How to Make an Apron

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 another 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

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

Deep Pocket Apron- Tool Belt Apron

This easy sewing project makes a functional waist apron with deep pockets, perfect for holding tools, craft supplies, or even snacks!

Materials Needed:

Cotton fabric (apron body): approx. 18" x 42"
Grosgrain ribbon (1.52" wide): approx. 6070"
Matching thread
Pins
Sewing machine
Measuring tape
Scissors
Iron

Instructions:

Step 1: Sew a Gathering Stitch
With the fabric wrong side up, sew a long gathering stitch along the top edge (the 42" side).

Use your machines longest stitch length.
Do not backstitch.
Leave long thread tails for pulling.

Step 2: Find the Center
Fold the fabric in half and mark the center of the top edge with a pin. Find the center of the ribbon and pin it to the wrong side of the fabric, matching center points.

Step 3: Mark the Gather Width- From the ribbons center, measure 6 inches out on each side and place pins. This marks the gathered area.

Step 4: Gather to Fit- Gently pull the bobbin thread to gather the fabric so it fits between the two pin markers on the ribbon. Adjust the gathers evenly and pin in place.

Step 5: Attach the Ribbon
Pin the ribbon over the gathered edge, leaving enough ribbon above to fold to the front later. Stitch the ribbon in place, catching both fabric and ribbon in the seam. Step 6: Finish the Waistband

Fold the ribbon up and over to the right side of the fabric. Top-stitch the ribbon to secure and finish the edge neatly.

Project Complete: Bottom Apron with Deep Pockets

You now have a cute and functional Tool Belt Apron with a gathered body and deep pocketsperfect for:

Gardening tools
Craft supplies
Cooking utensils
Market or classroom use

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