 4. Adjustable straps: Ensure the apron fits perfectly by customizing the straps to be adjustable, allowing the recipient to have a comfortable and personalized fit.
- 5. Hand-painted design: If you have artistic skills, consider hand-painting a design or pattern onto the apron to make it truly one-of-a-kind.
- 6. Specialized pockets: If the recipient has specific needs for cooking or baking, such as a dedicated phone pocket for following recipes or a towel loop for easy access, consider adding these custom features to the apron.
- 7. Personalized patch: Sew a personalized patch onto the apron, such as a family crest, monogram, or a favorite quote to make it a meaningful and unique gift.
- 8. Matching accessories: Consider creating a matching set by including personalized oven mitts, pot holders, or other kitchen accessories to complement the apron.
Kitchen Apron – A great gift for the person making Christmas dinner
To make a kitchen apron, you will need fabric, scissors, measuring tape, sewing machine or needle and thread, and adjustable neck strap and ties.
Yes, you can choose any fabric you like, but it’s best to use a durable and washable fabric like cotton or linen.
Use the measuring tape to measure the width and length of the apron you want to make. You may also need to measure the neck strap and ties for the apron.
Absolutely! You can personalize the apron with embroidery, fabric paint, or applique to make it extra special for the recipient.
The time it takes to make a kitchen apron will depend on your sewing skills and the complexity of the design. It could take anywhere from a few hours to a day to complete.
Yes, there are many patterns and tutorials available online that can guide you through the process of making a kitchen apron.
Yes, a kitchen apron is a thoughtful and practical gift for someone who loves to spend time in the kitchen, especially if they are hosting Christmas dinner.
Absolutely! You can make matching aprons for a couple or a family, using coordinating fabrics and personalized details to make them unique.
Remember to consider the recipient’s personal style and preferences when choosing the fabric and design for the apron. You can also add pockets or other features to make the apron even more functional.
