How to Make an Apron from Old Jeans

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

"Upcycling" encourages creative craftspeople to take fabric scraps and recycled material and repurpose them into fashionable and useful clothing or objects. You can save old clothing and make it into patchwork blankets, new clothing or accessories. For example, old jeans can be recycled into shorts, skirts or aprons. Take your own old jeans or find some at a thrift store to create an attractive apron. You can choose a project that requires a sewing machine or use scissors for a simpler apron. The finished product can be used for cooking, gardening or crafting. This article will tell you how to make an apron from old jeans.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

No-Sew Jean Apron

1
Take a pair of old jeans. You should choose jeans that currently fit you, because you will be using the waistband and button.
2
Cut the jeans 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the pocket line. Use sharp fabric scissors. You should be cutting through the inseam, so that your apron will be straight at the bottom.

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3
Cut right at the zipper along the front of your jeans until you reach the side seam. You will need to do this on both sides. Cut along the side seams and discard the front piece.
- If you want to sew a hem on the jeans, cut 2 or 3 (5 to 7.6 cm) inches below the inseam. You will need to fold up and pin the hem.
- If you do want to sew the bottom edge, you should cut 2 or 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) below the inseam on the back. You will need to fold up and pin the hem. Sew along the bottom and back stitch on the ends. If you do not sew the bottom, it will gently fray over time as you wash it.
4
Place the apron around your waist so that the pockets are in front. Button the apron in back. Place cooking, gardening or craft supplies in the pockets.
- You can embellish your apron by sewing ribbons around the pockets or waistband. Pin the ribbons in place and sew them with a sewing machine or by hand.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Bibbed Denim Apron

1
Take a pair of old jeans. The bigger the jean legs are, the bigger the apron can be.
2
Cut the legs off in a straight line just below the inseam. Cut the back with the pockets apart from the front along the side seams. You can set aside 1 of the legs for another project.
3
Use a seam ripper to open the side seam on the leg. Cut off the hem at the ankle portion of the leg. This will be the top, or bib, of the apron.
4
Keep the leg folded in half. Cut out a slight inward curve at the top to make a narrower bib. Cut a slight outward curve at the bottom so that the apron is lower in front and tapered at the sides.
5
Place bias tape along the top and bottom edges of the apron. You should choose bias tape in a color or pattern of your liking, so that it makes an attractive apron. Pin the bias tape onto the apron.
- You can use ribbon instead of bias tape for the embellishments and ties of your apron. Bias tape allows you to place the denim inside a pre-pressed fold, so it is easy to use in this case.
6
Cut approximately 20 inches (51 cm) of bias tape in a loop for the neck. Cut approximately 15 inches (38 cm) of bias tape for each tie on the side of your apron. Measure the same point on both sides of the apron and then pin the tape in place.
7
Stitch the bias tape or ribbon onto the edges of the denim, taking out pins as you go along. Use a complimentary color of thread. Make sure to back stitch where the ties are affixed for extra strength.
8
Cut out the pockets on the back of the jeans. Sew matching bias tape around the perimeter of the pocket. Affix the pocket to the front of the apron with pins, leaving an extra gap in the pocket that will hold ingredients or tools.
9
Stitch the pocket and any extra embellishments, such as buttons, ribbons, tulle or ruffles, onto the denim apron.