All About Aprons

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I’ve been searching for the perfect apron for 40 years. My mom wore a certain style for my entire childhood, from grade school through high school (and maybe even college!), and I’ve spent a good amount of time searching for a RTW version or a sewing pattern just like it. It was red and white checkered heavy cotton, and it had sleeves and tied in the back, so it provided extra-great coverage and protection for her 70s-era polyester blouses. 😉

I haven’t been able to find the apron or a pattern, but I did come across some great aprons in different styles. I thought I’d share some of my favorites so you can choose which ones work best for you.

Bib Aprons

These are the classic style, one that you’ll find in high-end kitchen shops and discount stores alike. They come in all kinds of styles, from denim to damask and beyond. Luckily for us sewists, we can make them in any fabric we want.

Workshop Essentials

This is the perfect unisex apron, equally effective in the kitchen or the workshop. Made to be sturdy with heavyweight canvas and a water-resistant finish, it’s a no-frills apron that is built to last.

Foodie Cutie

Stitch a cheery bib apron with cute design details. Choose two contrasting fabrics for the ultimate effect. The Foodie Cutie ties around the waist and the neck for a great fit. We love the fashionably shaped bib and the pretty ruffle.

Gingham Gourmet

This is a quick, fun project, and if you’re into batch sewing, this is the perfect pattern. Do all your cutting, then pinning, then sewing, and viola, you’ve got your holiday gifts done.

Cross Back & Pinafore Aprons

This is my category! I love cross-back and pinafore-style aprons because I can’t stand anything pulling on the back of my neck. Pinafore aprons are a good choice for me, too, because the straps go over the shoulders and connect to the back of the apron, like a pinafore dress. These aprons are sometimes called smock aprons as well.

Cross Back Apron

Lydia Naomi’s Cross Back Apron gets a consistent 5-star rating on Etsy. I love this style — no tying around the neck and back, just slip it on and start cooking, sewing, painting, and otherwise creating!

Easy Fit Pinafore

Verity Hope’s Easy Fit Pinafore is another 5-star winner! This one goes over the shoulders and looks about the same on the front and the back.

Bistro Aprons

For those who don’t need full coverage, bistro aprons, also known as half aprons, are just the thing — and they’re great for handy towel tucking. Here are two cute bistro patterns for the tidier cooks among us.

Cafe Cutie

If you’ve got a big stash (hi, everyone!), this is the pattern for you. Choose three coordinating fabrics to use in this project, or keep it simple and use one fabric for the entire thing.

Apron + Pot Holder Set

Here’s another opportunity for stash diving! For this vintage-modern apron, use fabric with a flirty floral border and metallic dots to brighten things up. I love the gift potential of this set.

What’s your favorite apron style? Leave a comment and let us know, and drop in your go-to apron pattern!