Learn How to Make an Apron with this Free Sewing Pattern

Time needed: 2 hours.

How to Make an Apron

1. Apply Ric Rack

   Stitch 1 piece of rick rack to each of the long sides of your apron top placket piece (the 3″ x 12″ piece of fabric). You will sew the ric rack to the right side of the fabric, stitching down the center of the fabric.

2. Top Stitch

   Fold the Ric Rack to the wrong side of the fabric and press. Pin to the center front of one of your apron top pieces.

3. Sew the Apron Top

   Topstitch along both sides of the ric rack to secure the placket to the apron top piece.

4. Apply Ric Rack to Skirt

   Serge or zig-zag the sides and bottom of your apron skirt piece. Apply ric rack to the edge of the skirt piece using the same method that is shown in step 1.

5. Create Shoulder / Neck Straps

   Fold your shoulder strap pieces in half lengthwise with right sides facing. On one end draw a line across the strap at a 45-degree angle. Stitch the apron strap piece with a 1/4″ seam allowance along the long side. When you get to the end, pivot your stitch and stitch a 45-degree angle. Turn the strap right side out and press. Repeat for 2nd strap.
   

6. Create Waist Ties

   Repeat the above step using the two waistband strap pieces.

7. Add Straps to Top

   Pin one apron strap to the top corner of the apron top piece. The raw edge of the strap will be flush with the raw edge of the apron top. The strap will be 1/2″ in from the edge of the apron top piece. Repeat with 2nd apron strap. Baste in place.

8. Assemble Apron Top

   Pin the two apron top pieces together (the piece that you stitched the placket to, and the 2nd piece you cut out). Stitch using a 1/2″ seam allowance around the sides and top of the apron top piece. take care not to catch the apron straps as you sew. Turn right side out and press.

9. Create the Pocket

   Stitch the 1″ x 5 1/2″ piece of fabric to the top of one of your 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ pieces of fabric. Repeat for the other 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ piece. Place the two sewn pieces right sides together and stitch with a 1/4″ seam allowance leaving a 3″ opening in the bottom of the pocket piece. Clip seams, and turn the pocket right side out through the hole. Press turning the opening under as you go.

10. Pocket

    Fold the sewn pocket piece down about 1 1/2″ and press. Place the pocket where you would like it on the apron and stitch in place taking care to backstitch at the top and bottom of the pocket.

11. Attach Skirt to Waistband

    Run two rows of gathering stitches along the top edge of the apron skirt piece. Pull up on the strings and pin to the waistband piece so that there is 1/2″ of waistband hanging over the edge of the gathered skirt piece. Stitch the skirt to the waistband with a 1/2″ seam allowance.

12. Attach Top to Waistband

    Pin the apron top piece to the other side of the waistband piece, matching centers. The bottom of the apron top piece will be pinned to the top of the waistband piece, right sides facing. Stitch the apron top to the waistband with a 1/2″ seam allowance.
    

13. Attach ties

    Pin one of the sewn waistband straps to the edge of the waistband piece. You will want to “pleat” the sewn straps so that they fit inside of the waistband with 1/2″ left on each side of the strap. Baste in place. Repeat with the other strap.

14. Attach the waistband lining

    Pin the 2nd waistband piece (your waistband lining piece) to the sewn waistband piece along the top edge of the waistband right sides facing, pinning around to the sides of the waistband but not the bottom of the waistband.

15. Finishing

    Stitch the waistband lining with a 1/2″ seam allowance beginning at one side and all the way around to the other side. Again, do not stitch the bottom.
    
    Turn the waistband lining to the back of the apron and press. Fold under the raw edge of the waistband lining and hand stitch in place to finish the apron.