Free Vintage Apron Patterns

Aprons add a great cooking feel. Trust me, my cooking experience with an apron is way better than the ones without it. But, I prefer vintage or "retro" apron patterns rather than the regular ones. In this article I have discussed them, read on, where else will you get free vintage apron patterns?
Free Vintage Apron Patterns
Aprons are great for many reasons. Not only is it a good safeguard for your clothes while you cook but also that it gives a chef-like look and feel. Whenever I see an apron, it reminds me of the retro movies and TV shows. Wherein the women, clad in pretty retro apron patterns, used to be nice and the food used to look great. Now, aprons are more of a lifestyle choice, than a requirement. Be that as it may, vintage apron patterns are still welcome. So, let's start off with easy apron patterns, free.

Free Vintage Apron Pattern # 1
This is my personal favorite retro apron pattern. It is an apron made out of a dish towel. It is great for the fact, that it is amazingly water absorbent. Lets start.
  • First, take a dish towel.
  • Run a needle and thread in and out. Keep it even and very close to the trim. Then, draw it to the tightness of gathering of your choice.
  • Then, pin 20" ribbons in place and sew over the gathering. Make sure that the wrinkle is under the needle and the fabric is not flattening out.
  • Next, measure 2 ribbons 28" inches long, also measure, where at your waist you wish to tie the apron. Pin them into place, along the back right and left edges of the towel and sew just over the ribbon, along the original towel seam.
There you go, your cute retro apron is ready.

Free Vintage Apron Pattern # 2
This is a very 'cool' retro apron pattern. Denims are great for aprons too, so in this one, we use demin. You could use one of your old jeans (psst, this is the best alibi to get rid of the jeans that you don't fit into).
  • First take a pair of jeans, measure the length that you want for your apron. Cut the jeans in that length, but from the bottom up.
  • Then, cut up the inside seam and open the pant leg out.
  • Cut the top of the apron with the width you want for your chest. Then taper the width down to the waist.
  • Now, fold the pant leg in half. Trim up all the edges evenly and clean up the bottom of the apron with a nice curve (you could try another shape, if you like).
  • Now, you could trim out all the edges of the sides and bottom with a bias tape. This will give it a neat and cute look.
  • It is now time to put your straps. You could use lace or ribbon. Make sure that you stitch it securely and keep it long enough to tie.
There you go, your 'cool blue' retro apron is ready!

Free Vintage Apron Pattern # 3
This retro apron pattern is too cute for me to resist. This apron is half sized, i.e. from waist down.
  • Take any floral patterned fabric in rectangular shape. Keep the length and width as per your size (you could use the front side of an old skirt, too)
  • Next, take a smaller, square shaped fabric of (preferably) a contrasting shade and stitch it on the apron center as a pocket.
  • Next, make the edges neat. You could do this by putting edging tapes or by sewing it in a sewing machine.
  • Last, but not the least, you put the straps. Use lace, ribbon or wool and sew it in the respective spots.
Voila Madame! You are ready to rumble in this cute retro apron of yours.

These were 3 of my favorite retro apron patterns. They are simple to make and look vintage, yet trendy. Let us not forget, they make you feel great while cooking. This is where I sign off! If you come across more great patterns, feel free to leave a note and share it!

By Rashida Khilawala
Published: 7/30/2009
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