How to Make Your Own Child's Craft Apron

Add a pocket to the apron to hold your child's paintbrushes, markers, glue and other craft materials.

Children love the creativity — and mess — of arts and crafts projects. But all that fun can be hard on children's clothes. To avoid ruining your little one's clothes, make him or her a special apron to wear while working on art projects. Use a durable fabric like denim or canvas so the apron will last through years of crafting.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 to 1 yard denim or canvas material
• Grosgrain ribbon, several yards
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Sewing pencil or chalk
• Ruler
• Measuring tape
• Sewing pins

Instructions

1. Measure your child from just below the collarbone to around her knees. This will be the length of the apron. Then measure a little over halfway around the waist to get the width of the apron. Measure from the collarbone to the waist so you will know where to put the ribbons that will tie the apron at the back.

2. Lay the material flat and use the pencil and ruler to draw a rectangle using the length and width measurements as a guide. Mark the waist measurements. Cut out the rectangle.

3. Fold the material in half lengthwise. At the top of the folded apron, make a mark several inches from the center fold. Draw a slightly curved line connecting this top mark with the waist measurement. It should look similar to a "J." Cut along the line.

4. Cut two strips of ribbon long enough to tie behind the child's neck for the top of the apron and cut two strips of ribbon long enough to tie around the child's waist. Unfold the apron.

5. Fold the edges all the way around the apron in twice to create a small hem; pin or press the hem, if desired. Position the ribbons appropriately in the folded seams, then pin the ribbons in place. Stitch all the way around the apron to secure the hem.

6. Decorate the apron with fabric paints, beads or other decorations, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a heavy-duty needle (No. 16) in your sewing machine and heavy-duty thread.

• An apron for a small child (2 to 6 years old) will only need about 1/2 yard of fabric. Older children's aprons will need more material, up to 1 yard.

• Always buy a little extra fabric just in case you need to repeat a step

References

• FamilyFun: Dish Towel Apron