When it comes to kid’s artwork, the turkey handprint is a staple in classrooms around the United States. We love the idea of treating dad, mom or a grandparent to their very own keepsake apron that will last for seasons to come. Plus, kids will be so proud to see their handmade projects come to life around the kitchen table. This project can be adapted to any season or holiday as well, whether you upload your kid’s artwork (find out how to do that here) or choose an elegant or fun design from the Spoonflower Marketplace. You can even go the extra mile and create a coordinating table runner! So let’s get started on this easy adult apron DIY, and don’t forget to grab the free pattern and share with your friends!
Check out the video tutorial below. If text and pictures are more your style, you can find the full tutorial below here, as well. Let’s jump right in!
Like the video? Make sure to subscribe to our channel!
On to the text version:
Materials List
- 1 yard of wide fabric – I used Lightweight Cotton Twill, but Linen-Cotton Canvas or Eco Canvas would also make a sturdy, washable apron. (Note: If you’d like your pockets to be made with a contrasting fabric, try using Fill-a-Yard! The vertical split yard is perfect for this project.)
- Don’t have time to create a custom turkey handprint fabric? Order yours here.
- 3 1/2 yards of coordinating twill tape, ribbon or cotton webbing – material should be approximately 1″ wide
- Spoonflower – Adjustable Apron Pattern
- Sewing machine or serger
- Scissors
- Thread to match your fabric and tie material
- Straight pins & a safety pin
- Measuring tape
- Chalk or fabric marker
- Iron
Now we’re ready to get started!
Step 1. Print, assemble and cut out your pattern and fabric pieces.
Print, assemble, and cut out your pattern pieces—you should have one apron body piece and one pocket piece. Iron your fabric print side down, and cut out your fabric using the pattern pieces.
With the wrong side of your fabric facing up, fold one edge of your fabric into the center of the yard. Line up your apron body piece along the fold, and cut around it.
Cut out two pocket pieces from the remainder of your yard.
Step 2. Hem the apron body.
Press and fold the top 1/4” edge of the apron toward the wrong side, then press and fold inward another 1/2″. Pin and top stitch to finish.
Repeat this process with the sides and bottom edge.
Step 3. Create the casing for your apron ties.
Press sides inward toward the wrong side of the fabric about ¼”, and and serge or zigzag stitch along the two diagonal edges. (This step is optional, but will help to prevent fraying in your apron tie casing).
Measure 2 1/2″ from each diagonal edge, fold the edges over to meet that measurement, then press and pin in place. Stitch along the edges with a 1/4″ seam to create 1″ casings for your apron tie. Be sure the bottom openings of your casings line up across the width of the apron.
Step 4. Assemble and attach the pocket.
Pin the two pocket pieces together, right sides facing. Sew around the edges with a ½” seam, leaving a small opening along the top edge.
Turn the pocket right side out; pin and sew along the length of the top edge to close it.
Pin the pocket piece to the apron in line with the base of the casing. Sew around the sides and bottom of the pocket to secure it to your apron, being careful not to catch the casing in your stitches.
Once attached, mark or draw a line down the pocket about 8″ from either edge. Sew a line from top to bottom to create a divide in the pocket. (This part is totally customizable – you can add as many or as few divides in your pocket as you’d like!)
Fold over the ends of your ties and finish as desired.
Attach a safety pin to one side of the apron tie. Feed it through the casing starting at the waist, out the top, down into the other side of the neckline, and out the other side of the waist. This will create an adjustable neck strap and the waist ties.
And that’s all there is to it! Now get cookin’ in your brand new apron. Find even more DIY apron styles here.
I wish the photos included a full length image showing the entire length of the apron.
Thanks for letting us know!
While this tutorial doesn’t have a full-length image photo of the apron you can see what the full apron looks like at the end of the video at the 4:30 minute mark!
Best,
Betsy
Spoonflower
Just a quick note the fold over of 2 and 1/4 makes a 2 inch casing did you mean 1 and 1/4? Thanks for the awesome pattern 🙂
Hi Tamlyn,
Thank you so much for pointing this out. We have updated the casing step of this tutorial– hopefully it adds some clarity! You will measure 2.5 inches from the diagonal edges (process shown in the photo with the measuring tape), fold those edges over until you meet that measurement, and pin/press in place. Once sewn with a 1/4″ seam you should have a 1″ casing.
Happy sewing!
-Anna
Spoonflower
What type of paint did you use for the hand prints? Is the apron machine washable?
Hi Danielle,
Great question! The handprints were digitally printed on the fabric! You can learn how to turn a handprint turkey into a repeating design here or you can order the handprint turkey print on fabric here.
The apron is machine washable! For best results, we recommend washing your fabric with phosphate free detergent in cool water using a gentle or delicate machine cycle. We also suggest washing before use.
Love this idea and the fabric of Gina’s shirt! Is it a Spoonflower fabric?
Hi Patti,
So glad you enjoyed this tutorial (and Gina’s shirt!) You can find the design “Vitamins A to Zee” here.