A bib apron covers you from the chest to the thigh or knee, hangs from a strap around the neck and ties at the back of the waist. It is a practical first project: the edges are hemmed, the ties are straight strips, and the result is used every day in the kitchen, the garden or the workshop. Sewly sizes the apron from your hip, back waist length and waist-to-knee length, so it covers you properly without swamping you.
Apron options
- Length: half (a waist apron with no bib), thigh, or knee (the default).
- Front pocket: on by default, a large patch pocket across the front.
The bib versions hang from a neck strap; with two D-rings the strap becomes adjustable, so the same apron fits different people. The half apron gets a waistband instead.
Sizes
Use your own measurements or a standard size: women's EU 32–54 (US 0–22, UK 4–26), men's XS to 3XL, or children's 2 to 14 years. A child's apron in a bright cotton is a lovely gift, and quick to sew.
Best fabrics for an apron
Sturdy, washable wovens: cotton canvas, linen, denim, cotton drill or waxed cotton. Canvas and denim protect well in a workshop; linen is light and dries quickly in the kitchen; waxed cotton shrugs off splashes but should not go in a hot wash. Pre-wash cotton and linen so the apron keeps its size.
How hard is it to sew?
A beginner project. The only curves are the armhole edges of the bib, hemmed with a narrow fold. Allow 2 to 3 hours, including the ties and pocket.
What's in the pattern
- Apron body, cut on the fold
- Two waist ties, given as cutting dimensions
- Neck strap (bib versions), or a waistband (half apron), given as cutting dimensions
- Front pocket, given as cutting dimensions
Notions: two D-rings, optional, to make the neck strap adjustable. The guide gives the fabric quantity for 110, 140 and 150 cm (45, 55 and 60 in) wide fabric, with a cutting layout. Seam allowances and hems are included.
How to sew an apron
- Pre-wash and cut the fabric.
- Fold, sew and turn the waist ties and the neck strap.
- Hem the top of the pocket and topstitch it to the front.
- Hem the edges of the apron: the top of the bib, the curved sides, the straight sides and the bottom.
- Attach the neck strap (through the D-rings if you use them) and the waist ties, then press.
Our guide on how to hem covers the double-fold and narrow hems used on the edges. An apron is also one of the most useful handmade gifts to sew.
Frequently asked questions
How much fabric do I need for an apron?
A knee-length bib apron usually takes 1 to 1.5 m (1 1/8 to 1 5/8 yd) of 140 to 150 cm (55 to 60 in) wide fabric, ties included; a half apron needs about 0.6 to 1 m (5/8 to 1 1/8 yd). Sewly computes the exact quantity for your size and fabric width.
How do I make the neck strap adjustable?
Attach two D-rings at one top corner of the bib and thread the free end of the neck strap through them: pull it to shorten the strap, loosen it to lengthen. The D-rings are listed as an optional notion.
Can I make a waist apron without a bib?
Yes. Choose the half length: the apron becomes a waist apron with a waistband and long ties, and the neck strap is left out.
Can I sew an apron for a child?
Yes. Pick a children's size from 2 to 14 years or enter the child's measurements, and the apron, ties and strap are sized to them.
