No-Sew Duct Tape Apron

by scoochmaroo

37K9519

Intro: No-Sew Duct Tape Apron

Make this handy vinyl apron with absolutely no sewing involved! Once again, Duct Tape is the hero in this story, so I introduce to you: The Taperon!

This project is so fun and easy, it's a great thing to do with the kids! They'll love wearing the aprons they made and designed with their own hands.

special thanks to drinkmorecoffee for the sassy pics!

STEP 1: Supplies

For this super simple project, you'll need

  • Vinyl - 1yd
  • Duct tape
  • Adhesive vinyl for character on front (I found mine on eBay)
  • Scissors
  • Something to use for a strap

STEP 2: Cut Apron

I totally cheated on this step and found an existing apron to copy.
If you can, I recommend you do the same.
If you can't, it's pretty easy to figure out what measurements you want.

  • Trace pattern onto back side of vinyl
  • Add 1" on all sides for seam allowance
  • Cut out along seam allowance lines
  • Mark a dotted line 2" inside the cut edge - this is just a guideline to show you where the cut edge of the vinyl will be folded back to when you tape it down
  • Make cut marks 1" in from both sides at the top two edges and the top of the sides where the strapping will come out (see red marks in picture)

STEP 3: Insert Strap

Now we'll thread the strap through.

  • Make slits along the hash marks. Add tape on both sides of slit to strengthen and prevent from tearing.
  • Feed strapping through these 4 slits as shown.
  • If your strapping seems like it will fray, either tie knots in the ends, use a dab of glue on each end, or melt the cut ends. I prefer fire.

STEP 4: Tape Down Edges

Now it's time to essentially finish your apron.

  • Start with the curved edges
  • Before taping them down, it helps to stretch them as much as you can, because you're about to make a concave curve turn into a convex one by folding it over.
  • Tape down curved edge with small pieces of tape.
  • Next tape down the long sides
  • Tape up the hem
  • Tape down the top edge
  • Voila! You have a spanking new apron!

If you want to get fussy about it, you can press the edges flatter with a hot iron. Make sure you cover the vinyl with a press cloth, because it WILL melt, don't apply heat for too long (or it will peel right off), and finish by pressing it down with something heavy (like a wooden block) to keep it flat while it cools.

STEP 5: Decorate!

I decided to use a printout of my favorite character. I used adhesive vinyl to execute the design, since it was keeping with the vinyl/tape theme. Plus it was dead easy.

  • Cut out a paper printout/drawing of your design into all of the various pieces
  • Keep the paper you cut it out from to use as a template for placing the vinyl
  • Cut the shapes out of the different colors of vinyl
  • Place the original template on the apron and tape down
  • Peel and stick your vinyl pieces in place

I have to tell you, I was really worried about the adhesive vinyl sheets - would they really stick? Would I get a lot of air bubbles? Would they peel up too easily?
Turns out they're great! They do peel up, but not easily, and air bubbles just disappeared when I rubbed them. Amazing stuff!

STEP 6: Show Off

Once it's complete, it's time to show it off and get as many people to take pictures of you as you can!
Now go make something awesome while securely protected with your new vinyl apron!

19 Comments

tjames29 7 years ago

Has anyone used a fabric that isnt vynal??

KentsOkay 14 years ago

Way awesome... I can use this for a lot of stuff, vinyl should hold up to some harsh chemicals.....

The Urban Spaceman 14 years ago

Pretty gangster. I would totally pimp one with a giant picture of marx's head on it in red.

jessyratfink 15 years ago

Yay! This is very cute! I need to make more aprons, but I'll be going the traditional route since I have a ton of tacky fabric and nothing to do with it. :D

MedMisfit 15 years ago

Great timing...I was needing a waterproof apron. Didn't have vinyl but I did have an old outdoor table cloth and a roll of duct tape. Thanks for the inspiration!

okayknockout 15 years ago

I like the idea! If you really want to be sneaky, you could change the title to a "No Sew Duct T-apron"

scoochmaroo 15 years ago

Yeah, I've been really trying to figure out how to type it up the right way. It's easy to understand when you say it, but writing it is a whole different matter.

okayknockout 15 years ago

very true. (it actually took me a few tries to figure out a way to write it now that you mention it :) )

SinAmos 15 years ago

Definitely style points, but I like getting messy. I don't think I'll ever wear an apron.

ChrysN 15 years ago

Wow, these look so good you can sell them at the instructables store.

HotPinkBulb 15 years ago

Sweet, i love the apron. And your smile seems to suggest you love the apron also!

scoochmaroo 15 years ago

I do! (I was playing model in the first shot.) It turned out even better than I expected.