How to Make an Apron


gathered apron sewing project

This project will teach you how to make an apron. This apron is a waist apron or a skirt apron. See our easy kid's apron for a bib apron or this easy sew apron project.


Sewing Materials Available




You will need:
  • 12 x 24 inch piece of fabric
  • 45 inches of 1 1/2-2 inch wide ribbon
sewing tip For an adult size apron use a 22 1/2 x 45 inch piece of fabric and 2 yards of 1 ½ inch ribbon. Follow the directions as above but leave 12-20 inches of ribbon on each side.
This is how to sew a hem, starting with a short side turn the edge ¼ inch down and ¼ inch down again. Pin in place. Continue all along the sides, bottom and opposite short side. Leave the last long side open for the top. Sew a straight stitch along the edges. Stop at the end to turn the corner. Place your needle down in the material and lift the presser foot. Turn your material 90 degrees. Put the presser foot down and continue sewing. Corners will look like this.

sewing corners

Sew a gather stitch on the top edge. Find the center of your ribbon and place it on the wrong side of the material, matching up the center of the ribbon with the center of the top edge. From the center point of the ribbon, measure 6 inches on each side. Place a pin to mark the two spots.

Gather the material to fit where the pins are at the end.
(For a review on how to sew a gathering stitch see our Beginning Sewing Lessons.)

Pin ribbon along the top, leaving enough on the top to turn ribbon down over the front side also. Stitch ribbon over the gathered top making sure you catch both layers in the stitches. Turn the ribbon down to the right side of the material and stitch over top again.

bottom apron done

More Apron Projects

You can find more directions on how to sew an apron at the following links:

Here is an easy sew apron project using a dishtowel.
kids apron from dishtowel


Directions on sewing an easy pillowcase apron.
pillowcase apron


Recycle an Old Pair of Jeans into an Apron Project



Related Beginning Projects:
~Beginning Lessons, ~Bandanna Tote Bag with an Inside Lining, ~Sew a Simple Belt, ~Bottle Bag, ~Christmas Stockings, ~Circle Pillow,~ Couch Caddy, ~Dinner Placemat, ~Dress Up Your Jeans, Foam Pencil Case, ~Gathered Apron,~Hair Scrunchy, ~How to Sew Drawstring Bags, ~How to Sew Tote Bags, ~Jean Purse, ~Jean Apron, ~Lap Desk, ~Neck Pillow, ~Patchwork Tote Bag, ~Patchwork Pillow Cover, ~Pillow Cover with Ties, ~Pillow with Trim,~Pocket Purse,~ Sew a Pot Holder, ~Stuffed Animal, ~ Stuffed Ball, ~T-shirt Drawstring Bag, ~Sew a Card, ~No Sew Projects, ~Sewing Safety, ~Felt Patterns~Pillowcase Scarf, ~Felt Tooth Fairy, ~Stuffed Elephant, ~Stuffed Monster,~ Pretty Purse, ~Mini Stuffed Dog, ~Stuffed Bear, ~Baby Receiving Blanket,~ Baby doll blanket & pillow,~Patchwork Skirt, ~Reusable Snack Baggie, ~Glasses Case, ~Sew Tablecloth, ~ Pocket Pillow



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