Pinner aprons were a popular clothing protection addition from the late 1700s to the late 1800s. The bib added above the waistband was pinned to the top of the dress, hence the “pinner” name. I made mine from 100% cotton gingham fabric, which has a checked pattern made by weaving together white and dyed blue thread, not by printing. I sewed it on a Singer model 66 treadle sewing machine (1916) using 100% cotton thread. I cut all the pieces by calculating size and following the squares on the fabric, and did not use a pattern. To keep the edges from unraveling, I hemmed each piece before assembly.

I made the apron because I wanted (needed) pockets with my 1860s period outfit. I did not gather the apron because my walking skirt from Historical Emporium doesn’t have gathers.

The apron worked as intended, and aside from the problem of putting tiny holes in my shirt from the pins, the bib stayed in place, honestly better than straps stay on for me.