How to Sew an Apron

Aprons are a simple, but practical, sewing project. You can buy an apron pattern, or simply cut and sew your own. Bib aprons are the most common apron style since they provide the most coverage and they’re appropriate for men, women and children. They are great for protecting clothes while cooking, making messy craft projects or barbecuing. You can make the bib apron from just about any cotton or poly-cotton fabric, or even denim for a sturdier apron. How much fabric you’ll need depends on the size you want the apron, but most aprons take about 1 yard of fabric. Read on to learn how to sew an apron.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric (about 1 yard)
• Matching thread
• 3 yards of 1 inch wide ribbon
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Sewing machine
• Large safety pin

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of fabric about 2 inches taller than you want the finished apron, and wide enough to cover your front and sides. Now you need to cut the fabric into an apron shape.

2. Measure the distance across the front of your chest, where you want the bib of the apron to cover. Divide this measurement in half and add 2 1/2 inches.

3. Fold the fabric in half. Measure from the fold to the distance in Step 2, and mark it with a pin.

4. Measure the distance from where you want the top of the apron to your waist. Subtract 1 1/2 inches from this measurement. Measure this distance on the side of the fabric opposite the fold, and mark it with a pin.

5. 

   Cut a curved line between the two pins. Unfold the fabric, making an apron shape.

6. 

   Hem the top and bottom edges of the apron and the straight edges of the sides by folding them over 1/2 inch toward the wrong side. Press the folds flat, then fold them over another 1/2 inch and press them again. Stitch along the top and bottom edges and the straight sides.

7. Make the casing for the apron ties by folding the curved edges of the apron over 1/2 inch toward the wrong side. Press the folds flat, then fold them over another 2 inches and press them again. Stitch along the lower edges of the folded areas.

8. 

   Insert a large safety pin in the end of the ribbon. Push the safety pin through the casing on one side of the apron and out the top. Push the safety pin through the top of the casing on the other side, forming a loop. Continue pushing the pin through the casing and pulling the ribbon until you have equal amounts of ribbon sticking out of both sides of the apron. Remove the pin.

Tips & Warnings

• To wear the apron, put the loop of ribbon around your neck. Adjust the ribbon until the apron is comfortable, then tie the ends of the ribbon around the back of your waist.

• Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and a sewing machine.