Free Color Block Apron Tutorial
In so many ways baking and quilting go hand in hand. They are both comforting, cozy and the fruits of your labor make for the sweetest gifts! So whether you're cookin' up treats in the kitchen or at your sewing machine, appropriate attire is a must. Previously on the blog we made a patchwork apron, so now, to keep your wardrobe fresh, let's add this stylish color block apron!
Just like our first apron tutorial, this one works great with most fabrics and is a wonderful project for beginner sewists. You could even reduce the measurements and make some aprons for the young chefs in your life. How cute!
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Modern Patchwork Apron Supplies
- 2 printed apron template
- Fabric A* (White foliage print in this apron): 18" x 36"
- Fabric B* (Center stripe): 2" x 36"
- Fabric C* (Black print): 12" x 36"
- Backing Fabric* (Black foliage print): 31" x 36"
- 1/4 yd Fabric for Ties and Loops
*If you are using directional fabrics, be aware of their orientation in the apron. - Simple sewing machine
- Thread
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Ruler
- Straight pins
- Iron & ironing board or pressing mat
- Scissors
- Large sheet(s) of paper - I used wrapping paper, but posterboard or a roll of paper would work too
- Tape (basic Scotch tape is perfect)
- Seam allowance = 1/4"
Step 1: Assemble the Apron Template
First things first - let's assemble our template! If you made the patchwork apron tutorial, you can use the same template you created for that. If this is your first apron, it's very simple to create the template for this free color block apron tutorial.
Using a large sheet(s) of paper (I used the back side of wrapping paper,) cut out one rectangle that is 21 1/2" x 27 1/2" and one square that is 11 1/4" x 11 1/4". Fold both of these pieces in half widthwise, and align the creases. Tape the square to the top of the rectangle, keeping the creases aligned.
Next, print two of the apron template found here, and tape one piece face up in the right armpit, and one template face down in the left armpit.
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If your template wants to curl (the wrapping paper was notorious for this!) use pattern weights or large washers to weight it down along the edges.
Step 2: Marking the Template
Next up, it's time to mark the template to align the center stripe on the front of the apron. It will seem like we're aligning the strip to the left. But since the front unit will be cut face down, we're actually aligning it to the right.
On the top square of the template, make a mark at 2" and 3 1/2" in from the upper left corner. On the bottom rectangle, make a mark at 10" and 11 1/2" from the bottom left corner.
Step 3: Creating the Loops and Ties
After you've assembled and marked your template, cut three 2 1/2" x WOF strips, and join them as if you were prepping binding for a quilt. Then, cut it down to two 50" strips that will form the ties, and two 3 1/2" strips that will form the loops.
Next, use your iron to turn and press 1/4" along the length of each strip on each side. (Hint: use a tailor's clapper for these steps to keep everything super flat!) On the two 50" strips, press the corners in 1/4" as shown in the photo, then press the mitered end over to the back side of the strip.
Do not do this end-folding step to the 3 1/2" strips.
Press all strips in half widthwise, then sew close to the edge to secure, making sure to catch both sides with your needle. You may need to use leaders and enders so the fabric doesn't get caught in your machine.
Step 4: Assemble the Color Block Apron Front
Let's get to the good stuff, and start sewing our color block apron front together! This pattern uses a 1/4" seam allowance. First, lay out Fabric A, B, and C side by side to make sure the orientation of your prints is running the correct direction (if applicable.)
Then, take your 2" x 36" of Fabric B, and sew it to the right side of the 18" x 36" piece of Fabric A. Press your seam open. Next, sew the 12" x 36" piece of Fabric C and sew it to the other side of Fabric B. Press seams open.
Your finished unit for the front of the color block apron will look like this!
Step 5: Cutting the Apron Out
We're cooking right along! Place your color block apron front RST with your piece of 31" x 36" backing fabric. Be sure the apron front is on the top.
Place your apron template on top of your apron front. Remember those marks we made on the template? Align the marks with the seams for the center stripe at the top and bottom of the apron front. Use pattern weights or pins to hold your apron template in place.
Use a scissors to cut around the template, cutting through the front and backing fabrics. You could also trace your template, then cut it out, but I found this to be easier.
Step 6: Pinning the Loops and Ties
After you've cut your apron out, it's time to add the loops and ties! With your apron still RST, take your 3 1/2" loop strips and fold them in half. Tuck and pin one 3/8" down on either side of the armpit point so that the loop is on the inside of the apron.
Now, take your long tie strips and align the raw edge end 3/8" from the top corner on either side of the top of your apron. Pin in place, and be sure the tails are tucked inside the apron and will not be in your way while sewing the edge seam of the apron.
Pin around the entire perimeter of the apron to prepare it for sewing.
Step 7: Sewing the Apron Front and Back Together
Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew around the perimeter of the apron leaving a 6" gap at the bottom. When you come to a loop or tie, you may want to backstitch over it then continue sewing as a bit of added reinforcement.
Step 8: Turn, Press, and Topstitch
We're almost done! Turn your apron right side out through the 6" gap at the bottom of the apron, and push out seams and corners. I found it helpful to lightly press around the perimeter of the patchwork apron to keep it nice and flat.
Lastly, topstitch around the perimeter of the color block apron to finish it off and close the 6" gap.
And just like that, you've sewn a quick, creative, and fun apron that's as easy as pie! This free color block apron tutorial is one you'll want to make again and again. Share the aprons you cook up on Instagram or our Facebook group by tagging @suzyquilts!
Any chance we can get a pdf of this pattern so we can print it out? I want to do one of two college fabrics for some members of my family. Thanks!
Hi Mary! You can download a PDF of the pattern piece for the apron if you click where it says “2 printed apron template” under supplies. Enjoy making it!
This is a great looking apron but the pattern download doesn’t seem to work. It only downloads one page. Is there any way to fix that?
Hi Michael! The pattern is right–you’ll print the single page two times and place one right side up and the other upside down. Under Step 1 of the instructions you can read more about how to put the pattern together, and right above that there is a picture that should help. Enjoy making your apron!
I am probably asking a super silly question here, but I am a brand new sewing crafter. Please forgive my dumb. I am fat. Will this apron fit someone who is on the large side?
Hi Alyssia, that’s not a silly question at all! On the contrary, it’s a very practical question, thanks for asking! And welcome to sewing, we hope you’ll find lots of fun things to make on the Suzy Quilts website. The apron is about 27″ wide, so you could measure across your waist to see how it will fit, keeping in mind that the straps are adjustable and can even be made longer if needed. One thing that garment sewists like to do before making a pattern is to do a mock-up using muslin, which is an affordable and thin fabric often used for testing patterns that you can find at any big box store like Joanns. You could make a quick sample apron using muslin to test out the sizing of this pattern, and then you’ll be able to see if you need to make any adjustments by lengthening the measurements before cutting into your nice fabric! I hope that helps and that you have fun making your apron 🙂 Feel free to email us at info@suzyquilts.com if you have any other questions while you’re making your apron!
I just made this apron yesterday. I kept the 11.25″ square the same size (since that fit me when I measured across my collarbone area) but I increased the 27.5″ side of the bigger rectangle to about 40.5″. That measurement fit me better when i measured around my waist. The 21.5″ length of the rectangle still fit me well in regards to length, but that might want to be something you alter as well if you’re taller or shorter.
I didn’t make a mockup, just did measurements and held my pattern up to me to make sure it fit properly, and the finished product was the perfect size!
If you already made the project I hope it turned out well, otherwise just wanted to offer my experience for you or anyone else reading later 🙂
Thank you for asking myself that question. I was just sitting here wondering if I would need to make it larger for my size since I wear a size 18/20. My question has been answered. Thanks so much!
What is the seam allowance? Or did I mis it somewhere in the tutorial?
This pattern uses a 1/4″ seam allowance. I’ll add that to the top instructions so it’s easier to find. Right now that only shows up in Step 7. Thanks!