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Work Apron

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Difficulty
Intermediate
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Make a work apron! Lined with construction grade fabric, this apron is as pretty and hardworking as you are! Full free instructions.

I've been searching for years for the "perfect" work apron. 

You know, something to hold screws and earplugs and safety glasses and pencils and tape measures. Something I can be excited about wearing, but also saves me time and keeps my supplies within easy reach.

I've tried tool belts. Too bulky and cumbersome and heavy. Tool belts are great for construction work, but for DIY projects and woodworking, more than anything, a tool belt would just get in my way.

I've tried aprons. Aprons are cute and made me want to wear them ... BUT I found they just do not function well in the shop. Aprons are not meant for holding a pound of sharp pointed screws, a tape measure, and I've never seen an apron with a hammer loop.

Unable to find a hybrid of a tool belt and a pretty apron, I asked my friend Jaime from That's My Letter, to help me out. Jaime is always building projects, so she understands all too well my apron/toolbelt dilemma.

But unlike me, Jaime can sew.

And this is what Jaime sent me.  

I can't tell you how much I love this Work Apron!!!  Not only does it save me time and work in the shop looking for my pencil or tape measure, but I am excited to wear it because it's so cute and pretty!

I spent the better part of today wearing this work apron, and for the first time, ever, didn't look for my pencil once! I normally don't keep a hammer on me, but with the cute hammer loop, I thought I'd give 'er a try. The hammer loop is positioned on your hip, so you forget you are wearing it and there is no obstruction as you work or bend. I keep my tape measure in the left pocket, pencil in the right, so taking measurements is quick and efficient. For the builder short on time, this is a must have!

Make this Apron!

I loved this apron so much, I wanted you to also be able to have it.  So I worked with Jaime to create a free tutorial to make your own work apron.  The full instructions follow, and Jaime also posts on her blog lots more photos and tips to help you succeed.

Or Shop for It!

But then I though that some of you may be sewing challenged like me, so I asked Jaime who sews professionally and in bulk to make up a few more that you can buy.

Isn't this exciting?  

Make sure you check out the new SHOP section of the site, where you can find cute handmade things for the girly builder.  We hope to add more colors and styles as well, so check back often!

And of course, you can make this apron yourself!  The free instructions follow.

Dimensions
23"w x 11"h Waist band ties extend 23" on both sides

Preparation

Shopping List

drop cloth canvas, front pocket cotton fabric, back pocket cotton fabric, trim (extra wide double fold bias tape or cut your own), sewing machine, thread to match, tape measure, rotary cutter, ruler (clear quilting ruler), self healing mat, scissors, pins, iron

Cut List

DROP CLOTH:
1 @ 24" x 10" (main apron piece)
1 @ 24" x 8" (interior back pocket)
1 @ 24" x 6" (interior front pocket)
1 @ 72" x 4" (waist strap)
COTTON PRINT FABRIC & TRIM: 
back pocket cotton: 1 @ 24" x 8"
front pocket cotton: 1 @ 24" x 6"
2 @ 24" (back and front pocket trim)
1 @ 45" (main apron trim)
*if using cut bias strips, cut 1 3/4" wide

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

This pattern is available as a free PDF that you can download here.

Project Type
Upholstered Projects
Other Projects
Room
Craftroom
Style
Farmhouse Furniture

Comments

whitney_smith

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 05:03

Lovin that logo hammer loop!! Fabulous idea to add the shop feature to the site and I REALLY hope you'll think about adding more soon.... like a "Homemaker" tee!

tonjacoy101

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 09:43

Love, Love, Love!!! Will order one since my sewing projects seem to take *ahem* years......

Pam the Goatherd

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 12:49

My sewing projects have taken a back seat to my building projects ever since I discovered Ana! If I want one of these aprons (and I DO!) I'd better just go ahead and order one rather than waiting until I have the time to make one. It's worth the price just to get the official Ana White logo on the hammer loop! =)

ferbit

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 18:02

Where can I purchase the apron? How in the world did I miss that? LOL

Edited to add: DUH! I didn't read the last part of your post! :) I see where to buy it now. Very cool!

bhoppy

Mon, 03/26/2012 - 18:38

Jamie you are "sew talented" lol I can't sew a stitch so I can't wait to order one!

dananryan

Thu, 04/05/2012 - 17:52

I got mine today. Sewing is definitely not my forte but I had to have this apron. It's just perfect. Stylish and practical. Thanks Jamie!

3pageprincesses

Tue, 03/27/2012 - 06:58

Oh these are so cute!! I am just getting started into making my own stuff. My hubby bought me the Kreg Jig and now I think I need one of these to start off my first project! Thanks Ana for everything :)

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 03/28/2012 - 08:06

Not only are these aprons super cute but u r such a pretty model. TY so much for all of ur ideas n free plans. My boyfriend n I just finished building the modern farm table n we love it. We still need to stain it. Do u have any tips on a nice dark stain that wont look orangy on some of the grain. I was thinking of trying the minwax dark walnut, heve u used it before on this type of wood (2x6 studs)? We also built our little babygirl a kitchen for christmas, not with ur plans but we used it for inspiration. It was the first thing we ever built. We r very proud of ourselves, u give us confidence with these easy beginers plans.

KarinJoan (not verified)

Fri, 03/30/2012 - 12:40

Hi Anna,
just discovered your website and video-tutorials. Love it!! You've even got pink trestles, woow! Love the combination of the builder and the girly. Love your apron :-) Keepmup the good works. I'll be coming around again.
Kind regards from Holland (EU)

KJ
www.24homes.nl

spiceylg

Sun, 04/08/2012 - 04:15

Just received my apron and I love it! Top quality not to mention adorable, too! Great job Jaime, you are so talented!!! Thank you Ana for offering it on your site! You both rock!

cecimoreno

Wed, 04/11/2012 - 07:40

Hi Jaime and Ana, I received my apron as well this weekend and I have to say I love it!! It really is great quality and its so functional for all types of projects, from building to art, and even house cleaning! Thanks!!

Heather Foster (not verified)

Sat, 09/15/2012 - 09:31

Jamie I LOVE these aprons!! I can't sew and would love to buy one but they are all sold out. Any chance you will be making more?