A few years ago I ran across a great craft idea in a Real Simple magazine. They had taken a simple dish towel and by adding buttons and ribbon, turned it into an apron. I decided to try this idea and make them for my friends and family. That year I made 25 simple and stylish aprons.

Over the years this craft has changed and grown into the sassy apron pictured here. If you are at all crafty you can create your own Signature Apron. For those of you who don’t have the necessary tools (or know how) here is the link to buy one on Etsy. www.esty.com/shop/SignatureAprons

First step – Gather your tools

One sturdy dish towel. I like to use white cotton waffle weave towels as they last forever and the weave gives you a nice pattern to play with.

Four to Six feet of ribbon. You can use whatever ribbon catches your eye. There are double faced satins, gross grains and single face satins to name a few. I have upgraded to double faced satin.

Thread. You can choose to match or coordinate with the ribbon and towel.

Embellishments. There are so many to choose from – buttons, roses, decals, appliques and more.

Sewing implements. If you want to make a simple apron with two ribbons you will only need a needle. If you have a sewing machine and know how to use it you can upgrade to designs and full ribbon coverage across the front.

 

Second step – Find a quiet, safe place to sew. If you have kids you know this is the most important step.

Third step – Determine your design

It is important to always lay out what you want to do and pin the pieces in place, even if you are going the simple route. When I first started sewing I made a blouse and skirt combo. The blouse took me two days, endless muttered swear words (well I was 14 so they were euphemisms) and several spools of thread. Why? Because I refused to pin the sleeves on prior to sewing and managed to attach them inside out REPEATEDLY! No joke – one sleeve took me 6 tries before I got it right.

If you are going the simple route you only need to measure the amount of ribbon you will need to attach two inches in from the top corners of the towel and wrap around your body with enough ribbon to tie. Remember – MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE or you might end making several trips to the fabric store. Add a few cute buttons as fun anchors for the ribbon.

For the more intensive option you need to create your design and lay it out accordingly. I’ll leave that up to you or this posting will be too friggin LONG.

Fourth step – Get to sewing.

If you are going simple you only need to thread your needle and sew the buttons in place. Remember to double your thread and make several passes thru each button hole to ensure the thread holds thru multiple uses. Now… I have been sewing for a long time and still have a hell of a time with buttons. I inevitably get the thread tangled, or don’t pull it all the way thru and leave a loop on one end. So again it pays to go slow and be methodical.

For the sewing machine option, I’m going to assume you know what to do. But if not, give me a holler and I’ll send more detailed directions.

These beautiful aprons will take you anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple hours depending on how crafty you want to be. The end result is a fun, sassy apron that your friends will want for themselves.