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Home » Arts & Crafts » Sewing

Simple to Sew Apron DIY Gift

Published: Nov 28, 2018 · Modified: Apr 9, 2025 by Shelly · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

A miniature and a full sized teal and orange flowered DIY Apron.

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!!

Orange floral and teal fabric layed out with a measuring tape and pair of fabric scissors before sewing into an apron pattern.

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.

The edges of an orange floral square of fabric ironed over before sewing.

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.

Straight pins holding down the edges of teal fabric before sewing.

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.

A hand gathering the top of the teal fabric for a DIY apron near a measuring tape.

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.

An orange floral waist band for a DIY apron sewed to the top of teal fabric and tied at the back.

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.

A miniature and a full sized teal and orange flowered DIY Apron.

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)

Orange floral pocket fabric squares sitting on the teal fabric of an apron after sewing.

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

Easy DIY T-Shirt Dress

DIY Hand Puppets for Kids

How to Make a T-Shirt Tote Bag

Sew a Simple Super Kid Cape

How to Make a Scrunchie

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.

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Comments

  1. retiredpj says

    December 06, 2018 at 6:19 am

    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!

    Reply

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Hello there! I'm Shelly (Nana), an artist, previously homeschooling mother of 3, and now proud grandma (Nana) of 6. I love sharing artistically inspiring, hands-on crafts for kids of all ages. Let's go have some fun!

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