criss-cross apron tutorial

if you're like me and you dont like an apron strap tugging at your neck, this is the perfect apron! ignore the wrinkles... i had been cooking when i remembered to take a picture of the finished product.

gather your supplies - 2yds fabric for front and back. some looong fabric for the straps, or something you can piece together. extra fabric for pockets, loops, and hang tag. some cotton filler cord (i'm sure you could find something else around the house for this....). and thread.

find an apron pattern. the one on the left is this one folded up to be shorter. the one on the right is a plus size apron.

make a pocket pattern. this was 8 1/2" x 9" and the top piece was 2 5/8" x 9" cut on a fold. you could even use the baker's apron pattern and fold and sew as instructed and skip making these pockets. in which case you'll need more fabric for your apron.

you also need a strap pattern.  the straps on mine were 2 1/2" x 61 1/2"

cut all the pieces out. front and back, 2 pockets, 2 pocket tops, 4 straps, 2 - 1 1/4" x 6" for loops, 1 - 2" x 6" for hang tag.

sew pocket tops to pockets, turn edges under and iron (and pin the hell outta them so they stay), fold top down and sew onto inside of pocket.

pin onto front of apron and sew them down. dont sew them closed.

sew straps right sides together, trim and turn.  i like to sew the end on an angle because it makes me feel fancy.

make green beans*. these are the loops your straps will go through.

sew the hang tag.

put apron pieces right sides together

sew along the black lines leaving openings for loops, straps, hang tag, and turning.

so now you should have your apron with pockets sewn on, straps sewn and turned, two green beans* and one hang tag.

turn your apron right side out, press, pin the straps to the tops and the loops on the sides.

pin your hang tag underneath one strap.  since this apron doesnt have a closed loop for the neck, you'll want something to hang it with. (thank you for the idea, robyn!)

here is what that process looks like. start with the edges pressed under, pin your pieces in, and then top stitch around the entire apron.  make sure you reinforce the pieces by sewing over them a few times. you dont want to pull a loop off while you're tying your apron!

and then you're done. put your apron on and go cook something yummy.

*your green beans do not have to be green.