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Flyswatters work best if you keep them handy. But who wants to look at a used flyswatter hanging on the wall? My flyswatter apron is designed so that the apron falls back against your hand when you lift the flyswatter into action, the apron drops down again as soon as you hang it up, hiding the used swatter. My broom aprons dress up your brooms when they’re at rest.

Flyswatter Apron

Supply List

• 1/4 yard 45″-wide cotton fabric, prewashed
• 1/4 yard contrasting fabric for ruffle and tie/trim, prewashed
• 1 spool regular sewing thread
• Print out the pattern image below, then enlarge it 200 percent for your MaryJanesFarm pattern.

Cutting

1. Cut out apron, using pattern.
2. Cut a 32″ x 3″ strip from contrasting fabric for the ruffle.
3. Cut a 30″ x 2″ strip from contrasting fabric for the tie/trim.

Assembling, Stitching, and Finishing Details

1. Cross-stitch or embroider your favorite design on the body of the apron, if desired.
2. Fold ruffle in half lengthwise with wrong sides together, press, and gather raw edges to fit. Pin ruffle to apron with fold of ruffle toward center of apron. Stitch.
3. Fold tie/trim in half lengthwise with wrong sides together, press, fold raw edges inside, press again. Match up centers, enclosing top edge of apron body between the pressed edges of the tie, and stitch through all layers. Hand-stitch ends of ties.

Broom Aprons (Small and Large)

Supply List

• 3/4 yard 45″-wide cotton fabric for Large Apron, prewashed (1/2 yard for Small Apron)
• 1/2 yard 45″-wide contrasting cotton fabric for Large Apron ruffle, prewashed (1/4 yard for Small Apron)
• 1 yard 1/2″ cotton twill tape for Large Apron (26″ for Small Apron)
• 1 spool regular sewing thread

Cutting

• Large Apron: With selvages together, cut one piece 20″ x 45″.
• Large Apron Ruffle: Cut two 6″ x 45″ strips.


• Small Apron: With selvages together, cut one piece 13″ x 25″.
• Small Apron Ruffle: Cut one 4″ x 45″ strip.

Assembling, Stitching, and Finishing Details

1. Turn top of apron under 1/4″ and press. Turn under 2″ more and press. (For Small Apron, only turn under 1 1/2″ more.) Pin in place.
2. Measure 1″ from selvage and 2″ down from second fold at top. Stitch two 1/2″ buttonholes vertically on either side of the apron front. (For Small Apron, measure down only 1 1/2″.)
3. To make casing, stitch 1/8″ up from lower folded edge. Measure up 5/8″ and stitch again.
4. Join the two strips for the ruffle at one end. (Not necessary for Small Apron.) Fold in half with wrong sides together and press. Match up center of ruffle and center of apron bottom and gather to fit.
5. Stitch side seam, taking care not to enclose buttonholes.
6. Thread twill tape through buttonholes and casing and tie to cinch the top around your broom.

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