A dish towel apron is a great sewing project for a beginner because you only have to stitch a couple of places – you could even sew it by hand!

The bias tape used as the ties on this version provides a fun contrast in pattern, but you can use solid-colored bias tape, coordinating ribbon, webbing or cord of your choice. Once you’ve made one you’re sure to want to turn lots of towels into aprons. They are great housewarming and hostess gifts, too.

Difficulty level: Beginner
Time to complete: 10-15 minutes
Age range: 12+

Things you’ll need:
Dish towel; I used the Peacock Ogee Dish Towel
Gingham bias ribbon or ribbon/cord of your choice
Sewing machine and matching thread, or needle and thread
Scissors

Things to do:
1. Decide how long you want your neck loop to be and cut a piece of bias ribbon to that length. Mine is about 18 inches.

2. The apron is made with the towel situated long ways down the body. Fold the top corners of the towel in slightly and tuck the ribbon into that folded section to form the top of the apron. I folded mine in 2.5 inches on each side. Make sure the ribbon isn’t twisted.

3. Sew these folds down. I just sewed all the way across the top of my apron, but you can do two separate seams if you prefer.

4. Decide how long you want your waist ties to be. I like wrapping mine all the way around my body and tying in the front, so I used the whole rest of the package of bias ribbon for my ties. Whatever length you prefer, cut two ties the same length. Determine where on your body you want the ties to be and pin in place. (This is easiest if you try the apron on, place one tie where you want it, take the apron off, fold the apron in half and align the tie on the other side with the first one.)

5. Sew the ties in place.

6. Try it on and make sure it fits the way you like.