How to Make A Children's Apron

Hand-made aprons are good gifts for boys and girls.

Youngsters love to help out in the kitchen and cooking with older relatives is a good opportunity for bonding. Many grownups have their own memories of donning kid-sized aprons for kitchen or crafting adventures. Children's aprons help keep the inevitable messes off clothing and make little helpers feel official in the kitchen. Create some memories with your favorite small chefs and artists. Make a children's apron with a bit of imagination and a few sewing skills.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Paper such as freezer paper or newspaper
• Marker
• Scotch tape
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Needle and thread
• Steam iron
• Fabric paints

Instructions

1. Measure your child across the upper chest. Measure from the neckline to the waist and from waist to 2 inches above the knees. Measure around the waist and subtract four inches.

2. Draw a rectangle on the paper using the width of the chest and length from chest to waist; this will form the bib. Draw another rectangle using the waist measurement and the waist to knee measurement.

3. Center the smaller rectangle on the waistline of the larger rectangle. Tape the pieces together and fold in half lengthwise. Fold fabric in half lengthwise. Place the center fold of the pattern on the fold of the fabric. Cut two pieces for the apron body. Cut 4 pieces of fabric 4 inches by 14 inches for ties.

4. Fold a tie in half lengthwise. Sew one end and the side seam using 1/2 inch seam allowances. Turn the tie inside out and press the seam with the steam iron. Repeat with the other three ties.

5. Pin the raw edge of the ties in place on the right side of the apron body at the corners of the neck and waist. Bring the ends of the ties toward the center of the apron. Pin the second apron body to the first with right sides together.

6. Sew the apron together using a 5/8 inch seam allowance. Leave a 6 inch opening along the bottom seam for turning. Turn the apron right side out. Press the seams. Use a needle and thread to close the opening.

Tips & Warnings

• Use iron-on decals for decoration or make your own with fusible webbing and designs cut from fabric. Follow webbing package instructions.

• Use two different fabrics to make the apron reversible.

• Customize aprons with fabric paints or let kids decorate their own aprons using fabric paints.

References

• "Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects"; Lotta Jansdotter; 2007