Want to make a DIY apron in ten minutes or less?

Woman tying terrazzo print apron around her waste.

I don't know about you, but when I'm making something with my hands, there's guaranteed to a be a mess around me (and possibly on me as well).

So, I had Liz whip up a DIY apron so at the very least, I could keep my clothes clean…even if I can't keep the tables or the floors mess-free. One step at a time!

We used leftover fabric from the DIY pillowcases I made, and ended up having just enough fabric to finish the apron. Don't you love when that happens?! Click through for the tutorial.

How do I make my own apron?

It's really much easier to make an apron than you might think, especially with this tutorial. It's one of the most basic apron styles you can make. Which makes it the perfect beginner sewing project.

BUT it's also really cute! I feel like it would make a sweet (and inexpensive) gift for a friend or family member that likes to cook, bake, craft, etc.

Scroll down for the full tutorial.

Do I need an apron pattern to make my own?

Nope! I'll show you how to make a very simple, cute apron without a pattern. It's very easy with just a few measurements.

How to make a DIY apron. Terrazzo print apron being tied.

DIY Apron Materials

  • one yard of thick(ish) fabric
  • scissors
  • thread that matches fabric
  • pencil or tailor's chalk
  • cloth tape measure
  • sewing machine

What kind of fabric should I use for a DIY apron?

The best fabric for a DIY apron is the fabric you already have, if possible! Because using fabric you already have will reduce waste and save money.

But whether you buy fabric or use whatever you already have, when it comes to fabric, a medium to heavy weight fabric is ideal! Especially since this apron project is a single layer. And thicker fabrics will mean paints, liquids, etc will be less likely to go through to your clothing underneath.

Generally, you'll need about a yard of fabric to create an apron like this one. But depending on your size and/or if you want something more roomy, you may want a little more.

Step by step photos for how to sew an apron in 10 minutes.

How to Make an Apron in 10 Minutes

Step 1: Cut fabric pieces.

Precisely cut a piece of fabric down to size – 27 inches heigh by 20 inches wide. Then fold the fabric over like a hot dog (wrong side up). You'll also want three long strips of fabric at this time.

Since I used a shower curtain that already had finished edges, I cut those edges off and used those for the strips because they were already finished and ready to go.

You'll need 2 strips that are 36 inches each (you could go shorter than this, I just like having a long strap). And then you'll need one strip for the neck that is 18 inches long. Each strip is a half inch wide, but you can do any width you like here.

Step 2: Fold and measure.

Then with the top of the fold to your left, measure over from the fold 4 inches and make a small mark (this will give you a total of 8 inches when unfolded for the top of the apron).

Step 3: Measure and create a curved line.

Then measure from the opposite side (see photo) 18 inches high from the bottom and make a small mark. Then freehand a curved line from the mark you made in step 2 to the mark you made in step 3.

Again, see photo for reference. This curved line is the area on the apron under the arm.

Step 4: Cut fabric on that line.

Cut on that line that was made in step 3, through both layers of fabric.

Step 5: Hem with sewing machine.

Hem with a sewing machine, to create a finished edge all the way around the apron. Being sure to cut little notches on the curved parts (arm area) of the apron to help it lay / fold better for hemming.

Step 6: Add the long straps.

Next, it's time to add the long straps. For the back ties, find the very end of the arm area, where the bottom of the curved line meets that vertical fabric line.

Then attach one of the long 36 inch straps to the back of the fabric. For added strength, make a square box with your sewing machine, over the strap. And then an X through it.

Repeat this step with the other 36 inch strap on the other side of the apron.

Step 7: Add the shorter strap.

Then, at the top of the neckline, add the shorter strap the same way you added the back ties in step 6. Snip any stray string to clean everything up and you're ready to craft (or cook).

Woman standing in artist loft, wearing a DIY apron.

Woman standing in artist loft, wearing a DIY apron.

Detail photo of terrazzo print apron, made by hand.

Woman tying terrazzo print apron in all white artist loft.

Hand sewn DIY apron on model wearing rust colored dress.

DIY Apron in 10 Minutes

Make a DIY apron in ten minutes or less with scrap fabric and a few other supplies.

Keyword: apron, diy apron

Cost: $5

  • one yard of thick ish fabric
  • scissors
  • thread that matches fabric
  • pencil or tailor's chalk
  • cloth tape measure
  • sewing machine

  • Step 1: Precisely cut a piece of fabric down to size - 27 inches heigh by 20 inches wide. Then fold the fabric over like a hot dog (wrong side up). You'll also want three long strips of fabric at this time.

  • Since I used a shower curtain that already had finished edges, I cut those edges off and used those for the strips because they were already finished and ready to go.

  • You'll need 2 strips that are 36 inches each (you could go shorter than this, I just like having a long strap). And then you'll need one strip for the neck that is 18 inches long. Each strip is a half inch wide, but you can do any width you like here.

  • Step 2: Then with the top of the fold to your left, measure over from the fold 4 inches and make a small mark (this will give you a total of 8 inches when unfolded for the top of the apron).

  • Step 3: Then measure from the opposite side (see photo) 18 inches high from the bottom and make a small mark. Then freehand a curved line from the mark you made in step 2 to the mark you made in step 3.

  • Again, see photo for reference. This curved line is the area on the apron under the arm.

  • Step 4: Cut on that line that was made in step 3, through both layers of fabric.

  • Step 5: Hem with a sewing machine, to create a finished edge all the way around the apron. Being sure to cut little notches on the curved parts (arm area) of the apron to help it lay / fold better for hemming.

  • Step 6: Next, it's time to add the straps. For the back ties, find the very end of the arm area, where the bottom of the curved line meets that vertical fabric line.

  • Then attach one of the long 36 inch straps to the back of the fabric. For added strength, make a square box with your sewing machine, over the strap. and then an X through it.

  • Repeat this step with the other 36 inch strap on the other side of the apron.

  • Step 7: Then, at the top of the neckline, add the shorter strap the same way you added the back ties in step 6. Snip any stray string to clean everything up and you're ready to craft (or cook).

Sewing Liz Scoper
Photography Amelia Tatnall Lawrence
Model Kathryn Kelly
Styling Brittni Mehlhoff

Think you'll give this DIY apron project a try? Are there any other sewing projects you'd like to see here? Let me know!