Debbie Shore’s Vintage Apron Pattern

Create your own beautiful vintage apron using this fantastic step-by-step sewing tutorial from Debbie Shore! Not only would this classic apron design brighten up every moment you spent in your own kitchen – but it would make a fantastic personalised gift for the baking fanatic in your life, too! Not only would this classic apron design brighten up every moment you spent in your own kitchen – but it would make a fantastic personalised gift for the baking fanatic in your life, too! Customise by using fabrics in their favourite colours and prints, or adding bespoke embellishments. Find out exactly how to make a vintage apron that radiates style, by following Debbie Shore’s step-by-step instructions below, and watching the full tutorial video!

You Will Need:

• 40” x 32” patterned fabric
• 54” x 24” plain fabric
• 45” x 20” white fabric
• 2 x D rings
• 505 spray
• 8” circle template [a plate works well]
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Debbie Shore’s Vintage Apron Tutorial Video:

Make A Vintage Apron – Step by Step Instructions:

Step 1:

To make the apron skirt, cut a rectangle of fabric measuring 24” x 20”. Use your circle template to curve the bottom two corners. Cut a piece of white fabric to the same shape.

Step 2:

Cut 4 x plain fabric squares to make the pockets. Cut out your applique heart shapes, fuse to the right sides of two pieces with 505 spray. Sew around the edges with a blanket stitch.

Step 3:

Sew these pieces right sides together to the remaining squares, leaving a tuning gap in the bottom seam of about 2”. Snip across the corners.

Step 4:

Turn the right side out and press, top stitch along the top seam.

Step 5:

Make a small pleat in the bottom of the pocket and pin. Place the pockets evenly either side of the apron, 5” from the top, at slight angles to each other. Sew around the bottom three sides.

Step 6:

Pin this section right sides together with the white fabric piece, sew all the way around, leaving the top open. Trim the curves with pinking shears, turn the right side out and press. Top stitch all the way around.

Step 7:

To make the bib, cut a piece of patterned fabric measuring 20” x 9”, and a plain piece measuring 20” x 3”. Sew the plain fabric strip to the top of the patterned, right sides together and press.

Step 8:

Measure 2” from each top corner and trim the fabric from the bottom corners to these marks.

Step 9:

Use your circle template to curve the top two corners. Use this piece as a template to cut a white fabric piece.

Step 10:

To make the neck tie, cut a length of plain fabric measuring 4” x 33”. Fold the two long edges to the centre and press, then fold the whole length in half again and press. Then fold one end back on itself and sew across.

Step 11:

Turn to the right side, sew all the way around. Cut a 5” piece from the open end.

Step 12:

Thread the small piece through the two D rings. Fold in half and sew to the top of the bib, to one side and facing inwards. Sew the long piece to the opposite top side of the bib. Place the patterned and plain bib pieces right sides together and sew around the top three sides, trim the curves with pinking shears. Turn the right side out and press. Top stitch all the way round.

Step 13:

Make two small pleats in the bottom of the bib, 5” from each side. Stitch in place.

Step 14:

Cut four strips of plain fabric measuring 3” x 54”. Join together in pairs to make two long strips.

Step 15:

Make two small pleats in the top of the apron skirt, just above the pockets, and sew.

Pin the skirt centrally to one strip of fabric and sew.

Step 16:

Sew the remaining strip to the opposite side, sandwiching the skirt in between the two strips. This is a good time to try on the apron to make sure the ties are the right length for you. Trim if necessary. Carry on sewing all around the ties, apart from the section over the skirt. Snip across the corners.

Step 17:

Turn the ties the right sides out. Press, with a turning of ¼” around the opening.

Step 18:

Pop the bib inside this gap and pin, sew all the way around the ties. Remove the pins and your vintage apron is complete, and ready to wear! Now, where’s that mixing bowl…?

If you loved this sewing project, we’ve plenty more for you to sink your sewing needles into! Check out the rest of our sewing projects and articles right here on the blog! Want to read more of Debbie Shore’s sewing projects specifically? You’ll find those right here!