Just Fine Art Smock

Does your little one want to color with markers or paint? Well, that’s just fine, because you can make him an artist’s smock, complete with pockets for his art supplies. This  is part 1 in my Upcycled Tablecloth series.

Supplies:

• Vinyl flannel-backed tablecloth
• Elastic (approx. 1/4 yd)
• Sewing machine & thread

How To:

You’ll need two measurements. First, measure the circumference of the chest. Then measure from the shoulder to the desired length of the smock.

Pattern Formulas:

Width: Chest + 3 in. (ease) + 2 in (seams), divide by 2 (because you are sewing a front and back together)

Length: Desired length x 2 (front and back) + .5 (hem)

To cut my smock, I folded the tablecloth in half width-wise. I cut it according to the pattern formula, and that gave me a rectangle about twice as long as it is wide. The hole for the head will go in the center.

To cut the hole, fold the cut tablecloth into fourths to find the center.  Then cut a quarter circle from the inside corner.  Remember that when you unfold the smock, the hole will look a lot larger than what you’re cutting, so start small. You can always fold it and cut a little more if you need to.

Now we’ll cut the armholes. Fold the smock in half so your holes will be symmetrical. Cut an arc that reaches up to the shoulder.

Now we’ll create the pocket. My smock wasn’t long enough to use the entire length of the tablecloth, so I’m using a scrap that was cut from the bottom portion. It’s up to you how large you want your pocket to be, but just remember that it will end up a bout an inch shorter than what you cut because of seam allowances.

You’ll be folding up each of the edges a half inch, and sewing with a zig-zag stitch. Because I can’t press vinyl, I’m just going to fold them up as I sew.

Now pin a piece of elastic across the middle of the pocket piece. Sew vertically at regular intervals to hold markers. You can make some bigger slots for scissors.

Pin the pocket onto the  center  front of the smock. Fold under the ends of the elastic, then sew around the three sides with a zig-zag stitch.

Now we’ll finish the edges of the neckline and the arm holes with a zig-zag stitch.

Turn the smock inside out. Then pin the smock together at the shoulders to hold it evenly in place. Pin the sides of the smock, and sew together with a half-inch seam, starting below the armhole.

Finally, turn up the bottom of the smock a half an inch and zig-zag stitch a hem.

Don’t forget to check back to see the other projects in my Upcycled Tablecloth series.

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