How to Sew a Men's Apron

Updated on 07/10/20

Project Overview

Total Time: 2 hrs

Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $25

This DIY men's apron is perfect for anyone who loves to cook or grill, and it can make a great birthday or Father's Day gift. The apron pattern is simple, but the result is anything but plain. With contrasting fabrics to set apart the top and bottom edges, you can incorporate favorite motifs and colors to customize the apron for your favorite chef. The project requires intermediate sewing skills and a couple hours of your time.

13 Free Apron Patterns

Equipment / Tools

Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat
Pins
Sewing machine
Pinking shears
Iron and ironing board
Safety pin or bodkin

Materials

1 yard heavyweight fabric, such as twill, denim, or home decor fabric (fabric A)
1 yard coordinating heavyweight fabric (fabric B)
1 yard muslin or another backing fabric
Matching thread

Cut the Apron Fabrics

First, you'll cut your fabric pieces for the apron.

Fabric A
- Cut one piece 29 inches wide by 22 inches tall.
Fabric B
- Cut two pieces 29 inches wide by 8 inches tall.
- Cut one piece 3 inches wide by 23 inches long.
- Cut two pieces 3 inches wide by 48 inches long (or 42 inches long if you're not using wide fabric).
Backing fabric
- Cut one piece 29 inches wide by 36 inches tall.
Mollie Johanson
Sew the Front Pieces

Sew the two 29 inch-by-8 inch fabric B pieces to the large fabric A piece with one on the top and one on the bottom. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Press the seam allowance to the darker fabric, and then use pinking shears to finish the edge of the fabric (or use your favorite seam finish).

Mollie Johanson
Topstitch the Seam

Working on the right side of the fabric, topstitch 1/4 inch from the seam on the side with the pressed seam allowance. This creates a faux flat-felled seam.

Mollie Johanson
Cut the Apron Shape

To create the angled top edges of the apron, mark the top edge 7 1/2 inches in from each side. Mark each side 12 inches down from the top.

Place a cutting ruler on the angle between the top and side marks, and cut off the corner with a rotary cutter. This slices through a seam, but when you sew the backing on that seam will secure the stitching.

Repeat on the other side. Then, cut the top corners of the muslin piece in the same way.

Mollie Johanson
Make the Apron Straps

Sew each of the long strips of fabric B into tubes. Leave the ends open on the short piece, and sew one end closed on each of the long pieces. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and pink the edge or use another seam finish.

Use a safety pin or bodkin to turn the tubes right side out. Press the seams open, so they lie flat with the seam at one edge. Topstitch both sides of each strap 1/16 inch from the edge.

Mollie Johanson
Sew the Straps and the Backing Together

Lay the front pieces out right side up.

Matching raw edges to raw edges, place the ends of the short strap along the top edge 1 inch in from the angled corners. Place the open end of each long strap on the side edges 1 inch down from the angled corners.

Place the muslin backing over the apron pieces, and pin the straps in place. Pin around the entire edge.

Mollie Johanson
Turn the Apron Right Side Out

Sew around the apron, leaving an opening for turning at the bottom. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Trim the seam allowance with pinking shears, or use another seam finish. Clip the corners to reduce bulk, and then turn the apron right side out.

Press the seams open, and press the seam allowance at the opening to match.

Mollie Johanson
Finish the Apron With Topstitching

Topstitch around the apron 1/8 inch from the seam. This gives it a nice finish and closes the opening at the same time.

Your apron is ready to wear or wrap up as a gift for your favorite chef.

Mollie Johanson