Supplies
2 generous in size flour sack towels
2 large grommets
5 yards of 5/8″ Cotton Twill Tape
Sewing Machine
Coordinating Thread (I used red)
DirectionsThis first thing I did was wash, dry and iron my towels. This last bit-the ironing- is a tip from my mother who is a master seamstress.Even in my limited sewing experience, I have become true believer in washing and ironing first.
Next, I stitched down the middle of your 1 1/2 yards of twill table using a zigzag setting on my sewing machine to make the neck tie.
(Now here is why I am not ever going to actually make these aprons to sell. I stink at all the finishing details. Don’t look too closely at the ends of my twill tape ties, or you will see a bit of folded,stitched, mess. )
With the exception of finishing the ends, making the stitched twill tape (which I bought in bulk from Amazon,) was super simple. I love the simple detail of the red against the white- and the zigzag just adds a hint of whimsy.
To create the shape, I laid one towel horizontal and then laid the other towel on top of the first vertically. I then pinned my remaining plain white twill tape across the middle of the vertical towel where it met the horizontal towel, thus securing all three elements together and creating a waistband.
To sew them together, I started at one of end of the twill tape (the part that was for tying in a bow) and stitched down the center of the the twill tape and then the two towels together, using the zigzag stitch again, running the stitch all the way to the other end of the twill tape.
I made the tie extremely long because I like the be able to wrap around and tie my aprons in the front. Feel free to adjust your length as needed.
For the neck ties, I added two large grommets about 2 1/2 inches in from the edge of the vertical towel, and about 3/4 an inch from the top. I used silver grommets and a grommet punch.
Next, I ran my neck tie through each grommet and then knotted the ends. This created the neck loop.
The only thing that could improve this apron is a pocket on the bust area. I might have to add one when I make the next batch. My favorite thing about this apron, is the “hand towel” that is created by the bottom half of the vertical apron. I am forever wiping my hands on towels and my apron when I am working in the kitchen and I like having this little flap so close at hand. Also, it is good for gathering eggs.
I love that his apron is fairly unisex, a good fit for most sizes, and the neck strap is easily adjustable. It is easy to make and easy on the budget.
So there you have it! A little DIY apron for your Tuesday. I hope between the pictures and my less-than perfect instructions you can figure this one out and make it your own. And please let me know if I need to make something clearer!
