16 August 2008

Dishtowel apron

I have a stash of pretty dishtowels in my fabric pile specifically for making these quick aprons for toddlers and children. They take very little time to make, so they're great when you need a gift in a hurry - just wrap one of these up nicely, maybe with some cookie cutters or small wooden kitchen utensils, and you're good to go.



I made this one for my neighbours' granddaughter. She's about the same age as Ruben and the last couple of days she's been coming up to play with him. We were baking yesterday, and she was a tad jealous of Ruben's apron, so I thought I'd make her one.

They're really ridiculously simple to make. All you need is a dishtowel and some ribbon. Here's how:



Of course, you can add a pocket or appliqued detail if you wish. Or maybe some embroidery... Whatever you want. I always like to personalise them a little - an applique of the child's first initial is a nice touch. The way the ties are threaded through makes the apron adjustable in size, so the child should be able to wear it from toddlerhood until about 5-6 years of age I reckon - if not longer.

Oh, and the "tree" pattern I used in the instructions is a little sneak preview of some designs I am working on to have printed by Spoonflower - I might provide a download for it later if it turns out ok!

30 comments:

  1. Reading this makes me want to run out and buy dishtowels now! So cute and SEW SIMPLE!
    ~Kathleen

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  2. You always have the cutest and easiest tutorials - thanks for posting your creative projects!

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  3. So cute! Your designs are wonderful, and your directions are always a joy to read, too.

    You've also got way better dish towels than we have here in the states!

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  4. Fantastic, thanks for sharing :)

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  5. Popping over from Whip Up...Loving this idea! Thanks so much for sharing how to make it!

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  6. The elephant is great! I stink at coming up with ideas like that.

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  7. Thank you for posting this simple but great idea! I'm off to make one right now for my nephew!

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  8. Thank you for posting such a wonderful tutorial!!! I have twin 3 yr. old daughters who love to do art & help in the kitchen. I modified it a little by using fabric instead of a dishtowel & making it reversible. I still have a few kinks to work out but I love this tutorial!!!! Thanks again!

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  9. This is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing! I'm having a 'Mad Tea Party' theme for my daughter's 3rd bday and I think this will be perfect for the kiddos! THANKS a bunch!

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  10. I am a sewing newbie...I think I can do this project!

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  11. I am also a sewing newbie and love the simplicity of this apron, thankyou for sharing it!
    - Jo

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  12. very cute, I'm sending my blog readers over here to see this, it's so cute and so smart!

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  13. I think I might could do this! thanks for the tute!

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  14. Very cute! I am wanting to make one for my neighbor's little girl, she is having a birthday next week (3 years old) I bought a hand towel but it seems awfully big! What are the dimensions of the towel you use or the dimensions of the fabric to start? (Approximately)

    Thanks for such wonderful inspiration!!

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  15. Sorry to bother you, but how do you close the tie's up? ^.^

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  16. You tie it in the back like you would with any other apron...

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  17. Oh, thanks so much!
    I always serched for an idea, how to get the string in the neck adjustable. Your way is so pretty easy and clever.
    Thanks for sharing!

    Greetings from Germany,
    Tanja
    :-)

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  18. Fantabulous!
    Smart Gifts for the Youth and Sunday School Kid!!!

    Thanks a Million!!

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  19. Thanks for this tutorial. I was snowed in and needed a quick project to lift my spirits. I tried this tonight and I can't wait for my daughter to wake up and try it on in the morning.

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  20. I need to make an apron for my nieces bday and this is perfect - thanks! And such pretty towels out for easter now - can't wait!

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  21. This is awesome to the moon and back. You have no idea how long I've been wanting to make an apron from my son. He outgrew his pink hello kitty one :)

    I don't know how to sew so I've never made it but I can make this for sure!

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  22. How much ribbon did you use?

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  23. WOWW...!!! Simple and yet GREAT idea. I might use for my upcoming project. I'm looking for simple apron pattern and landed to your blog. Just nice. Thanks for the inspiration. I'll show the finished apron of my own on my blog later (should be finished by the end of this week ;))

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  24. I love this apron tutorial.... soooo practical being adjustable!
    I have included it in a list of tutorials for Christmas here.....
    http://allysonadeney.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/22-handmade-gifts-for-men-or-anyone-really-with-tutorials/
    ... if you want to take a peek.
    Thanks for taking the time to put the tutorial together for us to share.
    Ally on harrysdesk.

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  25. Thanks for the post! loved the adjustable ties! Made 18 of these for my daughter's 3rd birthday and they were such a hit with her little friends and made beautiful goodie bag items!! everyone was so impressed

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  26. Just wanted to say thank you so much for this pattern. I am a beginner in sewing and this is perfect. My daughter is going to be so excited with her apron to match Mommy!

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  27. what are the dimensions of the towel please?

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