Before the lesson the teacher should see if arrangements can be made to
secure the use of one or two sewing-machines, so that the pupils may sew
all the long seams by machine.
At a previous lesson she should discuss the kinds of material suitable
for the aprons. The pupils should consider whether their aprons shall be
white or coloured, and whether they shall be of muslin, cambric, or
gingham. Each pupil will need from 1-1/2 to 2 yards of material,
according to her size. The taller ones will need 2 yards.
[Illustration: _Fig._ 13.--Cutting out skirt of apron]
There should be on hand a sufficient number of tape-measures, pins, and
scissors, so that the pupils may proceed with the cutting of their
aprons without unnecessary delay.
The apron to be made is to have a skirt, with a bib and shoulder straps,
in order to be a protection to the dress, the skirt, and the waist.[A]
[A] If the pupils are very inexperienced and find the
sewing difficult, it may be advisable to omit the bib and
straps and to make the simple full-skirted apron. If a
machine is not at hand to use for the long seams, the
limited time may make the simpler apron necessary. This
will give more time for the various steps. Lessons XIV and
XV may then be omitted, Lesson XVI made more simple, and
less outside work may be required.