How to Make an Easy Apron with Fat Quarters: A Free Apron Pattern & Tutorial

Hi, everybody! I'm Paige from Little Nostalgia (blog no longer active) and I suffer from a devastating condition known as Food On My Clothes Syndrome. It strikes when I'm making dinner, minding my own business, and suddenly I look down and there are mystery splatters all over my pants. Again.

Because this is a chronic condition that will seemingly never go away, I have a collection of aprons. They're perfect for a beginner to whip up, and all you need are a couple of fat quarters and some sturdy cotton trim. I like to make seasonal varieties so that I look festive while hiding the fact that I'm impressively clumsy. (Heck, even if you're not the Splatter Queen that I am, a washable cotton apron is still handy to have around.) Let's jump into the tutorial, shall we?

Supplies

• Two matching fat quarters (18" x 22")
• One coordinating fat quarter
• Cotton trim
• Straight pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Ironing board and iron

Directions

Step 1: 

Take your two matching fat quarters and put their patterned sides together. Pin the sides and sew a 1/2" seam all the way around, leaving a few inches open.

Step 2: 

After you sew, chop those pesky corners off. Getting rid of the extra fabric will make it easier to sew a decorative seam along the outside later.

Step 3: 

Remember that opening? Use it to flip the fabric right-side-out. Fold the loose edges so they're even with the rest of that side and press them. While you're at it, go ahead and press the whole thing so it's nice and crisp.

Step 4: 

Put the fabric back under the needle and sew a 1/4" seam all the way around. This does two things: it will close the hole, which is obviously important, but it also adds a little detail to an otherwise basic piece. You so fancy.

Step 5: 

Take your contrasting fat quarter and cut two 7" x 14" rectangles. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to get the pocket flap. Press the edges of the opening, but don't sew the outside stitch yet. Pin it to the front of your apron with the opening along the bottom.

Step 6: 

Is it pinned? Okay, now you can line the edge of your pocket up with your presser foot. Sew down one side, across the bottom and up the other side - but NOT across the top (this is a pocket, remember?). This will attach your pocket to the main part of the apron AND close the opening at the same time. #multitasking

Step 7: 

Finally, pin the cotton trim in place along the top of the apron. I used 2 yards, but you can adjust based on your waist size and whether or not you like to double-wrap it around yourself. To attach said trim I did a 1/4" seam near the top and a 1/4" seam near the bottom.

Now you can go twirl around in the kitchen without the fear of splattering muffin batter/stir fry/spaghetti sauce on your jeans! One of these could also be part of a cute gift basket with some wooden spoons and a cookbook.

Have you ever made an apron? What's your favorite thing to make out of fat quarters? Who else is a chronically messy cook?

Love aprons? See more FREE Apron patterns and tutorials from Creative Green Living!

About the Author: 

Paige Ronchetti is an interior decorator and blogger who writes about DIY projects, decor inspiration, and personal style over at Little Nostalgia (blog no longer active). When she's not blogging, she's working with local clients through The Room Kit, her budget-friendly interior design business. Her favorite books are Harry Potter. Follow along on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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