How to Make an Apron

For a women's apron that's simple to sew and equally simple to slip on for quick cooking, give this free sewing tutorial a try! The style is similar to a smock, so instead of tying the back, the sides hold this apron in place.

Aprons are great for in the kitchen, but they're also good to wear while in the garden, grilling, painting, and more.

• 1-1/2 yards lightweight denim or linen or heavy cotton
• 1-1/2 yards lightweight cotton for lining
• Thread

• Rotary Cutter, Ruler, and Cutting Mat
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Scissors

Note: Use a 3/8-inch seam allowance unless otherwise noted.

From both the main fabric and the lining fabric, cut the front and side pieces:

• Cut one 24 x 34-inch rectangle
• Cut two 18 x 24-inch rectangles

Fold each of the large rectangle pieces in half the long way. Measure and mark 6" in from the corner on the short edge and 10" down from the corner on the long edge. Place the ruler between the markings and cut away the corner.

Pin and sew the two smaller rectangles to the sides of the apron front. When the bottoms align, the top of the smaller pieces should also align with where the angles start. Press the seams open.

Repeat with the lining pieces. 

From both the main fabric and lining fabric, cut two 7" x 8" rectangles.

Sew each main fabric piece to a lining piece, right sides together, leaving an opening in the side for turning. Clip the corners to reduce bulk and turn each pocket piece right side out. Press the pockets.

Topstitch the top of the pocket 1/2" from the seam. 

Pin the pockets to the apron front. Place them 14" from the top edge of the apron and 1" in from each side seam.

Sew the sides and bottom of the pockets, sewing 1/8" from the edges.

Cut two 4-1/2 x 24-inch strips of the main fabric. Sew the strips into long tubes.

Turn the straps right side out and press the seam open. Topstitch 1/4" from each edge.

With a 1/8-inch seam allowance, baste one end of each strap to the top of the apron, about 1/2" from each corner. 

Lay the lining piece over the main fabric piece with right sides together and lining up all the edges.

Pin around the apron.

Use pins to mark three areas that need to remain unsewn: a 6" opening on one of the sides for turning and a 3" opening at the top corner of each back panels for the straps to go after turning.

Sew around the apron, backstitching at the beginning and end of each open area marked above. 

Trim all the corners to reduce bulk, and clip the inside corners where the sides and front meet. Be careful not to cut any seams.

Turn the apron right side out and press the seams open, pressing the opening seam allowances so they are even.

With the lining side up, fold the two side panels in so they overlap.

Insert and pin the ends of the straps into the openings on the side panels as shown. The right strap should be in the left panel and the left strap should be in the right panel, and when you unfold the sides the straps will cross. 

To give the apron a finished edge while securing the straps and openings, topstitch around the entire apron with a 1/8-inch seam allowance. For extra strength on the straps, backstitch over the areas where the straps are inserted. 

To wear your apron, slip your head between the front and the crossed straps. The sides will naturally wrap around behind you, holding the apron in place. 

This easy-going covering gives you room to move around comfortably while still looking cute!