Monday, August 8, 2011

Vendor Apron from Pillowcase Tutorial

This project started because I am cheap and lazy.  I have seen other craft vendors wearing these cute little half aprons at shows and have been wanting one.  But I didn't want to pay a lot for it nor spend hours creating one.  After some thrift store wanderings, I came up with this pillowcase apron.  See below for the tutorial.


Start by cutting the bottom 10" or so off the bottom (closed end). 


Next, fold up the cut end twice so that the folded end lines up with the hemmed edge of the open side.  If this is confusing, you can look at the diagram I included at the end.  The reason I folded over twice rather than just folding up once was because it allowed me to skip hemming that edge as well as give the apron a little extra thickness.

Folded Over Once- Need to fold over again.

Now, sew along the two edges as well as two times in the middle; this will give you three pockets.  Just measure your pillowcase to know where the seams should go; I had to measure in about 7" from each side.


For the ties, I used thick ribbon but this is also open to your own interpretation.  I ran the ribbon lightly through a match to seal the ends and prevent fraying.   Then I folded down the edge and sewed it to the front of the apron.


That's it!  I liked this project because it was SUPER short and easy.  It also is open to lots of tweaks and personalization.  Fabric appliques, extra pockets, contrasting edging, etc.  If anyone makes one, I would love to see it, so please share the link in the comments.



Summary Diagram

14 comments:

  1. this is sooo adorable...I have been wanting one of these too, tfs...hope your day is great!

    enjoy *~*

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  2. I might even be able to pull that off :) (My sewing skills leave a lot to be desired!) I love that you used a pillow case...they come in some fun patterns!

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  3. I like how you used the pillowcase for the apron! And what cute material.

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  4. That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

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  5. great idea. And I think I'd even be able to follow the directions! {:-D

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  6. That's what I felt guys. My sewing skills are still in their development and I wanted something super simple that I didn't have to spend weeks trying to figure out.

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  7. Like several other folks have said, I'm terrible with my sewing machine, but I could probably handle this! Thanks for sharing!

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  8. Hope you start to feel better today. Love this project, it's so easy. Can't wait to try it.

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  9. So so cute! I saw this on Dollar Store Crafts and came over. I made one real quick this morning, took me about 10 minutes! My kind of project!
    I'll use mine for a yard sale we're having in a couple weeks. It won't get much use, but it was too cute not to try! Thanks!!

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  10. What a great idea for a pretty pillowcase! Thanks for sharing your tutorial.

    :) Deb

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  11. Why not keep the closed end and use it as the edge of the pocket? Cut off the other end and zigzag your ribbon over the cut edge, around the whole waist line, effectively hiding the raw edge. Also, if you have a round tummy, a couple pleats will allow it to fit more smoothly. Like darts in a skirt or pants. Great idea. Also, if the pillow case is very soft, toss a piece of canvas inside before sewing to stiffen it.

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  12. Hey Rebecca- Those are all great ideas! I presented a really simple option but I know there are some more talented seamstresses out there that could probably turn this project into something more complex and fabulous!

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  13. Hi Jenny, I came across your apron here a couple days ago and was inspired to make one for my upcoming sale! I just did the ribbon a little different though, by having it sewn all all across the top. You can see it on my facebook page:
    https://www.facebook.com/metsymade

    Thanks for the inspiration!

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Thanks for your comments! I love hearing from my readers :)