Made-to-measure sewing pattern
Apron sewing pattern, drafted to fit
Choose a bib apron with a neck strap and waist ties, or a half apron that ties at the waist, in short or knee length with an optional front pocket. It is sized from your height, bust, waist and hip, so it covers you properly, including in kids’ sizes.
- Level
- Beginner
- Sewing time
- 2 hours
- Pieces
- 4
- Fabric
- 1.20 m × 150 cm
Styles and options
Make the apron your way
Each style changes how the pieces are drafted. Pick one to open it in the studio, then set your size.
- Style
- Bib apron, Half (waist) apron
- Length
- Short, Knee
- Front pocket
- Yes, or leave it off
Fabric requirements
How much fabric do I need for a apron?
Main fabric to buy for the cross-neck bib apron, worked out from the actual cutting layout for each standard size. Amounts are rounded up; the studio recalculates them for your measurements and design.
| Size | Height (cm) | 150 cm wide fabric | 110 cm wide fabric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women's | |||
| XS | 164 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| S | 166 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| M | 168 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| L | 168 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| XL | 170 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| 2XL | 170 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.90 m · 2 1/8 yd |
| 3XL | 170 | 1.40 m · 1 5/8 yd | 1.90 m · 2 1/8 yd |
| Men's | |||
| S | 176 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| M | 178 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| L | 180 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| XL | 182 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| 2XL | 182 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.80 m · 2 yd |
| 3XL | 182 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 2.00 m · 2 1/4 yd |
| Kids' | |||
| Age 2 | 92 | 0.70 m · 7/8 yd | 0.80 m · 7/8 yd |
| Age 4 | 104 | 0.80 m · 7/8 yd | 0.90 m · 1 yd |
| Age 6 | 116 | 0.80 m · 7/8 yd | 0.90 m · 1 yd |
| Age 8 | 128 | 0.90 m · 1 yd | 1.00 m · 1 1/8 yd |
| Age 10 | 140 | 1.00 m · 1 1/8 yd | 1.40 m · 1 5/8 yd |
| Age 12 | 152 | 1.00 m · 1 1/8 yd | 1.50 m · 1 3/4 yd |
| Age 14 | 164 | 1.20 m · 1 3/8 yd | 1.60 m · 1 3/4 yd |
Suggested fabrics
- Canvas
- Denim
- Linen
- Cotton twill
Also needed (size M)
- All-purpose polyester thread1 spool, matching colour
What's in the pattern
Pieces, measurements and step-by-step instructions
Everything that comes with the cross-neck bib apron: 4 pattern pieces, the finished measurements and the full sewing order.
Pattern pieces
- AApron bodyCut 1 on fold
- BNeck strapCut 1
- CWaist tieCut 2 (1 mirrored pair)
- DPocketCut 1
Sewing instructions
Prepare5 steps
- 01
Pre-wash your fabric
Wash and dry the fabric the way you will launder the finished project, then press it flat. This removes shrinkage before you cut.
- 02
Print and check scale
Print the pattern at 100% ("actual size", no scaling). Measure the test square: it must be exactly 10 cm (the small square is 1 inch). Trim and tape the pages following the page grid.
- 03
Lay out and cut
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, selvage to selvage, right sides together. Follow the cutting layout: keep every grainline parallel to the selvage, and put pieces marked "place on fold" right against a fold. Cut lining and interfacing pieces as shown in their own layouts.
- 04
Transfer the markings
Snip 3 mm into the seam allowance at each notch. Mark dart legs, dart points and other placement marks with chalk or a washable marker on the wrong side.
- 05
Seam allowances
Seam allowance is 1.5 cm unless the piece says otherwise. Hem allowances are already included on hem edges. Sew with right sides together (RST).
Sew5 steps
- 01
Make the straps and ties
Press B (Neck strap) and each C (Waist tie) in quarters lengthwise (fold in half, open, fold the edges to the centre, fold again). Tuck one end of each tie in and edgestitch all straps.
- 02
Make the pocket
Press the top of D (Pocket) under 1 cm then 2 cm and stitch. Press the other edges under 1.5 cm. Topstitch it to the apron front, about 12 cm below the waist mark, and stitch the divider line.
- 03
Hem the armhole curves
Press a narrow 6 mm double-fold hem along each curved edge of A (Apron body) (or bind it with bias tape) and stitch.
- 04
Hem the remaining edges
Press the sides and top under 1 cm twice and the bottom under 1 cm then 2 cm. Stitch all hems.
- 05
Attach the strap and ties
Stitch the neck strap ends to the back of the top corners and a tie to each side at the tie marks. Reinforce each with a stitched box and X.
Finish2 steps
- 01
Final press
Press every seam from the inside with steam, then give the outside a light press using a pressing cloth.
- 02
Check the fit
Try it on (or test it) and make small adjustments now. Note any changes on your pattern for next time.
These are the instructions for the design shown. The studio rewrites them for the options you choose.
Questions
About the apron pattern
Is an apron a good first sewing project?
Yes. It is rated Beginner: simple seams, hems and a patch pocket, with nothing to fit. It is a good way to practise before sewing clothes.
How much fabric do I need for a apron?
For the cross-neck bib apron in women's size M, buy 1.20 m (1 3/8 yd) of 150 cm wide fabric, or 1.60 m (1 3/4 yd) of 110 cm wide fabric. The chart on this page lists every size, and the studio recalculates it for your own measurements, design and fabric width.
What fabric is best for a apron?
Good choices for the cross-neck bib apron are canvas, denim, linen and cotton twill. The studio updates the suggestions when you change the design, for example between knit and woven.
How long does it take to sew a apron?
The cross-neck bib apron is rated Beginner and takes about 2 hours, not counting printing and cutting. The pattern comes with step-by-step instructions written for its pieces.
Describe the apron you have in mind
Write it the way you would say it. Sewing Pattern AI drafts it in your size.