How to Create a Cross Back Apron | Make Yours Now!

Creating a cross back apron was NOT on my to do list this weekend. But here we are and here is a how you can create your own cross back apron.

The weekend found me knee deep in a season change cleaning spree. I know it’s August and temps are still triple digits here, call it wishful thinking for fall and cooler temperatures.

As I was going through the abyss of my guest room closet, I discovered a neatly folded set of curtains that have been patiently waiting years to have a purpose. Years being since 2010 when I took them down because I was moving and have since moved 4 more times.

Those curtains haven’t seen a window or a curtain rod since and have no place in my current home. I remember I bought them because of the pattern and color. Green is my fav, and they have a mid-century modern vibe. Also, my fav. They are a cotton blend, sized 52” x 78” W.

So, what to do with them??

With this whole re-discovery of my creative side, Pinterest has been my go to for all sorts of inspiration and ideas. I headed over to my pinterests boards and found a couple of saved pins for aprons and light bulb!

There were a few pins to create a couple of styles of cross back aprons that seemed ideal. An apron to throw on and go is just what I needed for the upcoming holiday baking I intend to do.

Bonus that curtain fabric will work nicely as it has a good weight that is sure to withstand layers of flour, sticky molasses, gingerbread dough, and frosting.

My process is mapped out below in what is hopefully somewhat of a tutorial. It does assume that you know sewing basics and doesn’t go fully into details.

Still with me? Awesome! I hope that your apron turns out amazing and you get to put it to good use doing something you love to do!

How to Use Upcycled Fabric to Create a Cross Back Apron

Notes:

• My fabric size was different than most of the tutorials I read, because, well the fabric is a curtain set.
• Also, I took advice from the blogs above and found a tank top that I liked to base the dimensions for the neck scoop, arm holes, and length from.

As I mentioned that the fabric is from a set of curtains, the edges are all finished. Yay, less sewing! So, I opted to keep the width at the 52” to take advantage of those finished edges. I also used the finished bottom edge for the bottom of my apron, this left only needing to sew the hems of neckline, pockets, and 1 side of the crisscross straps.

To wrap my brain around this project, I sketched it out (in a sewing jotter!) to make sure I didn’t miss measuring something and to also make sure I understood what the end game was.

Now, time to put the pattern on the fabric.

For reference, I am 5’1” approx. 130 lbs.

• From the bottom up, I measured the overall length of my apron. I ended up with a 34” total length. Yes, without ironing it. You do you.

From left to right, I measured the straps.

• On the outside/backside straps, I measured them at 3” (planning for a finished 2.5” width
• Remember the one edge was already finished for me).
• Then measured the width between the outside/backside and inside/front strap, I chose 12”.
• At the edge of the inside/front strap, I measured at 3.5” – for a finished 2.5” width.

Next, neck measurements! This is where I used the tank top as a reference.

• I traced the outline of it to get my initial scoop shape.
• Still using that tank top, I traced the outline of the arm hole.
• I wasn’t sure what dimension I wanted to go with, so this was a starting point.
• Once I had the curves traced out, I used my french curve templates that I’ve had since my Drafting 101 college class to smooth out the lines and curves.

Next Steps, Cut!

I used a rotary blade cutter to speed things up!

Pockets!! I love a good pocket.

The leftover portion of the curtain were used to cut out the pieces for the pocket. I did 2 options. One was with the grommets for the curtain rod and in the same pattern direction. The other was using the finished edges again and the pattern was horizontal.

Also, look at the reverse side! Maybe a little contrast would liven it up!

Pocket size is 9″x 6″

After this point. I walked away for a bit. Sometimes, I get so far in the weeds of things that I lose sight of the big picture.

When I came back, I clipped the straps together and tried it on. The fit was OK. I felt boxy and a little too restrictive under the arms.

I put it on my mannequin, which I will admit has not been adjusted to my post covid dimensions, yeesh! And then started to pin where I wanted to adjust.

• Increased the length of the armhole opening which lengthened the front straps a bit and marked the new lines
• Measured and marked to add a couple inches to the neckline and also made into a v.
• Once happy with the adjustments, I laid out the fabric, again folding at the center, grabbed my french curve templates and traced the modified cut lines.
• After all of that. I ended up with a 16” armhole length, a 9” neck scoop length.
• Next, I folded and measured all the hems to be ½” with my sewing gauge.

And finally, I ironed! Yes, Yes, I know. Now it’s time to sew.

• At the bottom of the curves, I snipped the hem to allow it to be sewn a bit cleaner.
• Moving to the neck line, I traced the line of the hem so on the outside it was a continuous looking seam.

• One the hems were all sewn, I started on the pockets, laying out the the apron fully flat to determine the center point.
• From there pockets were centered on each side.
• Thankful for the finished bottom hem, I had a straight line to work from for placement.
• Using my wash away marking pen, I added marks for the edges of the pockets.
• I ironed those hems as well.
• The top edges I did a basic fold over but the bottom corners, I did a mitered edge.

Once ironed, time to sew those bad boys on. I opted for the color and pattern matching option. I liked the grommet holes, Maybe a pretty ribbon could be added for some fun.

Starting at one corner, I worked my way down using the keep the needle in the down position, lift the foot and shift the fabric method. Remember to only sew the sides and bottom of your pocket, otherwise you will just have a patch!

Finally, homestretch. Time to sew the apron straps together.

• Turned it all inside out and then used my pinking shears to trim the edge of the straps.
• I didn’t fold over to sew but did a ¼ seam and then ironed flat once done.

Viola! Time to wash to rinse away all my cut markings and get to baking!

Creating your own apron is a great use of fabric you have stashed away for a rainy day or for the must have yardage you just purchased.

Thanks for following along with this How to Create and Upcycled Cross Back Apron.

Drop me a line below, Pin it, Share it!

Check out my other posts in the Titles and Jotters Categories!