I’m the type that likes to wear aprons while I cook. Not only are they practical, but they make me feel more feminine, like an old-fashioned housekeeper. How about you? Do you like to wear aprons?
Here is an idea for creating an easy apron of your own out of an old one that is falling apart.
This is the apron I made, using the top of an older apron which was starting to rip in a few places and attaching a skirt to it (please know that I am not an expert at sewing):
And this is how the apron looked, originally:
Here are the super easy steps I took to make it!
Step 1 –
Cut the top of the old apron from the bottom portion. Discard the bottom or save the fabric for something else.
Step 2 –
Choose a skirt that will match (this could be something you already have, or something inexpensive you find at a thrift store). Cut out the back, leaving only the front and sides . . .
. . . make sure you leave enough material so that what’s left of the skirt will be able to extend across the entire length of the apron’s waist (though the ribbons for tying will of course hang from the sides).
Step 3 –
Pin the top to the bottom. The waist of the apron will probably look best in front of the skirt.
Step 4 –
Fold and hem the edges.
Step 5 –
Now for the easiest part of all! Sew both pieces together. I stitched them in two places: (1) near the top of the waistband, and (2) near the bottom of the waistband.
Finished Product –
I have been using my new apron for several months now, and I am still loving it!
- Do you have any tips for making a new apron out of an old one?
- Is there anything you might have done differently than I did, for a better effect? No worries — I know I’m not an expert, and I appreciate good pointers!
~Jessica
Dear Jessica,
You are so clever & thrifty! I love this idea & the new apron is so pretty! I have several skirts that are old and the waistbands are stretched out & frayed. This would be an excellent use for them! I love my aprons too. 🥰
– Ruthie
You are so sweet, Ruthie! Thank you! I’m glad we share a love of aprons. 🙂
~Jessica
What a wonderful idea! I absolutely LOVE it!
Thanks, Angela! I’m glad to hear that you like my idea!
~Jessica
I absolutely LOVE THIS!!!!! You look so pretty as well! I also love wearing aprons when I cook and do my home making around the house as well! It makes me feel like my role is very important and I feel like someone from back in the 50’s (My favorite time era! Lol) Where do you normally get your aprons at? I like to make mines with my little one, but I would love different ones with patterns! I am so happy to see you are well! I always have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers! You have truly inspired me to become the best mother/Christian/and wife I can be <3 thank you for that! Many blessings to you and your family!
Amaddie,
Reading your message was like getting a bit of sunshine! Thank you for your sweet words!
I have a few kids’ aprons which we bought from one of the “Young Entrepreneurs” booths at our state’s homeschool convention. I have also seen some cute, old-fashioned style aprons at Walmart (what do you know?). I’m thinking of buying one of these to have a second one on hand for myself. I have also seen cute aprons on Amazon; we ordered some for Christmas last year.
Blessing to you and your family, as well!
~Jessica
I just love your “new” apron, it is just so sweet and pretty!!! I’m not the perfect seamstress either, but it sure is fun fixing up old things into “new”. Thank you for sharing, you have motivated me try this too💜🌻💜
Aww, thanks so much, Pamela! Glad to hear that I’ve “motivated you to try this, too”! 🙂
~Jessica
I say:”Bravo”
God bless you, Marguerite
Thank you so much for your encouraging remarks, Marguerite!
~Jessica
Thanks for sharing the idea and the tutorial! Interestingly I started some sewing projects this summer too 😉 Sewing is such a great hobby, especially in times where it is sometimes difficult to find appropriate clothing. I wish I would be better in it, but practising helps 😉 Be blessed, Karin
You’re very welcome, Karin! I’m not able to do much sewing now, but when I get to a more peaceful season of life, I would like to learn more and work on more projects. My goal is to be able to make my own dresses to my own taste and standards.
~Jessica
This is great Jessica! I too am an only average sewer. 🙂 Quick family update: Sean gently weaned earlier this month and in big news: Ruthie is potty trained. I hit 24 weeks this week, will see Kellie. I’m at my FAVORITE point in pregnancy: far enough along to be secure baby is okay, have noticeable bump, but NOT too big and awkward.
Thank you for the update, Courtney! Sounds like lots of good news! What a special time for you and your family. I think that mid-pregnancy is my favorite point, too.
~Jessica
I the same.I like to wear apron while cooking! Your idea is so nice and you look so pretty.Thanks for joyful sharing.
You’re welcome, Sanae! How nice to hear that you enjoy wearing aprons while cooking, as well. 🙂
~Jessica
Oh your apron is so pretty! I’ve never made a new apron from an old one before but I made an half apron a long time ago from an old dress.
Thank you, Regina! I like the idea of making a half apron out of an old dress. Great idea!
~Jessica
What a great idea! I never thought about doing that with my old skirts. I wear an apron most days while cleaning and cooking. So this is very helpful. You did a wonderful job!
I would like to learn to sew a simple elastic waist skirt for myself. So if you come across and easy patterns please let me know 🙂
Thanks, Rosemarie! Yes, it is something I hadn’t considered doing myself, until I read about it in a book.
Here is one idea for how to sew a simple skirt: https://theheavenlyhearth.com/2018/03/03/how-to-sew-an-easy-modest-skirt-without-a-pattern/
~Jessica
I hit 26 weeks this week, saw Kellie again. When I told her recently that Sean weaned, she seemed happy to hear that. She’s still surprised I’m still nursing the girls. My baby-to-be is doing great.
That’s so great to hear, Courtney! I’m still amazed that you’ve been nursing your other little ones while being pregnant. 🙂
~Jessica
Hi Jessica! I’m surprised you don’t know any tandem nursers in your life. NOT surprised you don’t know a triandem nursers. I’m pleasantly SHOCKED how well nursing has gone for me.
I like how that turned out! I have a couple of dresses that have gotten too tight to wear, though the fabric is still in decent shape. I was thinking of doing something similar with those: removing the back of the top, opening the skirt in the back, shortening it a little bit and adding tie strings, to kind of make a pinafore-style apron, without having to spend any money on it, or waste good cloth I have on hand. So far I only have one apron on hand, but I’d love to be able to wear a fresh clean apron every day, to keep my regular clothes from wearing out so quickly.
I hit 30 weeks the other day, saw Kellie. Baby doing great. Girls still nursing (and THRIVING). Hopefully everyone is getting excited for Thanksgiving.
Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. I broke in my new apron cooking dinner. :). I hit 32 weeks today, will see Kellie Monday.