Autumn Jubilee – Sewing Project #1

Autumn Jubilee is underway and the projects will keep coming all month. Clear the decks, and get ready to have some fun. Today we have a sewing project that will showcase one of the beautiful Benartex Harvest Festival fabrics.

When I unpacked the fabulous Benartex fabrics that they sent for Autumn Jubilee, I saw this fabric with the edge to edge border print design. The first thing I thought of was an apron to take advantage of the fabulous border print. It’s the perfect project to kick off a month of projects featuring Mason jars to wear in the kitchen or at the grill.

Project Requirements
3/4 yard of border print fabric
3/4 yard of fabric for backing
3 yards of one-inch wide grosgrain ribbon

First, we need to cut the apron shape, and I am going to give you instruction on how to do this to fit your particular shape. Lay the fabric out on your cutting surface, and fold in half lengthwise. Cut the length as you want, making sure to cut off the selvage edge. Mine is 30 inches because I am shorter than average, cutting off more of the black background at the top and preserving the plaid at the bottom. Measure four inches from the fold and place a pin to mark the spot. This will make the top of the bib 8 inches wide. If you want it a different width, adjust to your preference.

Next, place a tape measure on your chest on the left or right side with the end at the spot you want the top of the apron to be. Then measure from that spot, over the bust, down to your natural waist and take note of that measurement. This will be different for many, depending on how short- or long-waisted you are and the size of your bust. For me, 10 inches was just right.

Measure down the cut edge of the fabric from the top that number of inches and place a pin. Mark a gentle curve between the pin at the top and the pin on the side. The fabric should still be folded in half along the long edge.

Cut the top focus fabric along the curved marked line.

Cut the backing to the same apron shape, using the top fabric as a guide.

Cut two scrap pieces 1-1/2-inches by three inches. Make two small loops from the scraps by folding in half along the long edge, sew and turn. Place one on each side of the apron front at the waist, raw edges together, creating a loop.

Cut the one-inch grosgrain ribbon into two pieces 54 inches long (1-1/2 yards). Pin the ribbon end to the one side of the apron fabric at the top of the bib section. Be sure to leave 1/4-inch of space on the side edges for the seam allowance. I roll the excess up and pin it to the fabric so it won’t get in the way while I am sewing. Pin the loops at the bottom edge of the curve, raw edges together.

Pin the backing fabric to the focus fabric right sides together, enclosing the ribbon ties and loop edges.

Stitch around the edges, leaving an opening at the bottom for turning.

Then turn right side out and press. Stitch across the bottom to close the opening. Continue top stitching all the way around the edge.

To wear the apron, take the ribbon strap from the right shoulder side and cross over in the back to the left loop. The left shoulder side goes through the right loop, then the apron is tied in the center back.

The crossed straps do not get hung around the neck, resulting in a much more comfortable apron to wear for several hours.

And it fits your shape perfectly! Isn’t this the perfect project for this print?

Today’s giveaway is sponsored by Hobbs Batting. Have you ever used Hobbs battings premium cotton, silk or wool? Have you ever used a fusible batting? Which would you like to try? Leave a comment on this post to be entered into the drawing for a queen size Hobbs Fusible batting.

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To leave a comment, please scroll to the bottom of the comments to the form. Replying to someone else’s comment will send them an email, so unless you are actually replying to them, please use the form. Due to the volume of comments during Autumn Jubilee, I am not able to answer every one via email. Please know that I read and appreciate every one!

88 thoughts on “Autumn Jubilee – Sewing Project #1

  1. Cherie Moore's avatar Cherie Moore

    I really like the way the apron tires.  I’m thinking I’ll add pockets to hold treads, snips and seam ripper when longarming. It will be way more comfortable than the waitress apron I have now…thank you!  I’ve never used fusible batting…could be interesting. 

  2. Margaret Nelson's avatar Margaret Nelson

    I’ve used Fusable batting.
    I took a look and would like to try Thermore batting. I like the 9″ gap space allowed between stitches.

  3. Julie's avatar Julie

    Cute apron with a terrific plan for the straps!! I’m hand quilting a quilt with a wool/cotton blend batting. I put that aside for a few days while we’re having a late season heat wave. Where were those 80s all summer?

  4. Rita in Iowa's avatar Rita in Iowa

    I love using Hobbs fusible batting but would love to try the silk batting. Love your apron pattern and the fabric choice. Thanks for providing the inspiration for fall.

  5. Becky W's avatar Becky W

    I’ve used Hobbs batting in a few quilts and love it. I’ve used the fusible in small quilts that I’m quilting on my sewing machine. I would love to try the wool batting. That would make a quilt nice and warm and cozy. 

  6. Ulrikken's avatar Ulrikken

    I would love to try the silk batting by Hobbs. I used cotton batting, it quilted wonderful. Love your apron!

  7. The apron is so cute! I have used Hobbs batting before. Wool batting is my favorite type for hand quilting which is what I am. I’ve never tried the silk batting or the fusible batting.

  8. Kathy Cornell Baumbusch's avatar Kathy Cornell Baumbusch

    I have used Hobbs batting in my longarm business.  I’ve used both the Heirloom and Tuscany lines.

  9. Connie S Wolfe's avatar Connie S Wolfe

    I agree, that fabric is eye catching. Currently, I have a roll of Hobbs Heirloom batting which I have used in a queen sized quilt. I checked the website and know that I would watch the instructional video a few times before being comfortable using the fusible batting, but does it ever seem useful.
    Connie W.

  10. Timmes Ross's avatar Timmes Ross

    I am obsessed with apron, so even though I don’t do much machine sewing, I plan to make this one. And I an totally intrigued by Hobbs silk batting.

  11. Anita Simmons Jackson's avatar Anita Simmons Jackson

    I am absolutely in love with your tutorial on how to build the apron. I’m such a slacker. I bought a pattern years ago and just couldn’t get my mind wrapped around doing the cutout. This one looks so super easy. I’ve not used any of Hobb’s that I remember. Maybe once when I was picking up some items from an older Hancock’s store in Maryland I got some. I would definitely love the fusible batting.

  12. Sandra's avatar Sandra

    Love the apron and thanks for the pattern. I have used Hobbs fusible batting and it definitely kept those layers together for quilting on my domestic machine. Had one heck of a time fusing a larger quilt until I placed my ironing board next to the counter and could keep it nice and straight and moving along. Ideal for smaller projects where moving large amounts of fabric isn’t an issue.

  13. Oh, a delightful apron!!  I’m an apron girl, too and always regret not having one on when I splash my front these days.  My kids used to tease me that I wore an apron like a dress—just a habit to work in.  The dark Benartex autumn print is just perfect, because spots will be disguised!  Lots of spotting in my kitchen!  I have never used Hobbs batting, nor fusible for a large quilt, just for placemats.  Would like to try silk someday.  Thanks for a great apron pattern!

  14. rita75213's avatar rita75213

    This apron is so pretty ! The fabric is absolutely beautiful for this project ! And what a great gift idea 🙂
    I have not used fusible batting but it sounds interesting….I would usually go for cotton, so would try that first ….

  15. Shari K.'s avatar Shari K.

    I have used Hobbs Tuscany Wool blend for a baby quilt. Very nice drape. I have only used fusible batting for small projects, so a Queen size would be fun to try!

  16. Colleen Konetzni's avatar Colleen Konetzni

    Hobbs batting is a great product I’ve used for years although never tried their silk batting. Something new to try!

  17. The fabric with a border already in the design is perfect for an apron. I also like the idea of adding pockets. I’ve always used Hobbs batting but never a fusible. I would like to try the cotton.

  18. Finally some measurements that make sense.  I would try Hobbs batting if I could find it locally. Maybe I haven’t looked hard enough. The fusible sounds like a great thing for smaller projects. 

  19. Paulette's avatar Paulette

    I have a roll of the Hobbs 80/20 at home.  Our guild/Quilts of Valor group uses many rolls of the Hobbs 80/20 each year. 

  20. Sarah Aldrich's avatar Sarah Aldrich

    I haven’t tried Hobbs batting, but would really like to try their fusible batting since I hate to baste.  I also think a silk bathing wo7ld be great for my warm TN weather.  It would have lovely drape.

  21. Debbie Miller's avatar Debbie Miller

    A really lovely apron and I appreciate the easily customized sizing directions! I would love to try Hobbs fusible batting!

  22. rkjrk5@aol.com's avatar rkjrk5@aol.com

    It was a great idea to use that print for an apron.  It makes such a fun and festive project for fall entertaining.

  23. Forgot to add that I have used the fusible batting on quilts.  It’s a great product and makes the quilting go quicker with less pucker issues.

  24. Lisa England's avatar Lisa England

    I have used cotton, wool, and fusible. Liked them all, different types of batting are appropriate for different types of projects. One day, for some special project, I would like to try silk. Sounds luxurious.

    Love the apron idea, best use I’ve seen for a border print such as that one!

  25. Karrin Hurd's avatar Karrin Hurd

    I use Hobbs 80/20 all the time.  I’ve used the fusible too.  I’d love to try the silk.  Thanks so much for the apron directions 

  26. Linda B's avatar Linda B

    I love Hobbs wool batting, and looking forward to using it again.  So light and warm!  Have also used fusible in tablerunners and smaller pieces.  Definitely a time saver.   Cute apron pattern and use of that lovely fabric!  Thanks!

  27. Melanie Bowman's avatar Melanie Bowman

    I have used Hobbs Tuscany 100% batting inside a coat that I made. The outer fabric was also wool. It’s so warm and soft and it was easy to work with. I also keep some Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 on hand for smaller projects like baby quilts.

  28. jrp53's avatar jrp53

    The battings I usually use are the 80/20 cotton/poly. I have never used a premium batting but in my extensive quilt background, I must have used a Hobbs at some point. The fusible batting might be the best idea ever since I really struggle with safety pin basting my usually large quilts. I would love to try a fusible one. I do love the look of wool batting in other quilts but I think it might be too hot for Texas.

    What a great apron pattern! Thanks so much.

    1. Carla Hundley's avatar Carla Hundley

      Lovely apron design. I haven’t used a fusible batting but would like the cotton one.
      Carla from Arizona

  29. Niki B's avatar Niki B

    I would love to try the heirloom cotton batting. I have a hard time making my quilt sandwich and keeping it tight to quilt on my domestic machine.

    Ok, confession time. I was a bad girl today. Local quilt shop is going out of business, everything is 70% off. I found a cute border fabric for the apron project, and some fall themed fabric for more autumn jubilee projects. Stash buster report will not need negating negative this month despite finishing a queen sized quilt. Oh my!

  30. Shanna Bauer's avatar Shanna Bauer

    I am using Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 in a quilt that I made for my parents 50th Anniversary. Have it all ready to go to the quilters soon. Shanna

  31. Betsy Pompi's avatar Betsy Pompi

    I’ve never used Hobbs batting. I’ve never used silk or wool either and would be interested in trying either. I have used fusible batting and find it helpful. I have a lot of trouble pin basting my quilts and the fusible really helps. 

  32. Susan N.'s avatar Susan N.

    I have never used Hobbs batting. I have never used fusible batting either. I have only use cotton or polyester batting. I would be interested in trying a fusible batting, or the silk or wool batting.

  33. Debbie Miller Meyer's avatar Debbie Miller Meyer

    I have never seen Hobbs batting at any of the quilt stores near me. I do use a lot of fusible batting because I like to use that on table runners and some smaller projects like bags, etc. I will have to look for it as their website doesn’t show that I can purchase it online. I currently use Pellon because that’s the only kind I can find in my remote area. I’d like to give Hobbs a try if I only knew where I could find it.
    Thanks for the tutorial of the apron the Bernatex fabric is beautiful for that.

  34. I have used Hobbs batting, the silk is wonderfully thin for my large quilts because I quilt on my home machine. I purchase Hobbs at my local quilt store. Thank you.

  35. Jeani McGrath's avatar Jeani McGrath

    I just finished sandwiching a throw quilt with Hobbs Wool. Looking forward to seeing how it does under the machine. So light in weight!

  36. Sandy F's avatar Sandy F

    I think I have used all the fibers in the Hobbs batting line, but never the fusible. I have a longarm now, but occasionally quilt small projects on my domestic sewing machine.

  37. quilterpt's avatar quilterpt

    What a great tutorial!  Thank you.  What a cute project!   I have never used a fusible batting.  I have used their wool bats which are so wonderful to work with. 

  38. Rich N Stef Olson's avatar Rich N Stef Olson

    Thank you for sharing the apron pattern and idea!! I always wonder what do with border fabric…Perfect!!

  39. Elizabeth Kelbaugh's avatar Elizabeth Kelbaugh

    I have used a lot of Hobbs premium cotton and once used wool which was fabulous.
    I’ve never tried silk or fusible batting so that would be interesting to try. Thanks for sharing the neat apron.

  40. lee's avatar lee

    Thank you for the great apron pattern. I think perfect for that fabric, and I love one of the other ladies idea for the pockets! I have used Hobbs cotton but not the fusible. That would be fun to try. I had no idea they had a silk batting! Tonight I am cutting my mat from the first day of Jubilee! Yay! Have a great day!

  41. Kathy E.'s avatar Kathy E.

    Hobbs batting is the only brand I use! I especially like their fusible batting as it works so well for smaller projects like table runners. There’s no need for pinning or spray basting with Hobbs fusible!

  42. Teri's avatar Teri

    This apron pattern looks like so much fun! Love the print. I’ve never used a fusible batting and I’d love to try the silk or the wool from Hobbs. 

  43. Becky's avatar Becky

    Our guild uses Hobbs cotton batting for our charity quilts. I would also love to try the wool batting for a hand quilting project.

  44. getstitchedbykaren's avatar getstitchedbykaren

    I like that apron pattern. I had forgotten about making the straps cross over like that. Thanks for the pattern.
    Karen

  45. Sandi Scarlett's avatar Sandi Scarlett

    I haven’t tried Hobb’s batting but would like to. I’ve tried fusible batting but prefer regular cotton batting.

  46. Great tutorial! I like that the strap won’t pull so much on the wearer’s neck and a really creative way of using a border print. I have only used Hobbs’ 80/20. Great mix. Would love to try their wool. 

  47. Dora's avatar Dora

    I have used Hobbs 80/20 for large projects & fusible for smaller ones. I would like to try either the wool or silk batting.

  48. Dora's avatar Dora

    I love Hobbs for large projects and use fusible for small projects. I haven’t used the wool or silk and would like to try one of those.

  49. Angie Peele's avatar Angie Peele

    Such a cute fall apron.  Oh how adorable it would be in Christmas fabrics.

    I’m sending you 4 more cradle quilts on Friday.

  50. Donna Flanery's avatar Donna Flanery

    Hobbs Heirloom collection is one of my go to battings for my quilts. I have used both the cotton and 80/20. I have never tried fusible batting, but I think I might like to try it especially with a quilt as you go table topper or small wall hanging.

  51. Joye Cox's avatar Joye Cox

    I have liked every kind of Hobbs batting that I’ve tried, but I’ve never tried their fusible. Would like to!

  52. I used a Hobbs wool bat for my daughter’s whole cloth, it was so nice! I am intrigued by the fusible batting, which I have never tried. Not sure it would be great for quilts, but might be nice for the duffles I make for my students.

  53. Kathryn Laposata's avatar Kathryn Laposata

    Hobbs Heirloom is my favorite. I’ve also used Thermore for hand quilting projects. I’ve not used the specialty or the fusible. Something to try. Thanks for the giveaway. I love to make aprons, so I’ll give your project a try.

  54. Deb's avatar Deb

    I have used Hobbs cotton batting and liked it very much. I have used fusible batting in my smaller wall hangings, it makes machine quilting MUCH easier. I have heard that wool batting is much cozier and I would love to try it out.

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