Here you have an option of color and weave, plain or embroidered, according to your other garments. Many such articles have the initials of the owner in small cross stitch. Sometimes they are numbered as well:
B D
2
Bed and table linens are also identified in this way so that they might be rotated.
For work you might choose linen, cotton or fustian (linen warp, cotton weft) in serviceable weights.
For dress, handkerchief linen, lawn, fine cotton, batiste, silk, might be decorate with crewels, embroidery in silks, tambour, white work.
A square measuring 30"x30" or up to 35"x35" is narrowly hemmed, and may be initialed in small cross stitches.
You may choose instead, a triangle (cut your square in half and make two). When hemming the bias side of the triangle be careful not to stretch the fabric.
There are no hard and fast measurements but a work apron needs to be large enough to be a practical method of protecting the clothing and carrying things. When the apron is soiled it is frequently worn with the bottom corner tucked into the apron string on the opposite corner. This provides a clean surface if one is sewing or tending to a baby, etc.
You might try a 40" width and a length midway between your knees and ankles or to the hem of your dress.
1. Make a narrow hem (1/8") on the bottom and sides and a 3/8" casing across the top. Insert a 1/4" linen or cotton tape (long enough to tie around your waist) through the casing.
2. You may also choose to gather the upper edge and enclose it in a 1" cotton or linen tape.
Another style of apron has a bib; the top edges are pinned to the bodice. The bottom of the bib is V-shaped and stitched over the gathered apron.
Apron lengths went up and down over the decades as fashions changed. The decorated apron is shown to its best as a shorter length, below the knees. Again the hemming is narrow, and the casing and drawstring is frequently used. Make sure the embroidery is appropriate to the eighteenth century. You may choose to copy or adapt an original. Many are illustrated in costume books and in books on embroidery.
Since the pocket was not sewn into women's dress during this period, the need was supplied by wearing one or two pockets on a drawstring around the waist and reached through the side slits in the petticoats and gowns. They were made of linen, cotton or fustian. Even though worn under the petticoat, they were often decorated with embroidery. They hold, unseen, all you ordinarily will carry. Your hands are free.
1. Using the pattern, cut 2 shapes; one will be slashed from
the top center as indicated.
2. Bind the slash with cotton or linen tape or self-fabric.
3. Pin the front and back together and bind the edges with the
tape.
4. Stitch a tape casing to the top edge and insert narrow tape or
cord.
You may also stitch one or two pockets onto the tape without the casing. Permanent placement.