Aprons are a very important in any home and mine is no exception. I love aprons to protect my clothes but also to serve as beautiful yet functional home décor. They are very easy to whip up so today I wanted to share how to make a basic apron.
A little while back I shared how to make this half or waist apron. This is the type of apron I have made the most and I love it. But I also love to protect my clothes a little more with this basic full apron that I am sharing today. Learning how to make a basic apron is simple and can be made in an afternoon. Aprons can be expensive so learning how to make your own is a great way to save money on a functional item as well as home décor. It is also a great way to customize and have a one of a kind apron! (Small little plug here but if you do not enjoy sewing, I do sell these in the shop here!)
I have a weird obsession with aprons and I literally cannot stop making them. I wear them often and having plenty around makes my day to day easier. A new apron for a new season is also a welcomed addition to my home. Cooking, cleaning, farm chores and fun projects all change from season to season and a new apron gives a boost of motivation.
This particular full apron has two separate ties at the neck to make it easy to size correctly. I like that it can easily be loosened or tightened without having to tie a weird knot where it is not intended to go. I also love the longer straps around the waist so that they can be wrapped behind and then tied in the front.
Functional Décor
I can picture exactly how our farmhouse kitchen will look once we are done building and what do I see? A collection of beautiful ticking, grain sack and floral aprons hanging. Functional but beautiful- they add to that classic southern and country style. They can be changed each season to new seasonally appropriate fabrics, like a new piece of art. Ahh, now I am dreaming of our soon to be dream kitchen. It is the room I am most excited about in our new house.
Magic Motivation
You do not put on an apron to relax around the house. You put on an apron to work- to be used to wipe the flour from your hands, to gather the little toys dropped around your home or to protect your clothes from the garden soil. Aprons are meant to work and by wearing a beautiful apron I am reminded to diligently work in my home.
How Much Fabric Is Needed For An Apron?
I recommend at least one full yard to make the straps long enough. If you would like to make longer straps, add a pocket, ruffles or anything extra you will need an extra 1/2-1 yard. For this full apron, I would recommend 1 1/2 yards.
What Fabric Should I Use To Make An Apron?
I like to use linen, cotton or canvas fabrics. They dry relatively well but also hang nicely. I like to find fabric at the thrift shops or antique shops. Things like sheets and table cloths make great aprons but I also can find fabric by the yard for great prices. Just a few weekends ago I snagged a pretty floral fabric at a thrift shop for only $5.00 and it was over 5 yards of fabric!
I have also been known to redo dresses or large shirts into new items and an apron would be the perfect project.
How To Make A Basic Apron
Gather Materials
You only need a few simple tools for this project:
1 yard of fabric
Measuring tape
Scissors
Sewing Machine
Pins (optional)
Cut List
Main Apron Piece- 29 inches x 32 inches (1 piece)
Waist Straps- 44 inches x 2.5 inches (2 pieces)
Neck Straps- 23 inches x 2.5 inches (2 pieces)
Pocket- 10 inches x 20 inches (1 piece)
Cut Apron Pieces
Cut one rectangle that is 29 inches by 32 inches.
With the side that is 29 inches at the top (lay fabric taller than wide), measure 9 inches from each side at the top of the fabric and mark.
From the top of the fabric, measure 10 inches down on each side and mark.
Cut a rounded arch from the top mark to the side mark on each side. Use the first sides cut out piece as a pattern for the other side. This creates the basic apron shape.
Hem Main Apron Piece
Fold each edge of the main apron piece 1/2 inch, then 1/2 inch again. Sew a straight seam around the hem. Be sure to back and forth stitch for the entire project.
Straps
Fold each strap in half lengthwise.
Sew around one of the short edges and the open long edge with about 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Turn the strap right side out by using a knitting needle, pencil or safety pin to push the closed short end through the open short end.
Straighten the strap out and iron if you would like. Top stitch around all four sides, making sure to tuck the raw edges of the open end in and topstitching close to the edge to catch it and close.
Add The Straps
Line the neck tie straps up evenly on the outer edge of the top of the aprons and sew in place.
Line the waist straps up evenly with the outer edges of the waist, just below the arch. Sew in place.
Cut any threads hanging.
Add The Pocket
Lay out your pocket piece and on the two short sides and only of the long sides, fold the edge in ¼”. Iron in place. This will create a pretty edge once it is topstitched to the apron.
Take the remaining edge (long side) and fold it ¼”, iron in place and fold another ¼” to create a hem. This is the top of your pocket. Sew the hem on that side only.
Lay your pocket in the center of your apron with the hemmed edge at the top. Be sure that the remaining three sides are folded under and pin in place. Sew a topstich around the remaining three edges. Do not sew the top where the hem is.
If you would like, you can sew 1 or 2 stitches day the pocket to create multiple pockets. I prefer one large.
Extra’s and Additions
You can customize this easily to make the apron your own. Try adding:
Ruffles
Lace
Monogram or name
Buttons
Two smaller pockets on the sides
This apron has very few pieces and is just a few seams. It could be made up in an afternoon. It could also be dolled up with ruffles, pockets, a pretty monogram or lace. Or really anything! Use this as a base for any full apron.
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