How to make an apron

1. Materials & tools

Materials (adult apron)

• Main fabric (heavy cotton, linen or canvas) — about 90 × 100 cm (35 × 40 in)
• Fabric for the ties (self fabric is fine) — from the leftovers
• Optional: fabric for a pocket

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Adult clothes” → “Apron” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the chest width, apron length, hem width and the tie lengths. Presets cover common sizes.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the cut line and seam line onto the wrong side of the fabric.
2. Cut
   Cut 1 body (trapezoid), 2 waist ties and 1 neck tie. The waist-tie positions are shown as dashed lines.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge edges that fray before hemming.

4. Sewing

4-1. Hem the body edges

1. Double-fold and press the top edge, the two angled sides and the hem, then topstitch all the way around.
2. On the angled sides and corners, a narrower fold turns more neatly.

4-2. Make the ties

1. Fold each tie in half lengthwise, right sides together, sew the long edge and turn right side out (or fold in quarters and edgestitch).
2. Press flat and edgestitch.

4-3. Attach the ties

1. Stitch the waist ties firmly at the marked positions (a box with an X inside is strong).
2. Attach the ends of the neck tie to the top corners the same way.

4-4. Add a pocket (optional)

1. Fold the pocket edges under, topstitch the opening, then stitch it to the body where you like.
2. Give it a final press.

5. Tips & variations

• Adjustable neck: add a slider or a button loop to the neck tie.
• Cafe apron: skip the bib and neck tie for a waist-only apron.
• Sturdy ties: webbing makes quick, strong ties.