How to Make Aprons From Shirts

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Turn a shirt into an apron.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Whether you're a beginning sewer or an experienced seamstress, you can look cooking-show chic while you cook. Refashioned from an old button-down shirt, this apron features coordinating pockets and a colorful waistband for a fashionable twist. Go for flair when choosing the accent fabrics. Watch the video tutorial for this project: How to Make a Shirt Into an Apron.

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Things You'll Need

Materials needed
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

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Step 1: Remove the Pocket

The pocket needs to go.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Use a seam ripper to remove the pocket from the button-down shirt. After removing the pocket, press the area with a hot iron to close any holes in the fabric from the stitching.

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Step 2: Create the Apron Front

The bottom of the shirt -- buttons included -- becomes the apron.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Use the bottom portion of the shirt to make the apron. Measure 15 inches up from the bottom of the shirt using a measuring tape. Mark this distance across the shirt with a washable marking pen and cut along this line. Flip the shirt over and cut up the center back so you can lay the shirt out flat.

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Flip it again, and now measure and mark 30 inches across the front of the shirt. Center the button placket when you mark. Cut the new sides.

Step 3: Pin and Sew the Sides

Press, pin and sew the sides.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Fold 1/4 inch of fabric under on each side and press with a hot iron. Fold another 1/4 inch under and press again. Pin in place. Sew with a medium stitch length and a medium-weight 90/14 universal needle. Remove the pins as you sew.

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Step 4: Baste the Top Edge

Baste along the top raw edge.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Set your sewing machine to the longest stitch length and sew 1/2 inch in from the edge all across the top raw edge of the apron.

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Step 5: Gather the Top Edge

Create the gathers by pulling on the bobbin thread.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Pull slightly on the bobbin thread of your basting stitch to gather the top of the apron. Set the apron aside.

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Step 6: Cut the Apron Waistband

Cut fabric for the waistband.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Cut out a 12-by-60-inch piece of coordinating fabric to use for the waistband of the apron.

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Step 7: Press the Sides of the Waistband

Press the side edges of the waistband under.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Press the side edges under 1/4 inch on both sides of the waistband.

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Step 8: Press the Apron Waistband Into the Center

Fold and press the waistband into the center.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Fold the top and bottom of the waistband horizontally into the center and press with a hot iron.

Step 9: Press the Apron Waistband in Half

Fold and press the waistband in half.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Fold the waistband horizontally in half and press with a hot iron.

Step 10: Tuck the Apron Front Into the Waistband

Tuck the gathered section of the apron into the waistband.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Mark the center of the waistband with a washable marking pen. Tuck 1/2 inch of the gathered edge of the apron into the waistband. Match the center front button placket to the center front mark of the waistband.

Step 11: Pin the Apron Front Into the Waistband

Pin the apron into the waistband.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Pin the gathered edge of the apron into the waistband, pinning all the way around it.

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Step 12: Sew the Waistband

Sew the waistband.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Start to sew on one end of the waistband. Continue to sew all around the waistband, removing the pins as you sew.

Step 13: Cut and Press the Pockets

Cut and press the pockets.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Cut out two 7-by-8-inch pieces of coordinating fabric. Press 1/4 inch under on all sides, and then press under another inch on the top of the pockets.

Step 14: Pin and Sew the Pockets

Pin and sew the pockets.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Place the pockets evenly on each side of the apron. Pin and sew the pockets.

Finished Apron

Tie the finished apron around your waist.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Tie the waistband around your waist, pour a glass of wine, turn on some music and get cooking in your fabulous new apron.

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