Learn how to make a simple, beautiful, and practical waist apron. These make the perfect gift for the baker in your life.
Last year around this time, I shared how to make this reversible apron, which makes a really great Christmas gift. I ended up giving one to my mom last year.
It also hangs in my kitchen, adding a touch of Christmas cheer to the room.
Today, I want to show you how to make this simple half apron. This is a really great present for those people in your life you aren’t sure how to shop for. What does one get for a mother-in-law, grandma, or newly married friend?
Or consider the homesteader in your life that could use a handy gift. Since it has a large pocket in the front, it is perfect for collecting eggs or veggies.
These are so simple and quick, and they just make the perfect gift.
You can customize them, too. Jazz them up with ruffles and fun coordinating fabrics, or whatever your adventurous heart desires.
Make sure to check out these other great DIY Christmas gift ideas like body butter, pinafore aprons, candles, sugar scrub, and more.
Watch The Tutorial:
Half Apron Tips:
- I like to use something lightweight, like cotton or linen. I found the fabric in this project at the thrift shop for super cheap.
- This half apron is the perfect sewing project for beginners. If you are totally new to sewing, make sure to check out my free simple sewing series where I show you everything you need to know to get started.
- Find more apron ideas: Pinafore Apron For Women or girls, make one from an Ikea Tea Towel, or try this reversible option.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
How many yards of fabric do you need to make an apron?
This will depend on the type of apron you want to make. For this tutorial, you will only need 1.5 yards.
How long does it take to sew an apron?
This project is a simple and fast sew. It took me less than an hour to make it, start to finish.
How long should apron ties be?
I like to be able to to wrap the straps around my waist and tie in the front, so I make the straps longer, around 50 inches.
Materials and tools you will need:
1.5 yards of 44″ fabric
Thread
Fabric scissors
Pins
Iron
How To Sew A Half Apron
To begin, cut out your pieces.
For the straps, cut two pieces 50 inches long by 5 inches wide.
For the main piece, cut a rectangle that is 28 inches wide by 20 inches long.
For the pocket, cut a piece 20 inches wide by 12 inches long.
Strap Pieces:
Take one strap, fold the top over a half inch to the wrong side. Then fold in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew down the long side with a quarter inch seam.
At this point, you will leave both sides open.
Use a large safety pin and attach the pin to one opening, then push it through the straps to turn it right side out.
Next, top stitch down both long sides and across the top that you folded over. You can leave the other open side opened, as it will get tucked in.
Repeat with the other strap.
Main Piece:
Next, turn over all four edges on the main piece by 1/2 inch, then another 1/2 inch, and then press with an iron to create a hem.
Sew a 1/2 inch hem down both long sides. Leave the short sides open at this point.
Tuck the straps’ raw edges into the open hems on the main piece, flush with the top. Pin in place.
Sew down the straight edges, catching the waist straps.
Repeat on both sides.
To make the straps lay nicely, pull them out and top stitch on the hem.
Create The Pocket:
On the pocket piece, create a hem by folding over all of the edges 1/2 inch, then another half inch to hide the raw edges.
Sew a top stitch down one of the long sides. This will be the top of the pocket.
Center the pocket piece over the main piece, making sure the sewn hem is facing the top of the apron. Pin in place.
Sew down the two sides and the bottom pressed hems, leaving the top of the pocket open.
Make sure to back-and-forth stitch at the beginning and the end.
Find the center of the pocket and sew down to create two smaller pockets, rather than one large pocket.
There you have it, a simple DIY waist apron with pockets.
Find More Handmade Projects:
- DIY Grain Sack And Ticking Stripe Pillows
- DIY Ornaments For Christmas
- Dried Orange And Eucalyptus Wreath
- Scandinavian Christmas Gift Wrap With DIY Twig Stars
If you make this recipe and love it, I would love if you gave it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone with your beautiful creation.
How To Sew A Half Apron
Equipment
- Sewing machine
- Fabric scissors
- Pins
- Iron
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 yards of 44″ wide fabric
- Thread
Instructions
- To begin, cut out your pieces.
For the straps, cut two pieces 50 inches long by 5 inches wide.
For the main piece, cut a rectangle 28 inches wide by 20 inches long.
For the pocket, cut 20 inches wide by 12 inches long.
SEW STRAP PIECES
- Take one strap, fold the top over a half inch to the wrong side. Then fold in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew down the long side with a quarter inch seam.
- At this point, you will leave both sides open.Use a large safety pin and attach the pin to one opening, then push it through the straps to turn it right side out.
- Next, top stitch down both long sides and across the top that you folded over. Repeat with the other strap.
MAIN PIECE:
- Next, turn over all four edges on the main piece by 1/2 inch, then another 1/2 inch, and then press with an iron to create a hem.
- Sew a 1/2 inch hem down both long sides. Leave the short sides open at this point. Tuck the straps’ raw edges into the open hems on the main piece, flush with the top. Pin in place.
- Sew down the straight edges, catching the waist straps.Repeat on both sides.To make the straps lay nicely, pull them out and top stitch on the hem.
CREATE THE POCKET:
- On the pocket piece, create a hem by folding over all of the edges 1/2 inch, then another half inch to hide the raw edges. Sew a top stitch down one of the long sides. Center the pocket piece over the main piece making sure the sewn hem is facing the top of the apron. Pin in place.
- Sew down the two sides and the bottom pressed hems, leaving the top of the pocket open.
- Make sure to back-and-forth stitch at the beginning and the end.
- Find the center of the pocket and sew down to create two smaller pockets.
Notes
- I like to use something lightweight, like cotton or linen. I found the fabric in this project at the thrift shop for super cheap.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Pin It For Later
Thank you for teaching me how to sew! I’m having so much fun and love these half aprons.
My pleasure. I’m so happy you were able to learn. Happy sewing.
I’m new to sewing and I’ve been dying to start this project. However, I’ve read over your instructions for how to fold and sew the straps multiple times and its not clicking with me. I was hoping your pics or video would show what you did but they both skip over this part and only show you at the point of sewing them. Can you please provide some visual clarification on how to fold the straps to sew them? Thanks!
Thank you Lisa for this pattern! I have made two so far and have the pieces cut for two more. Such a fun project. I just wanted to point out that I believe there is a typo in the instructions. In step 3 for the main piece you say to turn the edge over 1/4″ and then another 1/4″ and then sew a **1/2″** hem. In the video you say to turn the edges over 1/2″ twice, which makes more sense. I’m a beginner so I could be wrong, but I’ve been following the video instructions for that step and it’s been turning out great. Thanks again for this fun idea!
Fixed! Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention. 🙂
Do you have tips for sourcing fabric? I love the fabric you have posted here, but have a hard time finding good materials locally.
Hello, I made your apron using tea towels from IKEA and bleached the drop cloth to use with it. Such a fun project! Do you have a longer apron that ties around the waist that you can show how-to make on your blog? Hitting at or below the knee. Thank you!