Learn how to make an apron with this simple, DIY apron tutorial for women; its an awesome beginner sewing project that anyone can do!
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Aprons are the perfect, homemaker accessory! Learn how to make your own in this simple project for beginners.
If aprons are not already a part of your everyday uniform, you should really consider having a few on hand! They are great for keeping your clothes clean throughout the day, they can be super cute, and its always a bonus if they have pockets;)
I was recently gifted an apron around Christmas time with a really beautiful, Christmas style print. I love the fit and style so much that I wear it ALL the time. Now that its not Christmas anymore, I wanted to try recreating the apron in a more summer appropriate pattern/color.
To make this simple, DIY apron I just followed the pattern and style of my previous apron because I already knew I loved the fit. I’m so happy with how it turned out! Learn how you can make your own DIY apron with pockets in the sewing tutorial below.
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DIY Apron Fabric
For the apron in this tutorial I just used some simple, cotton fabric that I picked up from JoAnn’s. The other apron that I love is made from a similar fabric, so I knew wanted to go down that same route. Cotton fabric is inexpensive and comes in a variety of colors and patterns.
Linen fabric would also be a great option for this DIY apron, but would be a little more expensive. Also, if you prefer something more durable then I would suggest a thicker fabric like you would find in the home section.
The fun thing about sewing your own apron, is that you get to customize it to exactly what you want. You can choose the colors, patterns, fabric, and style! This DIY apron cost me less than $5 to make, and just a couple hours of time.
Interrupting your apron tutorial to let you know about a NEW sewing tutorial. These adorable, DIY Oven Mitts! You can whip one up in an afternoon for your kitchen, or make a set with matching potholders to gift a friend! Click HERE to get the tutorial. They would be SO cute in a fabric matching your apron!
DIY Apron Supplies
- about 1 yard of your chosen fabric
- coordinating thread
- measuring tape
- scissors
- sewing machine (THIS is the sewing machine I use and love)
DIY Simple Apron Cut List
It might sound complicated what I’m describing in the cut list for the main piece, but its not! Basically you are cutting a large rectangle, and then cutting out curved edges on either side to make an apron shape.
Another Note: I wanted thinner ties for my apron, but it makes things a little more difficult, especially if you don’t have a special tool for turning the fabric right side out after you’ve sewn it. You’ll know what I mean when I explain below! If you don’t want to get the special tool or try the DIY version, make your ties 4″ x 25″, and they should be much easier to work with, but will be thicker (as thick as the neck strap in the photos).
Main Piece: 32″ x 27 1/4″ rectangle, cut first. Mark off 9″ in the center on one of the 32″ sides for the neckline. Mark 15 1/4″ from the bottom of the main piece up towards the neckline, on both 27 1/4″ sides. Cut a curved line from the side marks up to the neckline on both sides to make an apron shape.
Neck Strap: 4″ x 22″ – Cut 1.
Ties: 2″ x 25″ – Cut 2. (or 4″ x 25″, thicker ties, but easier to work with, see note above).
Pockets: 8″ x 8″ – Cut 2.
DIY Simple Apron For Women Sewing Instructions
First things first, you’ll need to cut out all of the pieces from your cut list. Once everything has been cut out, you can start to prepare each of the pieces.
Prepare the Neck Strap and Ties
For the neck strap, you’ll want to fold the fabric in half horizontally (like a hot dog), with both of the pattern sides facing each other. It should look inside out, like this.
Now you’re going to sew along the edge of the long, open side. Don’t sew the small, top or bottom ends and only sew about a 1/4″ in from the raw edge.
Once you’ve finished sewing the long edge, use your fingers to turn the fabric inside out. You should be left with a long strap.
Next you are going to do the same process for the ties. Fold the ties in half with the right sides facing each other. This time, also sew ONE of the small sides (top or bottom), and then down the long side.
If you decided to do thicker ties, then you should be able to easily turn the fabric right side out using your fingers once you’ve finished sewing. If you wanted to do thinner ties, HERE is great video explaining a few different methods for turning the fabric back right side out (it will be super difficult to do with just your fingers)
Prepare the Pockets
Time to prepare your pockets! Heat up your iron. You should have (2) 8″ x 8″ squares. Fold down one edge of each of the squares about 1/4″ – 1/2″ to create a hem. This will be the top of the pocket. Iron the hem line and pin it if you feel its necessary. Sew the hem down.
Once the top edge is hemmed, lay out your main apron piece and place your pockets on top. You’ll want to place each pocket 3 1/2″ from the outside edge, and 4 1/2″ from the bottom edge of the main apron piece. Remember to put the hemmed edge at the top (closest to the neckline).
Fold each of the three, un-hemmed edges underneath. You’re going to be hemming the rest of these edges and sewing it to the main piece, at the same time. Pin the pocket in place.
Start with one pocket pinned in place, and sew down the edge of the right side first, 1/4″ – 1/2″ in from the edge of the pocket, to sew the pocket to the apron.
To create a straight corner, once you get to 1/4″ from the bottom of the pocket, stop sewing and turn the fabric 90 degrees. Now sew down the bottom edge. Stop and turn once you get to the other corner, and sew the final side all the way up to the top of the pocket.
Repeat this process for the second pocket. You should be left with two pockets sewn onto your main piece, top edges hemmed and open.
Prepare the Main Piece of the Apron and Attach it all Together
Heat up your iron again. Fold down the top, neckline edge of the apron about 1/4″ – 1/2″ to create a hem, and iron in place. Now, take your neck strap and place each raw edge on the corners of the neckline like shown.
I’m sorry, I didn’t get a photo before I sewed it!
Pin into place if you need to. Sew along the edge of the neckline, sewing the neck straps into place while at the same time hemming the top edge.
Fold down and iron the rest of the edges of the apron to create a hem all the way around. Before you sew, place your ties on the main apron piece where the vertical edges meet the curved edges. Place the ties with the raw edges against the hem (so the sewed ends are out). Pin in place. Hem all of the edges, sewing over the ties to sew them into place.
Then, you should be finished! Cut off any loose thread, and look over your apron to make sure everything is sewed tightly.
Note my small mess up when I was sewing the neck strap into place! That’s okay though:)
I hope you enjoy your new apron! This would make a super cute, handmade gift for any ladies in your life. And it works with a pregnant belly;)
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