Things You'll Need
Fabric
Sewing machine or needle and thread
Pins
Scissors
Measuring tape
D-ring
Ruffles or lace
Fabric paint
Contrasting fabric
Buttons
Snaps
There are two basic styles of aprons: smock-style aprons, which cover the entire front of the body, and waist aprons, which cover the body from the waist down. Most waitress aprons, unless used in a messy environment, are the style that tie at the waist. Both types of aprons are fairly easy to make in an assortment of sizes, and require little investment of time or materials.
Step 1
Determine the length you would like your apron to be. Measure from your waist or where you intend to tie the apron to where you would like it to end. Add 2 inches of seam allowance. Measure around the widest part of yourself, and determine the width of your apron. Depending on the width and length of your apron, you may need between 1.5 and 2.5 yards of fabric.
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Step 2
Cut a rectangle to the width and length measurements you determined in Step 1. Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to hem the bottom, top and side edges of the rectangle.
Step 3
Cut two 2.5-by-40-inch strips of fabric. Fold each one in half upon itself and sew so that no raw edges are exposed.
Step 4
Sew the edges of the 40-inch strips to the rectangle.
Step 5
Try on your apron and make any needed adjustments to the length or width.
Step 6
Cut a flared square from your fabric in the measurements shown in the pattern. Also, cut the pieces for the ties, as well as the optional pockets.
Step 7
Hem the top, bottom and side edges of the flared rectangle using a sewing machine or needle and thread.
Step 8
Fold the 40-inch-long straps so that no raw edges are exposed. Pin and sew them.
Step 9
Pin two of the straps to the edges of the body rectangle on either side of the waist on the "wrong side" of the apron. Sew them in place.
Step 10
Cut the remaining 40-inch strap in half. Sew one end of each of the 20-inch straps to the wrong side of the top of the apron. Insert the D-ring over one of the 20-inch straps and sew it in place. Fold over 1 inch of the other 20-inch strap and sew it so that no raw edges are showing. Try on your apron, and make any necessary adjustments, using the D-ring to adjust the length of the apron from the neck.
Step 11
Add pockets to either apron by using the pocket template from Section 2. Fold over and hem each edge before attaching it to the apron.
Step 12
Attach prefabricated ruffles or lace to the bottom edge of the apron for a feminine touch.
Step 13
Paint initials or logos on your apron with fabric paint.
Step 14
Add a contrasting waistband to a half apron by cutting a strip of fabric approximately 5 inches wide and attaching it to the top of the apron before sewing on the ties.
Step 15
Add snaps or buttons to keep the pockets closed.
Tip
Use fabrics that are machine washable and dryable. Aprons are meant to get dirty.
Warning
Use proper safety precautions when working with sharp objects, such as scissors, pins, sewing machines and needles.
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