How to Make an Apron

Making an apron is easy and will come in handy for both cooking and crafting projects.

Updated on October 18, 2023

apron-model-0350-d111284_comp_vert — Photo: RYAN K LIEBE

Whether you’re cooking or crafting, it’s nice to have an apron that suits your needs. The right apron will protect your clothes from spills, splashes, burns, stains, and debris. Luckily, if you don't own one, it's pretty easy to make an apron at home. All you need are some basic sewing supplies, your favorite fabric, and our apron template to get you started.

What You'll Need

Materials

Fabric
Apron template
Tape
Scissors
Pins
Sewing machine and supplies
Twill tape

Instructions

Prep Your Fabric and Template

Wash, dry, and press fabric. Print template pages, tape together, and cut out. Fold fabric, right sides facing, and pin template to it; cut out.
Sew Your Apron Pieces

Unfold apron pieces. If you want a color-blocked apron, align bottom edge of top piece with top edge of bottom piece, right sides facing, and sew across. Press seam open. Sew double hems to finish armhole edges: Fold over 1/4 inch, press, fold over again 1/4 inch, press, and edge-stitch. Finish sides with double hems: Fold each side over 1/2 inch, press, fold over again 1/2 inch, press, and edge-stitch.
Hem the Top

Double-hem top edge of apron: Fold edge over 1/2 inch, press, fold over 1 inch, press, and edge-stitch.
Attach the Straps

To attach straps, fold all ends of twill tape over 1/2 inch and press. Pin neck strap to top corners of back side of apron, as indicated on template. Make a boxstitch to attach strap to apron. Make a boxstitch to attach waist straps as indicated on template.
Add a Pocket

Double-hem top edge of pocket: Fold top edge under 1/2 inch, press, fold over again 1/2 inch, press, and edge-stitch. Fold over all sides under 1/4 inch and press. Repeat for all desired pockets. Pin pocket to desired spot on apron (or larger pocket). Sew in place.