Lined Half Apron Sewing Pattern: Gathered Waist, Pocket and Long Ties

Every holiday in my house starts the same way: flour on the counter, someone's toddler on a stool and me in an apron that has seen better days. A half apron is perfect for that kind of cooking and crafting. It covers your front, ties wherever you want and does not get in the way of a mixer. This lined version looks just as good inside as out, so you can fold it over a chair when you are done.

The design

The skirt is 19 inches wide after gathering and about 18 inches long, joined to a 2 inch wide waistband that continues into two long ties of 28 inches each. A patch pocket on the front holds a phone, a pencil or a recipe card. Because the ties do the sizing, one pattern fits nearly everyone.

Skill level: confident beginner. Time: 2 to 3 hours. Seam allowance: 1/2 inch.

What you need

• 3/4 yard of quilting cotton or lightweight linen for the outside
• 5/8 yard of coordinating fabric for the lining
• 3/8 yard of contrast fabric for the waistband and ties
• All purpose thread, rotary cutter, ruler, mat, pins or clips and an iron

What is in the pattern

The PDF is seven letter size pages with a cutting chart, a fabric layout drawn to scale for each of the three fabrics and eight illustrated steps: cutting, making and placing the pocket, sewing the skirt to the lining, gathering the top, attaching the waistband, pressing, closing the ties and finishing. The gathering step comes with a drawing of exactly where to place the basting rows, and how to pull evenly. If you have never gathered before, this is a gentle first try.

Gathering without tears

Set your stitch length to the longest setting and do not backstitch. Sew two parallel rows, and pull the bobbin threads, not the top threads. Pull from both ends, and slide the gathers along with your fingers so they sit evenly. Pin at the center, the quarter marks and the ends before you sew to the waistband.

Make it your own

Use a bold floral outside and a quiet gingham lining, or swap them to make it reversible. Hem the skirt at a different length: cut 22 inches long for a longer apron. Add a second pocket on the other side, or sew a loop for a towel.

Gift idea

Make an apron with a matching oven mitt for housewarmings, or sew one in the recipient's favorite colors and tuck in a wooden spoon. It takes less than an afternoon and always gets used.

Get the pattern

The Lined Half Apron pattern is an instant PDF download for personal use. Your purchase includes the free Sewing Project Planner.