During the holidays I spend so much more time in the kitchen, making holiday cookies and candies. One of my most treasured possessions is the apron my grandmother made long before I was born. When trying to think of a special gift for my family this Christmas my grandmother’s apron inspired me to turn some of old button ups into aprons.
For this DIY you will need:
- Button down shirt
- Ruler
- Scissors
- Sewing Machine & Thread
- Lace or Ribbon
Step 1: Start by laying the shirt flat on the ground and cutting up the seam, through the sleeve and across the collar (neatly), down the next sleeve, and down the other side. Save the back of the shirt for later.
Once the body of the shirt is cut out, lay the ruler ½ inch out from where the collar meets the yoke on an angle down to where the sleeve meets the body. Cut along the ruler’s edge.
Turn the seam in ¼ inch and press with an iron. Turn under again and sew with a straight stich. Sew the button seam closed from the 3rd button down.
Step 2: Create the side ties. To create the side ties cut the yoke off the back of the shirt and fold the back piece in half. Cut 3 1/3 inches from the fold. Open the new piece and cut into 2 pieces 3 ½ inches wide. Fold the 3 unfinished edged under and press, fold the long edges under a second time and sew. Then sew the newly made pieces to either side of the shirt to create ties.
Step 3: Embellish your apron. Once your side ties are on you can embellish any way you would like. Some suggestions: Fringe, ruffles or lace along the bottom, buttons, broches or pocket a made from a vintage handkerchief.
Need a shirt to make your apron? Visit an Heirlooms for Hospice store near you. If you want an apron but just don’t want to do the work, you can purchase one at our Charmed store in Grand Junction. Check back as our Charmed Volunteers continue to make new treasures daily!
