Making Super Cute, Super Easy Aprons

Aprons are HUGE right now. Everyone's wearing them. Everyone's making them. I have one that belonged to my Grannie that I love. It's kitchy and cute. It's probably over 40 years old. I don't consider that "vintage" or "retro" as I am also over 40 years old. (Just call me "kitchy" or "cute", too.) I also have one that I got as a gift over 20 years ago. I've used both of these aprons exclusivly until I, too, caught the apron bug.

First, I bought one from a friend and it is adorable. The fabric is so pretty and it has pleats and a bib. And I'm afraid to wear it because it is so nice and I don't want to mess it up.

Soo...I decided to try my hand at making my own apron. I'm NOT a sewer so I wanted something:
a) EASY
b) functional
c) inexpensive
d) washable

Here are pictures of the aprons I came up with:






Cute, right?! My model is pretty adorable, too.

Here's what I used to make these super cute, super easy aprons:

Tea Towels
Ribbon (at least 3 yards)
additional narrow ribbon (I just used scraps that I already had)

Here's what I did to make these super cute, super easy aprons:

PIN PIN PIN the ribbon along the long side of the towel because it will slip. If you sew a towel loop, pin that under the ribbon at the waist. Sew the ribbon along the top edge the towel. Stitch then backstitch over the area with the **towel loop. At the tie end you will want to fold over about a 1/4" then fold over again. Sew this down. This will keep the tie ends from fraying.

I found my tea towels at Kmart. They were $6 for a pack of two. I know, kinda high, but I loved the two patterned towels. I would suggest opening your towels if possible. One of the solids was cut poorly and was not a perfect square so I couldn't use it for an apron.

I got my ribbon at Hobby Lobby for 1/2 price. Use whatever width you like. These are your apron ties and could also be used as embellishment. Check out the red apron. I sewed a strip of ribbon on the bottom of that towel. I like my ties to be long enough to wrap around and tie in the front.

**The towel loop: This is to stick a dish towel, dust rag or whatever through.

There are lots of things you could do or add to this simple design:

*add a pocket
*use another towel to add a bib
*add addtional trim or embellishments
*cut towel in half the short way to may a child's apron.

I just love my aprons! They cost $5 per apron so I don't really worry about actually using them. They are just dish towels, so they are washable! I will probably put mine in a mesh laundry bag so the ties won't get all tied up in the washing machine. For your own apron inspiration google "tea towel apron" and see all the different ideas that are out there.

Happy Sewing!