While aprons are often used in the kitchen, they’ve taken on a new role in the crafting world. We’ve rounded up some of the most darling aprons for kids and adults, so you’ll never have an excuse not to get in the kitchen.
A few years ago, I was on an apron making kick! I stitched up aprons to give as gifts to most of my friends and family. Recently I’ve been toying with the idea of making another batch of aprons.
Table of Contents
I’ve been searching for Apron sewing patterns and thought I’d share with you what I’ve found. If you want to learn how to sew an apron, one of these free apron patterns would be a great place to start! It’s a perfect gift idea for that hard-to-buy-for-person on your list!
If you’re looking for an easy-to-follow, quick-to-finish sewing project, then why not try sewing an apron? They don’t require a lot of fabric and can easily be customized for any season!
I’ve broken down the list into Free Apron Sewing Patterns for Kids and Apron patterns for Adults. Most of the kid’s sewing patterns are for small children; if you’re looking to make an older kid or tween apron, I recommend the adult apron sewing patterns.
3 Tips for Making Aprons
Before we get to the list of patterns, I thought I’d share a few apron sewing tips and tricks with you.
ONE: Use good quality fabric.
Aprons are meant to be used and will most likely be washed multiple times. Choose good quality fabric when you’re making your aprons. I recommend high thread count cotton and cotton blends. Most fabrics you buy at quilt shops make great aprons. I also recommend using a ⅝″ seam allowance when creating an apron. Many quilters are accustomed to ¼″ seam allowances, however, the wear and tear that an apron is likely to take will require the large seam allowance.
Two: Consider Sewing with Laminated Fabrics.
Most of the apron tutorials on this list can be made from laminated (or coated cotton). The construction steps are mostly the same, with a few exceptions. If you’ve never sewn with laminated fabrics before, check out this post with Tips and Tricks for sewing with laminated fabrics. Laminated fabrics cut easily with scissors or a rotary cutter, working with them is very similar to working with quilting cotton, so don’t be intimidated!
Three: Use a bias tape maker.
Many apron sewing patterns feature the use of bias to finish the edges. If you’ve never made bias tape before, save yourself some time (and headaches) and invest in a bias tape maker kit. This is the one I have, and I love it.
Four: Start Early
If you’re planning to make aprons to give as Christmas gifts (or to sell at a craft show), do not wait until December to start sewing! Get a head start.
Anytime that I find myself in a hurry I start leaving out the little details from my projects. Things like vintage-inspired pockets, bias binding, and neatly pressed waist ties and neck straps, really make a difference when you’re sewing an apron.
Five: Read the Directions Carefully
Many aprons are constructed using what seem like counter-intuitive methods. For example, the way that the waistband is attached to the apron might seem a little bit confusing at first. If you take the time to read the directions carefully before you begin sewing you’ll be much happier with the process.
How to Sew an Apron without a Pattern
If you’d like to sew an apron without a pattern, I’ve included several free tutorials in the list. The best way to do this is to trace an apron that you already have to use as a template. Fold the existing apron in half lengthwise, and trace the shape onto 2 yards of fabric on the fold. This method works best with a little apron since you don’t need a lot of tracing paper, but you can do it with a full-size apron (like a BBQ apron as well). If you’d like to add pockets to the apron, you’ll need to trace those as well.
Free Apron Sewing Patterns & Tutorials for Kids & Adults
Included on the list:
- Full Apron Patterns
- Half Apron Patterns
- Vintage Aprons
- Cross Back Aprons Pattern
- Aprons made from Laminate Fabric
- Kids Aprons (both simple and frilly)
- Cobbler Apron Patterns (a cobbler apron is an apron that goes over your head and ties on both sides)
- Pioneer Apron Pattern
Some of these apron patterns may have a small fee, but I don’t mind supporting another Maker and figured you would not either. So most of the patterns on this list are free.
21 Apron Sewing Patterns
I love a fun and frilly apron! I have made several and given them as gifts over the years. Aprons make great sewing projects for beginners since most are composed of simple seams. They are also "one size fits most," making them easier to sew than other apparel patterns.
Kids Apron Patterns
There are few things cuter than aprons for kids! When my kids were younger, they used to love to help me in the kitchen. All of these sewing tutorials are sized and designed for little ones.
Child's Apron Pattern
This super simple apron is one of my all-time favorite projects! It's deceptively simple to make.
Halloween Doll Apron Tutorial
My girls loved their American Girl Dolls when they were younger. We made all kinds of things just for the dolls. These doll Halloween aprons were a big hit!
DIY Easy Apron with Laminate Fabric
This apron is made from laminate fabric and is not lined. But it's crazy easy to make and durable.
DIY Kid's Cooking Apron
Another great apron pattern for kids. This one is finished with bias tape so there is no need to line it.
Disney Princess Apron Tutorials
Autumn has an entire series of apron tutorials inspired by Disney Princesses. It's such a cute idea and oh so clever!
Reversible Toddler Apron Pattern
This cute kids apron pattern is reversible.
Free Apron Sewing Pattern (toddler/tween/adult)
If you're looking to make mommy and me or daddy and me aprons, then you may love this apron pattern. It's available in multiple sizes.
Apron Sewing Patterns for Adults
Learn how to make an apron with these simple Apron sewing tutorials and patterns. These patterns are great for older kids or adults.
Free Apron Sewing Pattern
This pattern is a "grown-up" version of our kid's apron pattern. Like the kid-sized pattern, it features a small pocket and rick rack finished seams.
Cross Back Apron | Purl Soho
This elegant linen apron pattern would be a great gift for a foodie or a baker.
Very "Batty" Halloween Apron Tutorial
This pattern was designed as a Halloween apron, but you can easily change the fabrics to create an apron for another holiday or everyday use.
How to make a Pioneer Inspired Apron
This apron pattern was designed for a Pioneer costume and made a really nice baker's apron for home.
Dishtowel Apron
Did you know you can turn dishtowels into aprons? It's a totally genius time-saving apron hack!
Colorful Vintage Handkerchief Apron
I love to find new ways to use vintage linens. This cute apron is made from repurposed vintage hankies.
State Fair Apron Pattern
This vintage-inspired apron is so cute! I need to make one for myself.
A Cute and Modern Pocket Apron - free sewing tutorial
This apron is a quick sew and would be adorable stitched up in Holiday fabrics.
Simple Pocket Half Apron
I love the vintage vibe of this A-Line pocket apron.
Half Apron & Napkin Set made from Cotton Toweling
This fast and easy to make apron is made using cotton toweling. Making it perfect for a serious cook!
Vintage Apron from "Sewing Made Simple"
Another adorable apron made from vintage linens.
One Yard "Use-it-all" Apron Pattern and Tutorial
This sweet apron is made using one yard of fabric.
Cobbler's Apron by Turkey Feathers Blog
This apron was created using a Simplicity pattern. Vicki at Turkey Feathers shares all the details in her blog post, including the pattern name and number and the changes she made to the original pattern.
Martha Lee-Cook says
I love so many of your posts/patterns.
Mary Schmidbauer says
I love your fabrics. Can you share where you purchase them?
You can find more info here: https://www.polkadotchair.com/fabric/
Carole Bas says
These are just lovely!!!!
Exactly what I need to begin sewing withy new sewingachine! As a complete beginner..and a nervous one at that!!!
Thank you!