This sturdy DIY half-apron is so inexpensive you may want to make several.
I go through a lot of paint, hot glue, and random craft supplies, so my aprons take a beating. My last one met its end in a dramatic paint spill, which sent me hunting for a more durable, budget-friendly option.
I wanted a simple half-apron—one that ties at the waist, can be used to wipe my hands, and holds a few tools or utensils in a pocket. Nothing fancy, just functional.
I found heavy-duty canvas placemats locally (they were $4 each) and realized they’d make perfect aprons. Each placemat already had a built-in pocket, was rugged enough to withstand studio messes, and cost almost nothing—so I bought several.
All you need beyond the placemat is a sewing machine and some cotton twill for the ties. With minimal sewing, you can turn one placemat into a durable half-apron for under $6.
Materials for the Half Apron
- Heavy canvas placemat — around $4 each
- Cotton twill (1–1.5 yards per apron)* — inexpensive per yard
- Sewing machine
*If you want the tie long enough to wrap around your waist and tie in front, aim for ~1.5 yards. If you only plan to tie in the back, less will do.
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Make the tie.
Cut cotton twill to your desired width and length. If your cotton is wide enough, fold it lengthwise, press the fold, then sew a straight seam along the open edge to create a clean, enclosed tie. Our tie measures about 72 inches, which lets us wrap around the waist at least once, but adjust the length to suit your preference.
Fold and finish each end of the tie with a seam to prevent fraying. A zigzag stitch at the ends helps stop fraying over time.
2. Center and pin the tie.
Find the midpoint of the twill tie and the midpoint of the placemat. Position the tie across the front of the placemat so its center aligns with the placemat’s center and pin it in place. Then pin the remaining length of the tie where it meets the placemat on both sides.
3. Sew the tie to the placemat.
Sew across the tie where it overlaps the placemat, following the existing stitch line or sewing a straight line with matching thread. Backstitch at the start and finish to secure the stitching.
4. Reinforce with vertical zigzag stitches.
Finish by sewing a vertical zigzag stitch at each end of the tie where it meets the placemat. Backstitch at the start and end. This reinforcement will keep the tie secure during heavy use.
Alternate method: Instead of sewing the tie directly on, punch large holes near the top corners of the placemat and add grommets. Thread the twill tie through the grommets and knot or bow it. This creates a different look and is an easy, no-sew-friendly option.
Variations and Other Apron Ideas
If you want more coverage than a half-apron provides, consider a quick full-apron pattern. A simple full apron—covering neck to thigh—can be sewn in about ten minutes from basic fabric. A cafe-style apron is another quick project and also takes about ten minutes using a linen napkin or similar material.
Quick Equipment Summary
- Heavy canvas placemat — $4 each
- Cotton twill — 1–1.5 yards per apron
- Sewing machine
Concise Instructions
- Create the tie from cotton twill by cutting to length or folding a wide strip in half, pressing, and sewing the long edge closed. Aim for around 72 inches if you want to wrap the tie once around your waist.
- Fold and stitch the two ends of the tie; use a zigzag stitch at the raw edges to avoid fraying.
- Pin the tie centered across the front of the placemat, aligning midpoints, and pin the remainder along the edges where it meets the placemat.
- Sew across the tie where it overlaps the placemat and backstitch at each end for security.
- Add vertical zigzag reinforcement at each connection point for durability. Alternatively, install grommets in the placemat corners and thread the tie through for an alternate finish.
Sewing Emma Spear // Photography Brittni Mehlhoff
Have you ever made your own apron? What style do you prefer—half aprons, full aprons, pinafores, or cafe aprons?