How to Make a Simple to Sew Apron
How about a quick and simple to sew apron for a gift for each of the kids, or for a friend, or yourself?
A couple Christmas’s ago I made aprons for all of the girl grands and the adult women in my immediate family. I used a pattern that had both the adult and the child sizes so they all matched. It was fun and was a great hit. But they were pretty complex and took quite a bit of time.
Here is a quick way to make a cute simple to sew apron for the grands or yourself for play time or for use in the real kitchen! You could have several made easily before the holidays.
This would also make a great learn to sew project with an older grand!!
A Free Simple to Sew Apron Pattern
Measure from the person’s actual waist to the desired length, usually right above the knee. Add on 1 inch.
Cut out according to the layout on the instruction attachment found here. WTN Simple To Sew Apron Pattern
I cut the waistband and pockets from a contrasting fabric for fun.
Hemming a Simple to sew Apron
Finish the two short sides and the bottom edge of the apron front with a ¼ inch turned hem.
Tip: A ¼ inch turned hem is turning ¼ inch towards the wrong side of the fabric and then turning under ¼ inch again. Then stitch down close to the edge.
How to Add Pockets to An Apron
The grands love pockets in their aprons and so do I! The layout on the instructions attachment show a pocket option, choose this option of one or two pockets if you like.
Turn under ¼ inch to the wrong side on the top edge of the pocket. Turn under ½ inch to the right side on the top edge of the pocket. Stitch this down. Stitch a ½ (4/8) inch seam on the three unfolded sides of the pocket. Turn the top edge right side out and turn the three unfolded edges to the wrong side along the stitching line.
Place the pocket(s) on the front of the apron in the desired location(s) with the wrong side of the pocket on the right side of the apron front. Sew around the sides and the bottom of the pocket close to the folded edge, backstitching well at the top edges of the pocket.
How to Gather the Fabric
Gather the top edge of the apron so it is the width of ½ of the person’s waist measurement.
Tip: Gathering is done by using a long stitch and making two rows of stitching: one ½ inch from the edge and a second ⅜ inch from the edge. Gently pull on the two threads from one end, gathering up the fabric.
Finishing the Homemade Apron
With right sides together, use a ½ (4/8) inch seam to sew the waistband to the apron front, centering it on the band.
Fold the waistband in half, wrong sides together. Use a ½ (4/8) inch seam to sew the waistband tie ends. Leave the section with the gathered front open.
Turn the tie ends right side out. Press
On the wrong side, either hand sew or machine sew the opening over the gathered section shut. I topstitched about ⅛ inch from the edge around the entire waistband to give it a finished look.
Adding Finishing Touches...Rick-Rack Anyone?
Decorate the apron along the bottom edge or across the front by stitching on rick-rack or other trims if desired.
After making one of these simple to sew aprons you will gain confidence and speed when attempting a second.
They make great gifts. Don’t forget one for those daughters or daughter in-laws so their aprons match with the grands. And while you are at it, make one for yourself as well!!
What You'll Need to Make a Simple to Sew Apron:
Fabric: 1 yard of one fabric OR ¾ yard of one fabric for apron front and ½ yd of coordinating fabric for waistband and pockets. This will make one adult apron or two smaller aprons.
Thread
Trim like rick rack or ribbon (optional for decoration)
More Easy Sewing Projects
Looking for more fun and easy sewing projects? Give these additional sewing ideas a try!
You’ll find a range of sewing techniques, as well as patterns and step-by-step instructions that make it easy and entertaining for any level of experience.
Easy-to-Sew Microwaveable Rice Pack
How to Make a T-Shirt Tote Bag
ENJOY!
If you try this craft, let me know! Go ahead and leave a comment, rate it, and tag a photo with #WelcometoNanas wherever you post.
retiredpj says
I have a several aprons that are used daily. One is an 'antique' and one is special for the holidays. I made a couple out of towels, they are ugly but are wonderful to use. I know how to make a chef-style but can't seem to figure out how to do the straps in the back - one that doesn't pull on your neck. I LOVE the colors/patterns in yours!