Easy Child's Apron Tutorial

I made this fun apron for my son's 2nd birthday a few months ago, and I want to share the tutorial because this apron is so cute for such a quick project!  I love this jungle print, too.  I found it at a garage sale last summer for $1 a yard. (I'm always trying to save money on sewing.)

 If you have some fat quarters lying around, you can even use those.  You only need three fat quarters to make this apron.  This apron fits approximately sizes 2T to 5T.  The neckband is adjustable, which allows this apron several years of use for your toddler/preschooler. 

What you need:

• 1 piece main fabric, 21 x 17 inches
• 1 piece backing fabric, 21 x 17"
• 2 pieces for ties, 3 x 18"
• 2 pieces for neckband, 3 x 11"
• 7" square for applique letter
• 6" piece of velcro

Let's Get Sewing:
1. Lay your main fabric and backing fabric right sides together. On a 17" edge, mark 4" in from each side.  Then mark 9" down on each side.  Line a ruler up with the two marks, and cut along this line.  You should cut off a triangle like in the photo below.  Then line up the ruler on the other side and cut off a second triangle.

2.  Now, make the ties and neckband.  For both ties, press in one short edge 1/2".  Press in both long edges 1/2", then fold in half and pin.  Repeat for the two neckband pieces.

3.  Topstitch 1/8" from the edge on three sides of all four pieces, leaving the unpressed short ends open.

Now, sew the velcro to the neck ties, close to the topstitched end.  (My velcro is different lengths, but yours should be the same length.  I dug these pieces out of the scrap pile).

4.   Lay your main fabric and backing fabric right sides together, and fold down the backing at the top.  Pin your neck ties at the top edge, about 5/8" away from the diagonal edges.  Make sure that you have one piece of velcro facing you and one facing away, or the velcro won't match without twisting the straps.  Refer to the photo below.

Then fold the backing fabric over of the neck ties and pin the main fabric and backing together.  The neck straps should be pinned between the main fabric and the backing.


5. Pin the waist ties just below the diagonals, in between the two apron pieces.  Line up the open end with the edges of the apron pieces.

6.  Sew around the edge of the apron with a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving 5" open for turning.  Turn out and press flat, then topstitch around the whole apron 1/4" from the edge, closing the turning opening.

7.  Hand-cut your child's initial from the 7" square.  I simply pinned the letter on the apron and topstitched 1/4" from the edge around the "E", leaving the edges raw for a frayed look.

That's it!  Enjoy making messes with your little one :)
Lily