Aprons from Kitchen Towels - Simply Prepared with CFD

I find that most purchased aprons are:
1) Too big for me even with adjustable straps, and
2) Not absorbent or soft enough to wipe my hands on

So, years ago, I started making my own aprons out of kitchen towels. They are inexpensive (especially at overstock and discount stores), soft, and absorbent (avoid the polyester towels, though). And I can adjust the neck strap and ties to fit me.

To make one, you will need:
• A kitchen hand towel, prewashed
• 5/8-inch wide grosgrain ribbon, 1 22-inch piece for the neck strap and 2 26-inch pieces for the ties
• Matching or contrasting thread
• A sewing machine

I am 5’4” and these measurements are for an apron that fits me. You may need a longer neck strap, and you may need to place your ties lower on the towel. Check placement and length before you cut and before you sew the first time. Adjust accordingly.

Use a sewing measuring tape to help you figure out how long your neck strap should be or, instead, cut 2 longer ties to tie around your neck.

Most of the work is done on the back side of the towel.

Fold the towel in half lengthwise. On the top edge, measure 4 inches from the fold and mark with a pin.

Place the cut edge of the neck ribbon 1/2” to 5/8” down from the top edge and on the inside edge of the pin. Pin in place. Sew the ribbon onto the towel in a square with an “X” inside it. The ribbon will stay tightly sewn in place without unraveling.

Ribbon sewn to the towel – a square with an “X” inside

Repeat for the other end of the ribbon – fold the towel in half; measure out 4 inches from the fold; mark; pin on the ribbon; sew to attach.

Neck ribbon attached on both ends – back of the towel

Neck ribbon attached on both ends – front of the towel

Measure 8-1/2 inches down from the top of the towel (neck edge) on one side and mark with a pin. Place the cut end of one tie ribbon 1/2” to 5/8” from the side edge and below the pin. Pin in place. Sew the ribbon onto the towel like you did the neck ribbon.

Eight and half inches from the top edge; ribbon pinned in place below the pin.

Repeat for the other side – measure; mark; pin; and sew.

Fold one top corner toward the middle of the towel on the BACK side. Fold until the ends of the fold are at the ribbon tie on one end and the neck ribbon on the other end. Pin down flat onto the towel. Stitch near the edge of the folded corner of the towel to secure the corner onto the towel.