Molly's Sketchbook: Adjustable Unisex Apron

I wear aprons all the time, and I'm not kidding when I say "all the time". My typical at-home outfit involves a bandana to keep my hair back and an apron to keep at bay all of the thread and fabric fuzz that follow me everywhere. When friends stop by unexpectedly they are always surprised by my house frau attire, but nobody wants a lint brush for a best friend!


As you might imagine, I have a good collection of aprons, many of them vintage and quite feminine. Some of my favorites include a pink one from the 50s made out of a feedsack and one with ruffles and a pie shaped pocket that my sister made for me. Even though I love them all, these fanciful aprons don't come in very handy when it's time to roll up my sleeves and get messy in the kitchen, nor does my husband really appreciate his options. So I decided to make a rugged, adjustable unisex apron for both of us to use in the kitchen. It's big enough to be worn by a 6 foot tall guy but can easily be folded up to fit a 5 foot 4 gal like myself. Plus the no-nonsense styling means neither of us will risk batter-splattered ruffles!

The Adjustable Unisex Apron is an update of a pattern I designed way back in 2008 called the BBQ Apron. Although this version is perfect for Labor Day grilling, its classic design and super simple construction make it useful well beyond the BBQ pit.  I used some amazing new fabric, Kokka Canvas Ticking, which seems like it was born to be an apron. It's both soft and strong and will wear and wash beautifully. I love its classic denimy feel and its subtle colors. Best of all this apron is beyond simple to make. It's so easy that I think I might make two so my husband and I don't have to share!

If you'd like to make your own please visit my Adjustable Unisex Apron Project Jounal right here.

(P.S. The beautiful wooden spoons in the pictures above can be found at Timber from Live Wire Farm right here.) --Molly

Comments

[Emmy]

I've had "make some aprons" on my sewing to-do list for a while now, but I hadn't been able to settle on a pattern. Well, wouldn't you know it--Purl Bee to the rescue, as usual! :-) This pattern is really fantastic; I love the way the strap/ties are designed. Can't wait to make my own version of this!

[Lucy]

A very nice apron!

[Julia]

Just yesterday I thought that I must sew a new apron and need to look for a pattern. Thanks! The apron looks awesome.

[Diana]

The apron is wonderful, now I want ideas for a cute bandana :-)

[Amy]

Boy do I need this apron. It's exactly what I've been looking for!

[Caroline]

What a fabulous apron! I've been thinking of making one and this is the perfect design. One thing I may add is a medium wooden button. My plan is to then create several terry hand-towels with a corresponding sized button hole that I can fasten on when I cook and toss in the laundry at the end of the night. As a, shall we say, hands-on chef, I find I always need to wipe off my favorite kitchen "utensil" as the meal takes shape.

[Tori]

Classic!

[stephanie b]

Oh this is a blast from the past! My 8th grade home economics teacher had us making adjustable aprons as one of our first projects. Thanks for the walk down memory lane. :)

[Cinzia]

Last week I was looking for apons in stores,found nothing I liked. So, I am happy to see this pattern...I will sew my own and save money in addition! Glad I didn't buy anything!
Thanks for the pattern!

[Melissa]

Will you be offering a kit? If so, sign me up!

[Nina]

Classic style - and adjustable-strap aprons are the best. But... you need to add a hanging loop tucked into the top hem. If you try to hang the apron up by the neck strap, as you usually would, it'll travel down the strap and end up dragging on the floor. Very annoying! Just stitch both ends of a folded scrap of webbing or ribbon into that top hem - problem solved.

[Mamima]

I loved it and I'll try to make one of these apron to offer to my mother in law. Thank you!

[honeybeemama]

oh i must try this. the adjustable part is BRILLIANT. i've got gobbs of baby slings i need to get to sewing, but when those are finished, it's apron time baby!