How to Make an Apron – Free Apron Pattern PDF Adult & Kids

Learn how to make an apron with this easy tutorial that includes a free printable apron pattern pdf for adult and kids sizes. Knowing how to make an apron with this easy apron pattern is an excellent way to learn how to sew or to create a gift for any occasion. The best thing about making aprons is that they can be used daily in your kitchen or for any messy DIY project. 

How to Make an Apron

Learn how to make an apron with this free apron pattern. It includes a printable pattern for the main part of the DIY apron. Add a pocket or decorate it with monograms or embroidery. This pattern comes in adult and kids sizes and are the perfect beginner sewing projects.

Here are the steps for sewing an apron. There are detailed instructions and photos further down.

1. Download the pattern and cut the main piece, straps, and pocket.
2. Finish the edges of the apron with a double-fold hem.
3. Sew and attach the straps
4. Optional – Add a pocket or decorations.

Supplies for a DIY Apron

• FABRIC – 1 yard (0.9m) for the main apron and 3/8 yard (0.35m) for the straps
• SEWING BASICS – Sewing machine, pins, thread, tape measure, sewing pins.
• CUTTING TOOLS – Scissors or a rotary knife and a self-healing mat
• OPTIONAL – Cotton tape or ribbon if you don’t want to make ties. 1-inch (2.5cm) width tape looks best.

Skill Level

This is a beginner sewing project; you will only need basic sewing skills such as straight stitching.

What are the Best Fabrics for Aprons?

Look for cotton, linens, ticking, cotton blends, denim, canvas, leather, and vinyl. The best fabrics for making aprons are durable, wash well, and are hard-wearing. The material should also be absorbent and hang comfortably.

The fabric should suit the wearer’s task -water-resistant materials make a good choice for someone working with liquids. Remember that your machine must be able to cope with your chosen material, and the needle size may have to change to suit a heavy-duty fabric.

Free Apron Pattern Download Printable PDF

How to Make an Apron Step by Step

This is a simple apron pattern and instructions that you can embellish and decorate to your liking. Make it in monochrome colors or make every part a contrasting fabric.

Step 1 – Cut the Main, Straps and Pocket

Download and cut out your paper pattern pieces. Lay your pattern piece on your main fabric fold to cut out the full apron. 

There isn’t a pattern piece for the straps since they are simple rectangles. Here are all the measurements you need:

ADULT STRAPS: Cut 2 side straps – 30 x 3.5 inches (76x9cm) and cut 1 neck strap – 25 x 3.5 inches (63.5x 9cm). I found that a 23 inch (58.5cm) strap was comfortable for me but I’ve added a couple of inches so you can cut it to the size that is best for you.

KIDS STRAPS: Cut 2 side straps – 20 x 3 inches (51×7.5cm) and cut 1 neck strap – 18 x 3 inches (46×7.5cm). Try the strap on before sewing and adjust to the perfect size for your kid.

POCKETS: A rectangle of 14×8 inches (35.5x20cm) makes a large pocket in the adult size. 

A pocket is optional but can be immensely helpful in the kitchen or for DIY projects. The added advantage of a pocket is that you have a double lining where you need it most. Pockets can be made from contrasting or matching fabric.

You can also choose to add one or two smaller pockets. For 2 medium pockets, cut two pieces of fabric 10×10 inches (25x25cm) and use the same method in the instructions below.

Step 2 – Sew Apron Armholes

Hem the around the curved edge of the armholes with a double fold hem of 1/4 inch (6mm). 

Curved edges can be tricky because they are cut on the bias. The below method of hemming the curved hem edge helps to avoid a puckered hem. 

1. Start the curved hem with a line of stitching ¼ inch (6mm) away from the raw edge. 
2. Then use that stitch line as a guide to fold and press the edge on the wrong side. The stitches will act like a perforation.
3. Stitch along this folded edge. 
4. Then fold a second time and stitch again on top of the previous stitching.
5. Press the curved hem before continuing.

Step 3 – Hem the Sides

1. Press the raw edges of the sides over by 1/4 inch (6mm).
2. Press the edges over again by 1/4 inch (6mm).
3. Stitch the side hems.

Step 4 – Hem the Bottom Edge and Top

Make a double-fold hem at the top edge and bottom of the apron.

1. Press over the raw edge by 1/4 inch (6mm).
2. Press over the edge again by 3/4 inch (2cm).
3. Stitch across the hems.

Step 5 – Sew the Straps

1. Fold the 3 straps in half lengthwise with right sides together.
2. Stitch one end and along the length with a ½ inch (12mm) seam allowance. The other end will be left open.
3. Clip the corners and turn the straps through to the right side using a turning tool or a blunt-ended stick like a chopstick. Push out the corners to get sharp points and press. 
4. Turn the raw edges at the open end inside by ½ inch (12mm).
5. Optional – Topsitch the strap.

Step 6 – Attach the Straps

On the wrong side, attach the straps at the neck and waist.

1. Make sure the strap is firmly secured by sewing in a square on the right side of the apron. Extra strength reinforcement can be added by sewing an X through the middle of the square.
2. Before attaching the neck strap, ensure it is a comfortable length. Cut it shorter if necessary.

Step 7 – Apron with Pockets Pattern

1. Press over the edges at the sides and bottom of the apron pocket by 1/2 inch (12mm).
2. Press the top over by 1/4 inch (6mm), then 3/4 inch (2cm) again. Stitch across the top hem with a straight stitch.

3. Pin the pocket in place on the front of the apron and sew three sides of the pocket. Backstitch well at the ends. You may want to stitch a double seam to give extra reinforcement.

Decorative Ideas

Now, you have made a simple, straightforward handmade apron. Mastering the plain version is easy, but you may want to make a few additions to decorate or add detail to the hem or the pocket.

Ric Rac or bias tape never fails to brighten up any garment, including aprons. Add a few rows to the bottom or the pocket, and your apron will look very cheerful.

Appliqué something on the front to resonate with your favorite food or personality. Cupcakes are always popular with cooking themes. Cut out the necessary shapes and stitch the appliqué onto the apron with small running stitches. Iron some fusible interfacing to the back of the shapes to give them more body and prevent fraying. Cut out shapes or pictures of fruit and vegetables to appliqué too. Use pinking shears if you prefer a quick and easy way to neaten the shapes before you sew them.

Embroider the owner’s name to personalize the apron. You could cut out and appliqué the letters or use a chain stitch to outline letters for initials. Make up a caption like ‘Top Chef’ if you like.

Pockets, like a heart or tulip design can add a spark of creativity.

Ruffles can be added to the bottom or sewn on the pockets.

Use a contrast fabric on the bottom or add some lace or anglaise. 

Choose from different styles for the straps. A cross-over style, for example, is very similar to the old country aprons.

27 Free Apron Sewing Patterns

Now you know how to make an apron that is simple, you can expand to harder styles. Here are some of the best apron sewing patterns on the internet!

I was recently looking for some inspiration to make family aprons for the holiday season. It was no easy business, I admit. Therefore, I have made the job easier for you by rounding up some darling apron sewing patterns.

These will make cute gifts too. A DIY apron pattern could help you chalk off some names from your Christmas gifts list. The styles in this list range from the old-school farmhouse types to some contemporary and modern designs.

Here are the top apron patterns to sew that I have rounded up:

Tips For Sewing Apron Patterns

Here are some tried tips and tricks to get you started:

1. Use good quality fabric – Aprons are used in settings most prone to stains, so they are likely to be washed multiple times. It is important to use pure cotton or poly blends of good quality. Also, consider using a large seam allowance to leave some room for wear and tear.
2. Press as You Sew – Use an iron to press the fabric along the entire length and width of the apron as you sew. The lesser the folds and creases, the more likely it is that you will create a neatly stitched end product. 
3. Consider Stitching with Laminated Fabrics – Laminated fabrics are easy to cut and work with. If you have worked with quilting cotton, you will find the experience quite similar. Read how to laminate fabric.
4. Use Scraps for Pockets – Instead of using extra fabric, consider using scraps for adding neck straps, pockets, and waist ties. 
5. Use a bias tape maker – Use a bias tape maker to finish the top edge and other edges for a pop of color.

How to Sew an Apron FAQs

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions by crafters starting out with apron sewing. 

How to Make an Apron – In Conclusion

Aprons are so easy to make, take very little material, and therefore win hands down for great gifts. Learning how to make an apron is a straightforward sewing project suitable for beginners. They are also easy to sew if you want to sell aprons and easy to personalize if you like the idea of gifting.