Want to make a DIY apron in ten minutes or less?
When I work with my hands, there’s almost always a mess—on the table, the floor, and sometimes on my clothes. To keep at least my outfit clean, I asked Liz to make a simple DIY apron for me. It’s quick, practical, and perfect for beginners.
We used leftover fabric from a pillowcase project and discovered we had just enough material to complete the apron. It’s always satisfying when scraps become something useful. Read on for the step-by-step tutorial.
How do I make my own apron?
Making an apron is easier than you might expect, especially with this straightforward tutorial. This design is one of the most basic apron styles, which makes it an excellent beginner sewing project—but it’s also very cute. It would make a thoughtful, inexpensive gift for someone who cooks, bakes, crafts, or paints.
Scroll down for the full tutorial.
Do I need an apron pattern to make my own?
No pattern required. I’ll show you how to make a simple, attractive apron using just a few measurements and basic sewing skills.
DIY Apron Materials
- One yard of medium- to heavy-weight fabric
- Scissors
- Thread that matches the fabric
- Pencil or tailor’s chalk
- Cloth tape measure
- Sewing machine
What kind of fabric should I use for a DIY apron?
The best fabric is the fabric you already have—using leftovers reduces waste and saves money. For this single-layer apron, a medium- to heavy-weight fabric works best because it provides more protection from paint, liquids, and spills.
A yard of fabric is usually enough for this size apron. If you prefer a wider or longer apron, choose a bit more fabric to get the fit you want.
How to Make an Apron in 10 Minutes
Step 1: Cut fabric pieces
Cut the main apron piece to 27 inches high by 20 inches wide. Fold this piece lengthwise like a hot dog, with the wrong side facing out.
Cut three long strips for the straps. If your fabric has a finished edge—like a repurposed shower curtain—you can use those edges for clean, ready-made strips.
Cut two strips 36 inches long for the waist ties and one strip 18 inches long for the neck. Each strip in this tutorial is about a half inch wide, but you can adjust the width to your preference.
Step 2: Fold and measure
With the fold on the left, measure 4 inches from the fold and mark. When you open the fabric, this will create an 8-inch top width across the apron.
Step 3: Mark a curved arm opening
On the opposite side, measure 18 inches up from the bottom and mark. Freehand a curved line from the 4-inch mark to the 18-inch mark to shape the arm opening. This curve creates the underarm area on the apron.
Step 4: Cut along the curved line
Cut along the curved line through both layers of fabric so the apron opens out to its full shape.
Step 5: Hem the edges
Finish the apron by hemming all the outer edges with a sewing machine. Trim small notches in the curved arm areas to allow the fabric to lie smoothly and to make hemming easier.
Step 6: Attach the waist straps
Locate the point where the bottom of the curved arm line meets the vertical edge—this is where the waist straps attach. Place one 36-inch strap on the back of the fabric at that point and stitch it in place. For added strength, sew a square box over the strap and then stitch an X inside the box. Repeat on the opposite side for the second waist strap.
Step 7: Attach the neck strap
Attach the 18-inch strap at the top center of the apron to form the neck loop, using the same boxed-and-X stitching for durability. Trim any loose threads and press if desired. Your apron is ready for crafting, cooking, or painting.
DIY Apron in 10 Minutes
Made by: Brittni
Summary: Create a practical apron in ten minutes or less using scrap fabric and basic sewing supplies. This easy project is ideal for beginners and makes a lovely handmade gift.
Materials
- One yard of medium- to heavy-weight fabric
- Scissors
- Matching thread
- Pencil or tailor’s chalk
- Cloth tape measure
- Sewing machine
Instructions (condensed)
- Cut the main piece to 27″ x 20″ and fold lengthwise. Cut three strap pieces: two at 36″ and one at 18″.
- With the fold on the left, mark 4″ from the fold (this becomes 8″ across when opened).
- Mark 18″ up from the bottom on the opposite side and draw a freehand curve between the two marks to shape the arm opening.
- Cut through both layers along the curve, then trim small notches on curves for easier hemming.
- Hem the apron’s outer edges with a sewing machine for a clean finish.
- Attach the two 36″ waist straps at the bottom of each arm curve, sewing a box with an X for reinforcement.
- Sew the 18″ neck strap at the top center in the same reinforced manner. Trim threads and press if desired.
Sewing: Liz Scoper
Photography: Amelia Tatnall Lawrence
Model: Kathryn Kelly
Styling: Brittni Mehlhoff
Will you try this DIY apron? If there are other sewing projects you’d like to see, tell me what you’re curious about and I’ll share more simple tutorials.