Introduction: I Scream for Aprons

About: My parents are from Taiwan, but I was raised in NJ. I always have a bunch of works in progress, some that are many years older than they should be.

How to sew an apron from a Kmart Martha Stewart cloth dishtowel.

Step by step instructions on how to turn any rectangular piece of cloth (approximately 18"x24") into an apron.

Step 1: Cut the Edges for Your Tiebacks

This is probably either the cleverest or laziest step of this apron. Cut the edges off of the napkin/ dish cloth you are turning into an apron. I used two of the same so I could mix and match colors. The longer edges will be for tying around the waist and the short ones are for the neck.

I chose to leave the tag on my straps just for fun/ convenience.

Step 2: Cut Out the Pockets or Shoulders

The negative shape of the armholes happily can be joined to make a little pocket for the apron later. Fold the fabric in half and make a guestimate of where you want the top to start and the waist line to meet it. Accuracy is not needed as long as all the sides meet.

Step 3: Bias Tape or Duct Tape the Frayed Edges

I don't recommend duct tape, but if you don't have sewing skills, a machine or the patience to do hand sewing, consider glueing with a washable fabric glue, which should keep it intact even without adding some kind of tape/ ribbon over it.

I recommend using a sewing machine, and if I had the time I'd be writing in all my tips for sewing machines right now.

Pin or baste the band around the edge and goto town on it.

Step 4: Pocket

Sew the straight edge together from the hole you cut out for the arms, and you've got a pocket ready. Well almost. You should baste the round edge and iron it for an easier time with a sewing machine. Or just do it by hand if you like.

Step 5: Sew on Straps and Try Out the Pocket

I sewed all the straps down, and here I'm trying out the pocket in several positions. I preferred it on my right leg.

Step 6: Sewing Mistake, Happy Accident

I accidentally sewed the tag onto the pocket I made for the blue apron, which I decided just to leave there and so I cut it off the strap.

Step 7: Finished!

As you can see- I finished both the yellow and blue "I scream for IceCream" styled dishclothes into aprons, and all in a day's work. Not bad, eh?