For my Edwardian maid outfit I made a plain white cotton apron which is inspired by antique 1900s aprons.
Related: Edwardian Maid Dress
Some Edwardian aprons were as long as the dress, but I made my Edwardian apron slightly shorter like this antique apron. The skirt as well as the bib of my Edwardian apron are gathered into the waistband. Some 1900s aprons had a button closure. But I made my apron with apron strings like on this painting or this Edwardian photograph.
‘As white gives a pleasing impression of cleanliness, it is most commonly chosen […] White cambric, percale or any smooth finished, firm white material may be used. […]
The bib is made of one piece of material […] Make your apron the same length as your dress skirt allowing 4 1/2″ for hems and fitting. […] Set the gathers on the skirt of the apron on the edge of one piece of the band […] Put on the apron and have someone even it around the bottom.’ (School Sewing Based On Home Problems, 1916)
Most Edwardian aprons had deep hems. That’s why I also made deep hems at the top and bottom of the apron. And there are no raw edges on the wrong side of the apron: All raw edges are enclosed in hems or the self-fabric strips at the sides and waist of the apron.
Thank you so much! I’m costuming a stage show that needs an apron like this, and I can never find one available for rent, so I plan on making one. These tips will really help.
Thanks so much, Christine! 🙂 I’m glad you found it helpful!