Modern Apron DIY

I love taking basic patterns, and adding small design features that really POP. By sewing clean lines with precision, using modern textiles, and truly keeping your eye on the design – you can turn just about any sloper into something that looks straight off the runway. Classics never go out of style.

The modern linen and leather apron is just that. It takes the traditional apron, yet adds small details that make it modern and chic looking. Perfect for both men and women, this apron is the perfect housewarming gift.

After all, sometimes we just want nice, clean lines without all of the ruffles and frills.

Classic apron style, with modern touches

This was a paid content post first seen on Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Creative Spark blog. Jo-Ann paid for the post content to be published on their website. All instructions and photos are my own. Thank you!

Minimalist Apron DIY

Skill level: Advanced beginner
Time Needed: 3 – 4 hours

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1.5 yards linen / linen blend / lightweight denim fabric
4 yards Twill tape / ribbon
Dritz leather rectangle label
Fusible lightweight interfacing
Bias tape
Universal regular point sewing needle 80/11
Coordinating thread
Pins
Fabric scissors / rotary cutter
Ruler
Sewing Machine
*Optional
- (2) ½” x 4” pieces of vinyl or scrap leather (upcycle belt, purse, etc)
- Rivet setter
- Hammer
- Leather hole punch

Fabric and notions seen in these photos:

Shen grey variegated stripe fabric, found in your local Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Store
Simple denim fray ribbon, found in your local Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Store
Dritz leather rectangle label

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut out apron pattern using the photo measurements as your guide.
Cut the following from lightweight interfacing:
(2) 24” x 2.5”
(1) 11” x 2.5”

Following the instructions on your interfacing, adhere to the wrong side of the back sides of the apron. As well as the 11” x 2.5” strip of fabric.
Finish all raw edges of the 4” x 6.5” pocket. Fold the sides and bottom edge ½” towards the wrong side and press.
Fold the top ½” towards the wrong side and press. Fold the top again 1” and press. Sew a line along the top edge to secure. Pin the pocket to the right side of your top apron. Pin around the sides and bottom and sew.
Finish all raw edges of the 9” x 13” bottom pocket rectangle. Fold the sides and bottom edge ½” towards the wrong side and press. Fold the top ½” towards the wrong side and press. Fold the top again ½” and press. Sew a line along the top edge to secure.

Using a needle and thread, attach the leather label to the upper right hand corner of the bottom pocket pattern piece.

Center the bottom pocket onto the right side of the apron bottom. The top of the pocket should be just under where the upper sides of the apron begin. Pin around the sides and the bottom of the pocket and sew. If desired, sew a straight line down the center of the pocket to make two pocket sections.
Cut the 4 yards of twill tape in half, giving you two equal 2 yard sections. Measuring 2” in from the side of the apron top, pin 1 of the raw twill tape edges in place, right sides together. Repeat for the other side with the other 2 yards of twill tape. Baste stitch ⅛” away from the edge to secure.
Place the interfaced 11” x 2.5” piece of fabric along the top of the apron, right sides together, matching up the top edge. Pin and sew. Open the fabric, and press seam up.
Fold the upper raw edge interfaced fabric ½” towards the wrong side and press. Fold interfaced fabric towards the inside of the apron top and press. Pin folded edge in place and sew.

Attach bias tape to apron side edges, stopping at the interfaced back side edge. Clip edges where needed, in the curves and corners, to ensure bias tape is flat when pressed.

Fold the interfaced back side edge of apron ½” towards wrong side and press. Fold again 2” and press. Pin and sew to secure.
Fold the hem ½” towards wrong side and press. Fold again 2” and press. Pin and sew to secure.

***Scrap leather tabs and rivets are optional.
For a classic closure, simply sew a buttonhole in the upper corner of each back edge, and you are done! To add the leather tabs and rivets, see the next steps.

Place leather over the upper corner of each back edge. Mark on each side of the leather, as well as on the fabric, where you want the rivet to be.
Using a leather hole punch, punch a hole through the leather where marked.
Use the leather hole punch to also make a small hole in the fabric where marked.
Starting with the rivet post, slip the rivet pin through one side of the leather strap.
Next slip the post through the fabric.
Bring the other side of the leather over the apron, and onto the rivet post.
Attach the rivet cap to the opposite side to secure.
Place the rivet post directly onto the anvil, and carefully secure the rivet setter to the rivet cap, holding firm so that it does not slip. Hammer the rivet setter a few times to secure. Repeat for other side.

And you are done!