Canvas - Plush Addict Blog

Canvas Gardening Apron Tutorial

by Kellie Rose | Feb 27, 2021 | Canvas, Project Ideas, Tutorials

Gardening can be a muddy business so let’s bring a splash of colour to the potting shed with this apron.

This sturdy companion, with a trio of generously sized pockets and easy release belt, will keep tools on hand and provide a safe space for harvested goodies.

We’ve also added some complementary accessories with wrist straps; they are the work of moments and a super handy for those most used tools.

Get comfortable sewing with canvas and learn how to sew mitred corners by making this project.

If you would like some tips on sewing canvas fabric then check out our Guide To Canvas Fabric over here

Skill Level: Confident Beginner Seam-Star

You Will Need:

For the apron:

Apron: 50cm square Cotton canvas
Pocket: 53x29cm Cotton canvas
Thread
Belt: 1 metre 38mm Polypropylene webbing
Buckle: 40mm Delrin buckle

Per wrist strap:

1 Keyring fob/ split ring
40cm 25mm Polypropylene webbing

We Used:

Apron:

Wrist strap:

Want to follow along with printed instructions instead? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download this step-by-step printable tutorial.

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Step 1: Cut your fabrics

Cut out the following using the measurements above:

1 apron piece

1 pocket piece*

For fabrics with a directional pattern, please note that the 29cm measurement will run top to bottom on the finished apron.

* For colour blocked pockets: cut 2 side pocket pieces 15.5x29cm and a middle pocket piece 26x29cm. Join using a 1cm seam allowance.

Add the Ribbon Detail

Step 1: Make marks on the central pocket piece 10cm and 15cm from the bottom right corner working along the bottom edge (26cm) and up the side (29cm).

Draw diagonal lines joining the 10cm and 15cm points

Pin the wider ribbon along the 15cm line and the narrower along the 10cm line.

Sew the ribbon in place then trim the ends so they align with the edge of the pocket piece.

Step 2: Assemble the pocket

Align one of the side pocket pieces with one side of the central pocket piece and pin.

Repeat with the other side pocket piece then sew them both with a 1cm seam allowance.

Tidy the seam allowance; zig zag stitch or overlocking are ideal.

Mitre the corners

The following steps apply to the bottom 2 corners (3 sides) of the apron piece and all 4 corners of the pocket piece:

Step 3: With the fabric facing wrong side up, turn over 2cm of fabric along each side and press.

Step 4: Fold the raw edges under to the crease and press forming a 1cm border.

Step 5: Starting at one corner open out the 2cm hem on both sides, keeping the 1cm creases folded.

Step 6: Fold over the corner, the creases will have formed a small square. Align the 2 sides of the small square with the two 2cm creases on the underside of the napkin.

Step 7: Finger press along the crease.

Step 8: Unfold the corner and mark out the fold line.

Step 9: Fold the corner in half bringing the 2 right sides together.

Step 10: Pin and sew along the marked line.

Step 11: Trim the seam allowance to 3mm and clip the end.

Step 12: Turn out the corner, use a turner to shape the point.

Step 13: On the apron, press then sew all the borders with a 1cm seam allowance, on the pocket only sew the top border.

Step 14: Sew the apron

Fold over to the back and press the top 1cm of fabric on the apron piece.

Step 15: Fold over another 4.5cm and press.

Want to follow along with printed instructions instead? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download this step-by-step printable tutorial.

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Step 16: Sew a line of stitching along the bottom edge to form the belt casing.

Step 17: Add the pocket

On the pocket piece, press pairs of 1cm wide concertina folds 10cm from each short edge of the pocket piece.

Step 18: Fold the apron and pocket pieces in half and hand press along the creases.

Step 19: Measure and mark a line 4cm up from the bottom of the apron.

Step 20: Align the bottom of pocket piece with the 4cm line matching up the 2 central creases.

Step 21: Position and pin the concertina folds so the centre of them is 13.5cm from the outer edge of the apron.

Step 22: Sew 2 lines of stitching, 5mm apart, along the centre of the concertina folds.

Step 23: Position and pin the edge of the side pockets 3.5cm from the edge of the apron.

Step 24: Sew 2 lines of stitching,1cm apart, along the edge of the side pockets.

Step 25: Sew 2 lines of stitching, 1cm apart, along the bottom edge of the pocket piece. Ensuring the folds are sewn in place.

Step 26: Finishing touches

Thread the webbing through the belt casing by folding the webbing lengthways.

Step 27: Release the Delrin buckle and add a piece to each end of the webbing. Secure the female end with 2 lines of stitching.

Step 28: The wrist strap

Cut and seal a 40cm length of 25mm webbing.

Step 29: Align the 2 ends and fold the webbing in half.

Step 30: Insert the ends into the fob clasp and press with keyring pliers.

And tadaaah! All finished 🙂

Well done seam-star!

Want to follow along with printed instructions instead? We’ve got you covered!

Click the button below to download this step-by-step printable tutorial.

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE

Don’t forget to share your finished makes with us – tag us @PlushAddict as we LOVE seeing your projects!

Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more tutorials.

A Fabric Guide: Canvas

by Kellie Rose | Feb 26, 2021 | Canvas, Fabric Guides, Product Guides, Tutorials

Do you have questions about canvas fabric? Is it Canvas, Canevas or Cannapaceus?

We can just about pronounce cannapaceus without getting confuddled!

For ease (and mental overload) let’s stick with canvas.

So What Is Canvas Fabric?

Canvas is a durable cotton fabric with a tight, plain weave and a 2 ply yarn.

It sometimes feels a little rough to touch because of the fibrous parts of the cotton, linen, flax or hemp plants that are used to form the yarn and the resulting thread isn’t usually combed.

We recommend giving your hands a good moisture after you’re done sewing if your project is heavy on canvas fabric!

Boring Legal Bit: If you follow any tutorial or guidance found in this post, or on this blog, you agree to be bound by our disclaimer which can be viewed here

Grab 10% OFF on Canvas fabric with our discount code!

CANVAS-SAVING-10

Use the code above at checkout for 10% off.

A Little History Of Canvas Fabric

While the earliest known evidence of canvas comes from ancient India around 1500 B.C. The name came later when production spread to Europe in the eighth century.

The word ‘canvas’ is from the old French canevas, which may have roots in the Latin ‘cannapaceus’, meaning “made of hemp”. (did you skip over cannapaceus reading this in your head?!)

Originally popular with sailmakers due to its natural resistance to water; popularity grew in the 16th century when painters found it to be a more versatile surface than wood and plaster (frescoes). Canvas was a cheaper and readily available alternative!

Denim has a similar feel to canvas, though the 2 can be identified by the weave; denim has a twill weave, resulting in quite different properties. Sometimes referred to as ‘duck’, though duck has a tighter weave and slightly heavier feel.

What Is Canvas Used For?

Canvas has many uses in the modern world thanks to how versatile it is! Canvas is a sturdy fabric with little drape so its best suited for projects that need structure.

When planning sewing projects canvas is ideal for:

Upholstery
Seat covers
Window dressing
Bag making
Tote bags
Fabric baskets
Laptop Cases
Aprons
Jackets/ coats
Interlining and lining
Footstools & Pouffes

How To Sew Canvas:

Wondering what needle you need for sewing canvas? Or stitch length? Check out our top tips on sewing canvas :

Thread: Sew all or upholstery
Needle size: 100/16 HJ or 110/18 HJ
Stitch length: 3mm
Presser foot: Standard
Seam finish: Press open and overlock where needed. Flat fell is also a good seam for canvas makes to make your project even more robust
No need to pre wash if project will be dry cleaned
Pre wash canvas to soften it
No need for interfacing – canvas is sturdy enough on it’s own

The manufacturing process uses a lot of chemicals which is a shame as it gives canvas a higher environmental impact, although there are some organic & PVC free options available. It’s still a tricky one for environmentally friendly seam-stars.

That said – taking its environmental impact into account, canvas projects with longevity are a more conscientious choice for the fabric than fast fashion items.

Fun Canvas Facts:

Canvas can be blended with other fibres, it’s not always 100% cotton.
Wet canvas fibres swell, making it naturally resistant to water.
In the 13th century canvas was added to shields, it is believed this was for strength as well as making the surface paintable.
Artists’ canvas are stretched cotton/linen canvas coated in primer (gesso).
A popular footwear brand are iconic for their use of canvas in shoes.
It’s even used for martial arts outfits!

We Hope you found this fabric guide helpful and it gives you some guidance on how to use canvas fabric!

Hop over to the website if you’re in need of some versatile canvas fabric or pin this guide for later

Are there any other fabrics you’d like to see guides for? Let us know in the comments 🙂

Follow Plush Addict on social media and keep an eye out for more tutorials. Please tag us @PlushAddict on your fave social media channel… we’d love to see your makes!