How to Make an Apron From a Shirt: a Simple Sewing DIY

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewer, you can look cooking-show chic while you cook by making aprons from men's shirts. Refashioned from an old button-down, this DIY apron features coordinating pockets and a colorful waistband for a fashionable twist. Go for flair when choosing the accent fabrics! Let's go over how to make an apron from a shirt, including what you'll need to get the job done.

Use a seam ripper to remove the pocket from the button-down shirt. Press the shirt with a hot iron to close any holes in the fabric from the stitching.

Use the bottom portion of the shirt to make the apron. Measure 15 inches up from the bottom of the shirt using a measuring tape. Mark this distance across the shirt with a washable marking pen, and cut along this line. Flip the shirt over and cut up the center back so you can lay the shirt out flat.

Flip it over again. Measure and mark 30 inches across the front of the shirt. Center the button placket when you mark. Cut the new sides.

Fold 1/4 inch of fabric under on each side and press with a hot iron. Fold another 1/4 inch under and press again. Pin in place. Sew with a medium stitch length and a medium-weight 90/14 universal needle. Remove the pins as you sew.

Set your sewing machine to the longest stitch length and sew 1/2 inch in from the edge all across the top raw edge of the apron.

Pull slightly on the bobbin thread of your basting stitch to gather the top of the apron. Set the apron aside.

Cut out a 12-by-60-inch piece of coordinating fabric to use for the waistband of the apron.

Press the side edges under 1/4 inch on both sides of the waistband.

Fold the top and bottom of the waistband horizontally into the center and press with a hot iron.

Fold the waistband horizontally in half and press with a hot iron.

Mark the center of the waistband with a washable marking pen. Tuck 1/2 inch of the gathered edge of the apron into the waistband. Match the center front button placket to the center front mark of the waistband.

Pin the gathered edge of the apron into the waistband, pinning all the way around it.

Start to sew on one end of the waistband. Continue to sew all around the waistband, removing the pins as you sew.

Cut out two 7-by-8-inch pieces of coordinating fabric. Press 1/4 inch under on all sides, then press under another inch on the top of the pockets.

Place the pockets evenly on each side of the apron. Pin and sew the pockets.

Tie the waistband around your waist, pour a glass of wine, turn on some music and get cooking in your fabulous new apron!