Convert a Shirt into a Functional Apron: A Straightforward Sewing DIY Project
Want to give an old men's shirt a new life? Why not turn it into a practical and stylish apron? Here's a simple guide to help you create your own.
Materials Needed
- An old men's shirt (preferably larger size for more fabric)
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Pins or clips
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Chalk or fabric marker
- Iron for pressing
- Ribbon, bias tape, or fabric strips for ties (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shirt: Lay the men's shirt flat, buttoned up. You’ll be using the front of the shirt as the base of your apron.
- Cut the Apron Shape:
- Cut across the shirt just below the chest pocket area to set the top of the apron.
- Cut the sleeves off at the seams. You can save the fabric from sleeves for straps or pockets if desired.
- Cut the shirt’s bottom hem straight across to the desired apron length (usually around knee length).
- Shape the Neckline and Apron Body:
- Trim the collar and neckline area to create a smooth curve or straight edge for the apron neck.
- Use a measuring tape and chalk to mark rectangular apron dimensions if you want a more uniform shape (a common apron size is about 28" wide x 19"-24" long).
- Add Ties:
- Use fabric strips from the sleeves or extra fabric to make waist ties.
- Attach these ties to the sides of the apron at waist height by sewing securely.
- Finish Edges:
- Fold over raw edges about ½ inch and iron flat.
- Sew a seam all along the edges for a clean, durable finish.
- Optional – Add Pockets:
- Cut pocket pieces from the shirt chest pockets, sleeves, or extra fabric.
- Hem the edges of the pockets and sew onto the front apron wherever you want.
- Prepare the Waistband:
- Cut a 12-by-60-inch piece of coordinating fabric for the waistband of the apron.
- Fold the top and bottom of the waistband horizontally into the center and press with a hot iron.
- Press 1/4 inch under on all sides of the waistband.
- Attach the Waistband:
- Tuck 1/2 inch of the gathered edge of the apron into the waistband, matching the center front button placket to the center front mark of the waistband.
- Sew the waistband, starting on one end and continuing all around.
- Add Pockets (Continued):
- Cut out two 7-by-8-inch pieces of coordinating fabric for pockets.
- Fold the top and bottom of the pockets horizontally into the center and press with a hot iron.
- Press 1/4 inch under on all sides of the pockets, then press under another inch on the top.
- Place the pockets evenly on each side of the apron, pin and sew them.
- Final Touches:
- Iron the entire apron to get a neat and professional look.
- If desired, baste the top edge of the apron and gather it slightly before attaching the waistband.
This method transforms a men’s shirt into a practical apron by utilizing the shirt’s existing fabric and structure for shaping and pockets. It’s a quick upcycling project that requires basic sewing skills and minimal materials.
While this summary specifically addresses using a men’s shirt, other tutorials suggest similar aprons can be made from towels or jeans with small adaptations in material preparation and sewing steps. Crossback styles or more advanced cuts are also possible if you want a different design.
If you want a printable pattern or more detailed cutting guides, you can find templates online that help shape the apron to standard dimensions before cutting.
Incorporate a home-and-garden aesthetic by selecting coordinating fabrics for the apron waistband and pockets to match your home decor.
To elevate your lifestyle and protect your clothing while gardening or engaging in home renovation projects, consider using this tutorial to create a stylish and practical apron from an upcycled men's shirt.
