1909s Children's apron
Mothers desired their children (boys and girls alike) to be clothed as simply and nicely as possible. While the general purpose of a child's apron was to protect clothing during the child’s given activity: school, church, play or entertainment, mothers wanted aprons that were easy to make, don and tub for purposes of convenience and economy of resources.
Most of these handmade delicacies were made of gingham, lawn, percale and seersucker. Butcher's linen, denim and duck were also used when activities warranted or heavy soiling was expected.
Vintage children circa 1950s
Box pleating and ruffles were common.
Apron skirts generally stopped just short of the knees and the armholes of sleeves were made wide and ample so the apron could be easily slipped on and off. Some aprons contained full collars while others included yokes high to the neck or those that were loose fitting square or rounded at the neckline.
Standard patch pockets, one or two, accompanied the apron because busy little children needed a safe place to stash writing utensils, hide treasure and store sewing and art supplies.
Adoring mothers cut pictures from linen books, or drew figures and animals on colored muslins which were then appliquéd to the apron. During the early 1900s the most industrious mothers pasted shapes onto the aprons using a simple flour paste mixture which could be washed off when the apron became soiled and a new supply or shapes added on. In the 1950s, mothers used stamping and transfer patterns to achieve the same effect.
Mother’s love always went into the needlework, embroidery and lace of these tiny gems.
As a final touch, a single or double set of mother of pearl buttons at the back served as closure, along with a sash or simple tie-end.
For more info: Apron chronicles: the work apron
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