Create Your Own Stylish Apron from Napkins: An Easy Sewing Tutorial

Looking for a quick and easy sewing project? This tutorial will guide you through creating a charming apron using just two fabric napkins! Perfect for protecting your clothes while cooking, gardening, or crafting, this DIY apron is both functional and fashionable. Let’s get started!

This project was inspired by Mary Ray’s tutorial on CraftStylish. While the original instructions might seem a bit complex, we’ve simplified the process to make it even easier for you to follow along. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – this project is surprisingly simple and works up in no time!

What You’ll Need to Make Your Napkin Apron

• 2 Large Fabric Napkins: Choose napkins with a pattern or color that you love. Look for durable, washable fabrics. I found mine on sale for just a couple of dollars each!
• Several Yards of Grosgrain Ribbon: This will be used for the neck and waist ties. I used 7/8″ wide ribbon, which provides a good balance of comfort and durability.
• D-Rings (Optional): Two pairs of D-rings can add a professional touch and allow for adjustable ties.
• Basic Sewing Supplies: You’ll need thread, a sewing machine, scissors, an iron, an ironing board, stick pins, a tape measure, and other standard sewing essentials.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Sewing Your DIY Apron

Follow these simple steps to create your own unique apron using fabric napkins:

Step 1: Measure Your Chest

Measure your chest from just inside one armpit to just inside the other armpit. This measurement will determine the width of the top of your apron.

Step 2: Create Folds on the First Napkin

Take one of the napkins and make two folds at the top two corners. Adjust the folds to make the top of the napkin equal your chest measurement. Pin the folds down at the top edge to secure them.

Step 3: Ease Out the Folds

Continue to ease the fold out all the way down the napkin. Think of it like creating a large dart. You want to ensure that the fold gradually disappears as you reach the bottom of the napkin, creating a smooth, tapered shape.

Step 4: Iron the Folds

Press the fold with your iron. This will help to set the shape and make it easier to sew. A well-ironed fold will also give your apron a more professional finish.

Step 5: Sew the Top Edge

Next, sew through all thicknesses at the top of your napkin, securing the folds in place. This will create a clean, finished edge for the top of your apron.

Step 6: Sew Along the Fold

Then, sew very near the edge of your fold all the way down to the bottom of your napkin. This will reinforce the fold and create a more defined shape for your apron.

Step 7: Attach the Second Napkin

Pin the BACK edge of the top of the second napkin to the BACK edge of the bottom of the first napkin. Sew them together. This will create the main body of your apron.

Here are the 2 napkins sewn together, forming the base of your apron:

Step 8: Create the Pockets

Fold the second (bottom) napkin up – in half – pin the sides shut, and sew them up. This will create the base for your apron pockets.

Step 9: Divide the Pockets

Next, sew a seam down the center of the bottom napkin. This seam will fashion two convenient pockets for storing utensils, tools, or anything else you need to keep handy.

Step 10: Attach the Ribbon Ties

Finally, sew two lengths of grosgrain ribbon at the top of the apron for the neck ties. (I folded the edges back so the ribbon would have a finished edge.) You’ll want to pin it in place first to make sure the position of the ribbon doesn’t make the front of your apron ‘gap’. At this point, you can add a set of D-rings to the neck ties for adjustable length…or skip this step if you prefer a fixed length.

Step 11: Add Waist Ties

After trying on the apron, determine where the ties for the waist should be and then sew two more lengths of ribbon at those spots, adding another set of D-rings for adjustability if desired.

D-rings ready to sew into place:

Step 12: Finish the Ribbon Ends

Finish by folding up and sewing the ends of the ribbons for a finished look. I chose to sew the ends by hand for a neater appearance.

Your DIY Napkin Apron is Complete!

And that’s it! You’ve successfully created a stylish and functional apron using just two napkins and some ribbon. This project is a great way to recycle old napkins or add a personal touch to your kitchen.

We hope you enjoyed this easy sewing tutorial. If you have any questions or need further clarification at any point, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below!

Happy sewing!