I know that there are alot of aprons out there. A LOT. all different sizes and colors. Some with ruffles and some without. But this is the apron I use and I love love love it.
I’ve made a few….
dozen
Levis are soooo durable and thick! I use mine for painting and it keeps that paint off the clothes!
One pair of levi yeilds two aprons. And whatever size pants you are is about the size of apron you would want. So if you are making one for your daughter–and she is a 5T–that is around what pant size you would use. And if they are really short (your kid…not the pants)–you could use capris.
Also, no hot glue gun today. sorry. You need a sewing machine for this one.
Lets start.
(updated to add: I wrote a new post–head HEREÂ to see it!)Â 
Buy some cute fabric.(the cute is MANDATORY!) 9 inches for little kids (2-5) 12 inches for (6-up)…plus size 15 inches. If you want to get 15 inches to be safe you can just make long ties so you can have a big bow in the back.
I am making an small-medium adult size one.
The fabric you buy is usually 40-44 inches long…so you will fold it in half long ways and cut along fold. Fold in half again and cut again. (We are going to make our own bias tape…except its not going to be on the bias..) You should have 3-5 long strips. (40-44 inch long ones!) (depending on what size you are doing.)
We are going to take them to the iron and iron the edges up 1/2 inch. You can measure this out if you are a perfectionist (I am not) or just eyeball it.
We are going to fold that in half and iron it again.
Cut off a leg right underneath the pocket.
Cut out the back pocket entirely getting as close to the seam edge as possible. (I used scissors to cut it off and then I took the scissors and cut off the attached piece of levi from underneath the pocket)
Turn you leg over so the front is down.
Cut right up the back in a straight line.
We are going to put the right sides together and cut out a crescent shape.
(Aren’t you glad for pictures?)
It doesn’t matter what side is up….depends on the flare of the pants. If it’s a skinny jean the bottom would be the top…if it has a big flare the bottom will be the bottom.
Lay it out. Does it look like this?
The sides are a kind of hit and miss. No exact science to it. If you are making it for you…hold it up and see if it is right…some people like their ties more high on their hips–some lower. It’s just up to you.
Now, go get your fabric…we are going to pin it on.
I pin it all the way around leaving a half inch of fabric on both sides of the bottom. I just eyeball the ties…if you like longer ties..go for it. and the neck is about 12-14 inches or so….once it’s pinned just make sure it fits over your head. (don’t poke yourself) you could also do a velcro enclosure at the neck if you wanted to. pin the fabric on the top of the pocket too.
I sew the fabric on the top of the pocket first…then pin my pocket on (make sure not to sew the top once its on the apron or it that pocket will just be for looks!
This extra fabric gets tucked under when I sew.
I just sew it all the way around.
WHen I get to the edges….
I turn it wrong side out and sew
Then flip it so right side are out and sew it up
Cut off all your loose strings and done!
I’ve used my painting apron once or twice.
These aprons would be great as Mother’s day presents too! I mean what mom doesn’t need a sturdy apron? To get food on, wipe up runny noses, tears, dirty hands….the list goes on on onononon
Beansieleigh says
LOVE this idea!! I've GOT to put this on my "to do" list! ~tina
Kami @ Sweet Charli... says
This is the cutest thing ever! I love this idea! Great tutorial…I just wish I was talented enough to actually make one myself! Thanks so much for sharing your talent on Sweet Charli!
Fern Valley Farm says
I love this! So creative of you. Thanks for the great tutorial. I might have to give this a try.
Jane@Little House of Projects says
Hey! This is great. I've seen a lot of aprons on blogs but I haven't tried any cuz I make a MESS and needed something more substantial. This is one I think I'll try out. Thanks for sharing!
Jess says
I love this idea. I have a cute apron that my mom made for me for Christmas but if I am doing something more than using flour, I always go back to my ugly(ish) denim type apron. This is a way to get the protection and the cuteness. Thanks!!
Mama E says
Love it! I am addicted to making aprons, and will definately try this. Visiting from Tatertots and Jello Party.
-Mama E
http://www.homeandheartsblog.com
StepThruCrazy says
Holy cow, I am SO making this! I love it!!! If I don't mess it up too terribly, I'll post & link. Thanks!
http://www.steppingthrucrazy.blogspot.com
Susan says
What a great apron. I've enjoyed so much reading your blog. Wonderful tutorial. Thank you so much for letting me visit.
Susan
http://amazingcouponanddiscountdeals.blogspot.com
Beverly @ FlamingoToes.com says
Super cute apron! I love that fabric with the denim. Such a pretty contrast. Thanks for the tutorial!
Diane says
What a clever idea and a great use for old jeans :o)
I found your blog via Sunday Showcase Party & I'm so glad I did. Love, love, love this idea. Diane
Wendy says
That is so cute!
Valencia says
OMG this is too awesome!!!
Bonnie says
Love it! Check out my aprons http://prettydubs.blogspot.com. I'm definitely going to have to use this idea.
Sheri@childmade.com says
Another cute one! I love recycled crafts. I have a stack of jeans just waiting for me. Thanks for sharing … I've posted a link.
Kaysi says
Super cute and stylish!!!
Stephanie Lynn says
Kimbo, This is adorable! So creative and great tutorial! I'll be featuring this today. Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it. You can pick up a featured button if you like. Thanks again! These are fabulous! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Laura says
This is so adorable! What a neat way to use an old pair of jeans. Thanks for linking up to Saturday is Crafty Day!
Haverford House says
I love this apron project! And the "little" ones a too adorable! ~Marcy
Misty says
This is adorable!! I've had a levi apron cut out since January and have yet to sew it together! I think I'll use your bias tape idea!
I'd love it if you'd link this (and any sewing projects you do) at my "Sew Cute Tuesday" link party! You can check it out at http://thecreativeitchboutique.blogspot.com
Alison says
Ah! I want this. I have some denim.. I think I'm going to do it! Thanks for the tutorial!!
~Alison
Stacey @ Fun to Craft says
Very Very cute! Thanks for linking up.
Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! says
I'd love to see a guy version of an apron to wear in the garage! I'd love for you to share this on Modern Craftswoman Monday! Rory
Becky Jean says
Awesome idea…great pictures!
Stephanie Cameron says
Ummm…that has to be one of the cutest ideas ever! I think I need a few…one for the garage, and one for the house, one for each of my kids! Great way to recycle!!
Kim @ seven thirty three says
Awww! This is so cute!
Thanks for linking up with Sugar & Spice.
Amanda says
This is precious! I love this! I believe I need it! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!!!
Betty Bake says
great idea 🙂
Cecilia says
I loved this tutorial and of course the result as well!
http://www.soteitei.blospot.com
Sandra says
I enjoyed this tutorial and decided to make one for myself. I posted it at http://thegirlnamedtennessee.blogspot.com/2010/05/bruschetta-and-apron.html. Thanks!
Amanda says
I decided top make this my first real sewing project! It turned out pretty good…lots of room for improvement! But I love the idea so much that I'm making more, just because I can! 🙂
http://growthchartmoments.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-first-project.html
Amanda says
Since I had so much fun making the apron, I decided to make some Capri's with the same technique. I made the fabric strips to put on the cuffs and they turned out adorable. Just thought I'd share. 🙂
http://growthchartmoments.blogspot.com/2010/06/it-was-all-going-so-smoothly.html
For The Luv Of Boys says
I love this tutorial! I made my own and linked back to you on my blog!
http://fortheluvofboys.blogspot.com/2010/10/just-for-me-monday.html
Becky says
Great tutorial, I made one today and it was a lot harder then I thought! The end result looks great…but I wish I could sew straighter:)
Goings on at the Glenn's says
Thanks so much for this tutorial. I was able to make 6 aprons as Christmas presents for under $8! I added a link to your tutorial on my blog here: http://glennfamily3.blogspot.com/2010/12/simplest-and-cutest-aprons.html
Thanks again! They turned out great! I will be using this again and again!
Lee Ann says
Awesome! This is way too cute! I bookmarked it in hopes that I'll find time to make one.
PS I found this through a Going's on at the Glenns blog post which linked up to this tutorial.
Becca/Nick says
Making this right now! The tutorial is so great! I'm not much of a seamstress but even I can understand these great instructions 🙂
Margarette says
Thanks for this tutorial i can say that making use of those vintage fabrics can drive money! LOL I had an idea aside from making waist apron. Looking forward have a successful business.
BakingMama says
Hi there! I'm Nicole from Adventures in Mommyland. http://www.thebakingmom.blogspot.com. Just wanted to let you know I am a little obsessed with your blog! I absolutely love all the creative ideas! I've made my own apron and put it on my blog, and linked it to you and this tutorial. Thanks for all the great information!
Melody says
I discovered your blog a few days ago and over the course of the week worked my way through the whole thing. LOVE!
Hey- I have an idea for you for all of the tops of jeans you end up with after you make an apron! I made my purse first, and I'll be making an apron next- I guess I did it backwards! I promise I'll link up to your tutorial when I post it!
http://gainingmomentum.benschoter.info/2011/04/21/a-new-purse/
Suki says
Love love love LOVE. Did I mention that I completely love this idea? Jeans are so durable but you can still pretty it up with some mandatory cute fabric.
SweetPepperRose says
What an awesomely clever idea – and to think of all the jeans I've could'a done this with 😛 Love the Little One's aprons. Fantastic upcycle project! thanks for sharing it with us!
JoAnn
sweetpepperrose.blogspot.com
tantesherry says
Thanks to YOU dear I made
the BEST apron I've ever had
I do wish I knew how to show
you its picture !
I found you on pinterest btw
– Sherry
Kristy Mikell says
I stumbled across your apron Pinterest! Thanks so much for the tutorial! I made the cutest aprons thanks to you, and hope to make some more!!! You can see them on my blog here: http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/11/weekly-wrap-up-winter-break-is-here.html
I posted a link to your tutorial because I loved it so much! Thank you!
Kristy
TheMessExposed.blogspot.com
Thank you so much!
Vijayalakshmi Natarajan says
Thanks for the great idea! I made one for myself and put it on my facebook page with proper credit to you (the link to this page)!
amandaanderson88 says
Thanks for the great tutorial. I saw it on pinterest and then made one and posted it on my family blog and linked up-giving you the credit for it!
Carrie says
What a GREAT idea! I see a great uses for some old jeans soon – I featured this on my blog with a direct link back to you. Hope that’s okay! Here it is: http://whittskitsfabricscrafts.blogspot.com/2013/03/find-it-for-free-on-friday-apron.html
Thanks so much and can’t wait to try it!
Carrie
Krissy says
This is fabulous! I found you on Pinterest and I’ve included your apron in a DIY Apron round-up on my blog. Check it out: http://hotcommodityhome.blog.com/2013/04/17/diy-apron-round-up/ And thanks for sharing!
Niki says
I am always in love with a way to use old jeans, and this is ridiculously cute!!!!!
samantha35@earthlink.net says
These are adorable!! I’m going to make one for my girls in my homeschooling co-op Jr Chef class for Christmas.
Loretta says
How wide are the strips when you cut them?
Kimbo says
about 5 inches!
Trudy says
I so love this idea! Now all I need is a sewing machine! Mine died and it was 25 yrs old. Being disabled I haven’t had the affordability to replace it yet. :o( Santa didn’t bring me one for Christmas and I was a very good gal too. :o)
Maybe some day I can find one. I hope that day hurries up too because I can’t wait to do this with my jeans I have out grown!
Thanks for the great idea!
Happy New Year to all and may God bless each and every one of you.
Mary says
Hi
Hi Trudy
Don’t throw that 25 year old sewing machines. The machines that were made in the 50’s and before are super machines. They were built to last. If It not sewing well take it to a repair shop and have it cleaned and oiled. I don’t think it would be too expensive. Much cheaper than buying a cheap machine from Walmart or somewhere like that. They do not hold up and you are wasting your money.
Good luck, Mary The Nifty Needle, Taylor, AZ
Denise says
Oh my gosh, made a mother & daughter apron over the weekend. I am so proud of them that I brought them into work for others to see. Thank you for the great idea and the pictures. The pictures were very helpful.
Mel says
Love these! 🙂 Just wondering, how wide are the pieces?
Mel says
Oh, I see it now…5 inches, sorry…
Maaike says
I absolutely love this idea! It’s easy to make, it’s nice to be able to recycle my favorite jeans, and I just simply love the look of these aprons. You can see my apron at my blog: http://lapjevoorlapje.blogspot.de/2014/05/van-een-oude-spijkerbroek-naar-een-hip.html. Thanks so much for the tutorial!
Tonisha says
Exactly what I was looking for!! The tutorial makes it sound so easy! I cant wait to try it!!
Stephanie says
So excited to make a few of these! Going to the Salvation Army to pick up some second-hand jeans and then to get some fabric. I’m also going to make some matching potholders to go with the apron for gifts. Thanks so much for taking the time to post this project!
cheryl says
this was a great tutorial, i made several of these a couple wks ago and now i have to make more for people that saw the first ones i made. thanks for the tutorial.
Tistel says
Thank you for the inspiration. I made one apron and it’s not the last. Picture at http://tistel.blogspot.se/2015/02/jeanstyg-ar-vackert.html /irene
Kimbo says
looks awesome!
Pat B says
Just a quick note on your jeans apron. My husband needed a work apron for whittling. Suggestion is if you need a long apron go to a second hand store or Goodwill and buy a pair for a really tall man. I had to add a panel along the hem to make it long like he wanted it. The side seams of the lower panel can’t be matched to the upper part. If you start with really long jeans, you can cut to the size or length needed. Plus I used mens fabric for the binding and only used it on the top of the apron and for the arm area which leads to the ties. It worked very well and suited his personality. Thanks for the tutorial.
Valerie says
I have seen this and gonna make some aprons instead of buyin the fabic for the trim I thought about usin some old blouses to upcycle
Kimbo says
great idea!
Rebecca says
I don’t have a sewing machine do you think it would be fine to hand sew this?
Kimbo says
Totally doable! Just time consuming!