How to Make an Apron

By
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson is a professional needlecrafter with over 10 years of hands-on embroidery, sewing, and knitting experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small." Mollie also designs and sells stitching projects, co-hosts a crafting podcast, and has taught online embroidery courses.
Learn more about The Spruce Crafts' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/26/20
Vintage light kitchen background with jeans napkin
Alinakho / Getty Images
Project Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

For an 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 working in the garden, grilling, painting, and doing other messy household projects.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Rotary cutter
  • Ruler
  • Cutting mat
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Scissors

Materials

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

Instructions

  1. Cut the Apron Pieces

    From both the main fabric and the lining fabric, cut one 24- x 34-inch rectangle and two 18- x 24-inch rectangles. Fold each of the large rectangle pieces in half horizontally. Measure and mark 6 inches in from the corner on the short edge and 10 inches down from the corner on the long edge. Place the ruler between the markings and cut away the corner.

    Tip

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

    Measure and Cut the Fabric
    Mollie Johanson

  2. Sew the Main Apron Sections

    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. 

    Sew the Apron Front and Sides Together
    Mollie Johanson

  3. Sew the Pockets

    From both the main fabric and lining fabric, cut two 7- x 8-inch 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-inch from the seam. Pin the pockets to the apron front. Place them 14 inches from the top edge of the apron and 1 inch in from each side seam. Sew the sides and bottom of the pockets, sewing 1/8-inch from the edges.

    Make and Sew the Pockets in Place
    Mollie Johanson

  4. Make the Apron Straps

    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-inch from each edge.

    Sew the Apron Straps
    Mollie Johanson

  5. Sew the Straps to the Apron Top

    With a 1/8-inch seam allowance, baste one end of each strap to the top of the apron, about 1/2-inch from each corner. Lay the lining piece over the main fabric piece with the right sides together and lining up all the edges.

    Attach the Straps and Pin the Lining
    Mollie Johanson

  6. Pin and Sew the Lining

    Pin around the apron. Use pins to mark three areas that need to remain unsewn: a 6-inch opening on one of the sides for turning and a 3-inch 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. 

    Pin and Mark an Opening for the Straps
    Mollie Johanson

  7. Clip the Corners and Turn

    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.

    Clip the Corners Before Turning
    Mollie Johanson

  8. Insert the Straps and Top Stitch

    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. 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.

    Insert the Straps in the Back of the Apron
    Mollie Johanson

  9. Wear Your Apron in the Kitchen or Yard

    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. 

    Back View of the Modern Farmhouse Women's Apron
    Mollie Johanson