This practical, pretty smock has a wipe-clean surface, so your little ones can have fun making a creative mess. You could also use ready-made oilcloth as an alternative.
Supplies:
Scissors
Paper for pattern
50cm x 100cm cotton fabric
Approx 1m clear plastic sheeting
Sewing machine
Approx 3m red bias tape
26cm wide red elastic
Sewing needle and thread
To make the smock:
1) Cutting the template: Enlarge the above template to make a paper pattern. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut out two identical pieces. Do the same with the plastic sheeting.
2) Sewing together: Place one piece of fabric and one piece of plastic together, with the plastic on top and the print of the fabric facing out. Repeat with the other pieces. Then place the two sets of material and plastic together, with the plastic sides facing, and sew a 1cm seam across each shoulder, using straight stitch on your sewing machine. Open the smock out. Change the setting to zigzag stitch and sew around the edges of the smock, attaching the plastic to the fabric. Trim off any loose cotton threads.
3 ) Adding the bias edge: Change the setting to straight stitch and sew the bias tape all round the edge of the smock. Fold the bias strip over the fabric as you sew. This will help prevent the fabric from fraying over time and adds a nice finish.
4 ) Adding the elastic: Cut the red elastic in half, and attach one piece to the front and back at each side of the smock, at the points marked on the template. Stitch on by hand. Now it’s time for play!
