How to Sew a Men's Apron

men's chef apron
Mollie Johanson
Project Overview
  • Total Time: 2 hrs
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Estimated Cost: $25

This DIY men's apron is perfect for anyone who loves to cook or grill, and it can make a great birthday or Father's Day gift. The apron pattern is simple, but the result is anything but plain. With contrasting fabrics to set apart the top and bottom edges, you can incorporate favorite motifs and colors to customize the apron for your favorite chef. The project requires intermediate sewing skills and a couple hours of your time.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Pinking shears
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Safety pin or bodkin

Materials

  • 1 yard heavyweight fabric, such as twill, denim, or home decor fabric (fabric A)
  • 1 yard coordinating heavyweight fabric (fabric B)
  • 1 yard muslin or another backing fabric
  • Matching thread

Instructions

  1. Cut the Apron Fabrics

    First, you'll cut your fabric pieces for the apron.

    Fabric A

    • Cut one piece 29 inches wide by 22 inches tall.

    Fabric B

    • Cut two pieces 29 inches wide by 8 inches tall.
    • Cut one piece 3 inches wide by 23 inches long.
    • Cut two pieces 3 inches wide by 48 inches long (or 42 inches long if you're not using wide fabric).

    Backing fabric

    • Cut one piece 29 inches wide by 36 inches tall.
    The materials to make an apron
    Mollie Johanson
  2. Sew the Front Pieces

    Sew the two 29 inch-by-8 inch fabric B pieces to the large fabric A piece with one on the top and one on the bottom. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

    Press the seam allowance to the darker fabric, and then use pinking shears to finish the edge of the fabric (or use your favorite seam finish).

    Sewing and pinking the seams
    Mollie Johanson
  3. Topstitch the Seam

    Working on the right side of the fabric, topstitch 1/4 inch from the seam on the side with the pressed seam allowance. This creates a faux flat-felled seam.

    Finishing the seams with top stitching
    Mollie Johanson
  4. Cut the Apron Shape

    To create the angled top edges of the apron, mark the top edge 7 1/2 inches in from each side. Mark each side 12 inches down from the top.

    Place a cutting ruler on the angle between the top and side marks, and cut off the corner with a rotary cutter. This slices through a seam, but when you sew the backing on that seam will secure the stitching.

    Repeat on the other side. Then, cut the top corners of the muslin piece in the same way.

    Trimming the top angles
    Mollie Johanson
  5. Make the Apron Straps

    Sew each of the long strips of fabric B into tubes. Leave the ends open on the short piece, and sew one end closed on each of the long pieces. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and pink the edge or use another seam finish.

    Use a safety pin or bodkin to turn the tubes right side out. Press the seams open, so they lie flat with the seam at one edge. Topstitch both sides of each strap 1/16 inch from the edge.

    Making the apron straps
    Mollie Johanson
  6. Sew the Straps and the Backing Together

    Lay the front pieces out right side up.

    Matching raw edges to raw edges, place the ends of the short strap along the top edge 1 inch in from the angled corners. Place the open end of each long strap on the side edges 1 inch down from the angled corners.

    Place the muslin backing over the apron pieces, and pin the straps in place. Pin around the entire edge.

    Sewing the straps and backing
    Mollie Johanson
  7. Turn the Apron Right Side Out

    Sew around the apron, leaving an opening for turning at the bottom. Use a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

    Trim the seam allowance with pinking shears, or use another seam finish. Clip the corners to reduce bulk, and then turn the apron right side out. 

    Press the seams open, and press the seam allowance at the opening to match.

    Trimming and turning the apron
    Mollie Johanson
  8. Finish the Apron With Topstitching

    Topstitch around the apron 1/8 inch from the seam. This gives it a nice finish and closes the opening at the same time.

    Your apron is ready to wear or wrap up as a gift for your favorite chef.

    A completed easy-sew BBQ apron
    Mollie Johanson