Kid's/Toddler Apron Tutorial

As I mentioned, last week I made an apron for Penelope. It turned out to be a lot of fun and used up some fabric I already had. I based it off the adult size Suzy Homemaker Apron on Craftster and made my own changes.

Here's how to make your own apron:

Cut these pieces:
A) Top section - cut 2 layers about 4" x 9"
B) Skirt - cut about 12" x 20"
C) Waist belt/tie - cut about 6" x 40"
D) Neck loop - cut about 3" x 16"
E) Pockets - cut 4 layers about 3.5" x 3.5" with rounded bottom

Preparing pieces:
1) Top section - sew the 2 layers (right sides together) leaving the entire top open and turn the fabric back the right way (you'll finish off the top later).

2) Skirt - (I pinned the pleats then sewed them in place so I wouldn't have all the pins to deal with later) Then I hemmed around all the edges (just fold the fabric over twice and sew along the edge).

3) Waist belt/tie - sew into a tube (fold the strip of fabric in half length wise, right sides together, leaving the ends open to turn right side out again).

4) Neck loop - sew into a tube, but this time after you turn it right side out, top stitch along both edges (keeps the fabric from rolling and makes a nice, clean strap). You can also sew a piece of elastic into the middle of the neck loop to help stretch it over the head.

5) Pockets - sew 2 layers (right sides together) leaving a space at the bottom and turn back the right way (should be like a pillowcase with both right sides out now).

Sewing it all together:

1) Sew the top section to the top of the waist belt/tie (with right sides together).

2) Again, right sides together, sew the bottom of the waist belt/tie to the pleated edge of the skirt.

3) Attach the neck loop. To make a cleaner inside edge you can fold the top section down once and tuck the ends of the neck loop into the fold. Then fold the top section down a second time to hide the edges. Fold the neck loop up over the fold in the top section. You'll want to pin all of this in place. Sew along the fold (through top section and the neck loop tucked inside the fold). Sew again along the very top to keep the fabric from rolling down and to secure the neck loops in place.

4) Attach pockets - lay pockets on the skirt and sew around all the edges leaving the top for the openings.

That's it, you're done! Hope it makes sense. Let me know if anyone tries it. Here's a photo of Penelope's....