If you’re looking for that perfect free apron pattern to sew, you’ve just hit the motherload with this treat from my personal collection that I’m happy to share with you!
Below you’ll find three pdf booklets to download that are packed full of vintage tutorials and delightful designs, all for free! The vast majority are easy sewing patterns that can be tackled just fine by a beginner but you’ll find some crochet projects too.
Make one for yourself and another as a gift for a friend!
As you review the different styles offered, you’ll notice that many contemporary and modern aprons are actually modelled after these gems and simply tweaked a bit for a more up-to-date touch.
Fabric can be anything you have on hand and these were made with a wide variety of materials measuring a yard or two: chintz, cotton prints, muslin, toweling, denim, etc.
The sizing is pretty much a “one-size-fits-all” affair and needs no real adjustment (other than maybe a lengthening or shortening of the waist ties at the back if necessary) but if you’re an expert seamstress, it shouldn’t be too difficult to make something more fitted in the body, tailored at the waist or a skirt length adjusted to better suit personal preference.
Select a basic model and glam it up with a frilly lace trim, pretty patchwork at the hem or down each side, even a strip of embroidery at the waist or pocket openings can make all the difference. I included one tutorial with potholders stitched into the bottom corners of the skirt for easy access (pretty clever).
For a simple DIY, recreate a retro farmhouse version (which I just love) by first stitching assorted fabric scrap prints together into a large enough piece (aka crazy quilt style) that can then be cut out in the the required template shapes. Use lengths of rick rack or ruffled, thin lace sewn at the seams to pull it all together while offering a very kitschy, but pretty effect.
These are the workhorses that tend to last for years and years, doing a fine job of protecting garments while cooking in the kitchen and hiding stains very well.
Tipnut’s Free Apron Patterns {Vintage Collection}
I’ve scanned, re-typed and organized over 50 retro goodies then organized them into separate eBooks for you to download (each are in pdf format). Most of the projects collected here are for women but there are a few options for men and kids too.
Please Note: The files are quite large so they may take a few seconds to load.
First up is a whopper with over 30 pages and consists of the half style (ie. skirt only).
You’ll find fun and funky retro options (including one that converts into a sunbonnet), glamour fashions for serving cocktails and entertaining, a few made from handkerchiefs (consider how fat quarters could be implemented here), a cute petal design, one with pot holders in the bottom corners (ideal for baking) and practical styles suitable for homemaking.
- Half Aprons: Get your copy by clicking this link.
The second is 27 pages and features the full style (ie. includes top bib that straps or ties behind the neck and sometimes offers a longer skirt), there are some pretty nifty ideas in this bunch too!
You’ll learn how to sew one by converting a men’s size shirt, a few smock examples, sweet mother and daughter sets, a couple tutorials for bath towel versions (for bathing baby) and some that show you how to transform an old dress into a practical household garment. That’s not all though!
- Full Aprons: Get your freebie by clicking here.
The third is smaller at only 8 pages but it’s still a great one to scoop up! There are a few for men (Gardener’s and Cook’s), fun play costumes for girls (a nurse, tea serving and cleaning house), a good Father & Son set (BBQ) and a small number of crochet designs.
- Assorted Designs: Booklet is available here.
General Directions For Working With Grid Formats
It was common in the 1940’s and 1950’s for companies to publish their projects in a grid format so that folks could easily create their own at home by following a diagram printed in a book or magazine (DIY pattern making). This technique effectively cut down on distribution costs while also more conveniently made their craft projects available to homemakers which in turn would help make them devoted customers.
If you’re unsure how to work with them, here are the basic instructions from one of the original tutorials:
- Rule a large sheet of paper into one-inch squares.
- Rule the diagram into small squares. We have printed guide lines on the diagrams that have curves to enable you to rule off the right number of small squares. Simply take a pencil and ruler and extend the guide lines right over the diagrams. Note illustration at right.
- With pencil draw the diagram onto the large sheet square-by-square.
[Update: 2023 – corrected missing files issue]
this is awesome! I am SO going to put a link to this on The Apronista site!!!
Thank you Domestic Chicky! I’m embarrassed that I didn’t think to add Apronista to the “Cute & Cool” list since it absolutely belongs there! I’m adding it now, it’s a great site for apron fans :).
These apron patterns came at a great time. My neighbors love aprons I have made them in the past. Now I can update their apron wardrobe.
Thanks
I love aprons! Thanks so much for the list. Here’s another site you might want to add http://mybyrdhouse.blogspot.com/
There’s a tutorial for a Japanese apron.
What an awesome way to explain this-now I know evyertnhig!
Absolutely awesome one of the good ones that actually offers free patterns for free and nothing you have to do. Those are great patterns, can’t appreciate enough. Will link.
Hi Karen, that site’s already in the list three times, thanks for the heads up though :).
I’m looking at the chef apron. I can’t for the life of me figure out how the template pieces go together. I pieced together the A pieces but the B pieces remain a mystery! Help ? Thanks
Thank you so much for the link to my site! 🙂
You’re welcome Bethany :).
I came across your blog while looking for free apron patterns. You have the neatest blog.
Thanks Rose :).
Thank you so much for this list of free apron patterns! I can’t believe my luck in finding your page!!
I love aprons and I love cooking. I was always misplacing my hand towels to clean my hands soooo! I decided to sew a loop onto my aprons to hold my towels. so now I never lose them and can change them as they get dirty!!
I make the strings on my aprongs long enough that I can wrap them around the back and tie them in the front. That way, I can tuck a towel (or two!) into the “band”. Your idea of a loop is good too. If you look at pictures of aprons for chefs, you’ll see some have pockets for an instant read themometer or a spoon for tasting.
Thanks for the great links!! Fabulous! 🙂
Thank for all the hard work it took to put this list together, I love it!!
Your site is great!
If any of you download apron #12, do yourselves a big favor;check out the rest of the over 60 free one- and two-page diagrammed patterns for everything from garments to household linens, to fabric xmas trees and stars. Each is in one size, so requires some sizing ability. They do have diagrammed instructions and you definitely need sewing savvy. But they are all simple and easy except perhaps the real kimono-yukata patterns. They are issued by the largest fabric store, Otsukaya Co. (I apologize if this is misspelled)I will sadly never visit.
Thanks everyone!
Emily I did a bit of digging around and here is where the free patterns start (I think) Free patterns. There are links at the bottom of the page, those are to the rest of the patterns.
Thanks for mentioning that Emily, I would have missed those!
Great site. Awesome vintage patterns
I am AMAZED by your huge list of free apron patterns! I googled “free apron patterns and your site is #2 on Google! Good job! Keep these awesome lists coming 🙂
My daughter’s school is doing activities on pioneer days at her school and they have a play. I needed to find a pattern for a bonnet and found your site. I made the Apron/Sun bonnet for the bonnet and it turned out so much cuter than I expected my other two daughters are begging for one. Now I searched for an apron pattern and saw your site. I know I will find one that will be great. Thank’s to you and others that share great things to help mom’s in a pinch. 🙂
Hi: I came across your blog searching other homesteading blogs. Thank you for the list. We farm and garden and love it.
Thank you so much! I also love the different areas of what to do with pillow cases! Very resourceful.
I just started making aprons,I am on my 4th one,thanks for these Iinks to patterns,
I am going to blog this at The Mote.
I am looking for a Williams-Sonoma apron pattern with the neck strap that is adjustable with the waist tie.
Thanks
D
I stumbled upon your website tonight and WOW! I am very impressed! I’ve been making aprons for many years as gifts. They’re not too personal & one size fits most. I make them for guys too and they love them.
Here’s my special tip for you… I shop the fabric stores for washable cotton drapery remnants of at least 1.5 yds which are usually on the clearance table for a few dollars. The fabric is a bit thicker & tightly woven. I prewash for shrinkage. I stock up during the year with florals, stripes, plaids, whatever catches my eye.
Thank you for providing this site! I am making all my Xmas gifts this year mostly canning but thought of adding homemade aprons with the gift basket, now I have to choose one of these lovely patterns and that will be difficult! Thanks again. Blessings to all involved with this wonderful site!
I am so happy to have found you. I been looking for an idea about aprons, and finally, here you are. Thank you very much for your site. It will be my favorite from now on.
Love these patterns. My daughter in law is opening a French bistro and I’m going to make some of these for her and her staff. What is the title of the one picture with the broom and the scarf at the top of the page? THANKS
Hi,
I am new to the site & I never thought I would write any comments, but,
I am amazed that I am!
I love the apron patterns,, and the lapdesk diy, and really love the
new (old) patchwork bullitin boards. That deserves a special wow to me.
But I am in the wrong site for that , huh? sorry people, please don’t give
up on me just yet,,,,,still learning.
I was wondering if any of you sewers out there or if TipNut might have some
(super) easy patterns for sundresses size 6. I made dresses for my children, but hardly sew at all now, may have to get my sewing machine overhauled. But it is because of my very poor health.
I gave away all my childrens patterns, never dreamed I would be a grandparent,
but here I am, with a grandaughter, Chloe almost 5, and her brother (my grandson of course) you can laugh I don’t mind,,,,,, anyway Patterns are so
expensive but I have material I couldn’t part with.
So if anyone at all can help me, it would be much appreciated.
Thanks for listening,
Glad
I am looking for an apron with a dish towel added on. My husband’s grandmother used to make them but he can’t remeber the details. Help
I’m not sure if this is what you are meaning, but my mom made my first apron out of a hand towel, a cute pot holder, and some ribbon for the ties. But then again, I was quite young then. Hope this helps you.
I used to make the aprons with a dish towel…here are 2 ways I did: (1)place a hand towel to one side of the apron skirt, and as you gather the skirt to sew to the band, gather the towel with it (you want to cut off any hem on the towel). Add ties (or make the band long enough) to tie in back. Because most people are right handed, I positioned the towel to the left side of the skirt…not all the way to the edge…a light to medium weight towel works best. (2) Make the apron, and sew a couple of buttons to the band. Gather a hand towel and stitch a 4″ band to the top. Make 2 buttonholes, and simply button the towel onto the apron.
I love your stuff!
It reminded me of a Christmas when my most creative aunt brought good paper Christmas napkins and a spool of ribbon to the family dinner. We opened the napkins (at the apron place) with a corner pointing up and she tied a piece of ribbon around our waists catching a good part of that corner. We made pictures- giggling in our matching holiday aprons. Ahh, Good memories. Try it!
What an amazing list of aprons and free too! I’m going to make a few as gifts and I can’t believe my lucky stars that I found this website!
Hi Fellow Apron Lovers – I remember my first apron on the farm in 1947 I was 4 years old and I got an apron for my birthday; I have been wearing aprons ever since, in fact, on several occasions I have gone to the grocery store with my apron on – It was in Winter, so I did not even notice until I unzipped my winter coat – And I always wear an apron to my Daughter’s house, as my 2 grandchildren Ages 10 and 4 always want to bake or cook with NANNY. We just made Nothings last week out of the remaining pie dough and each of the Boys had enough dough to roll out put on butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon and roll up and bake and they had enough to each take home to their Dad and Mom.
Now I am going to look in my old cedar chest for some suitable material to make some aprons and if I do not have any material I will visit Bou Clair. We just got a Bou Clair near Stittsville, Ontario, where we live – Love to All
Mona Hamel, Stittsville. (THANK YOU FOR THE 50 FREE APRON PATTERNS) xo
Thanks, I love getting a look at new apron patterns!
Looking for a pattern that looks like the one in the photo. Does anyone know if any of these links are it? I’ve gone through several, but not finding it.
this site was so helpful! thanks TipNut!
I simply love this site. It is full of nostalgia. I look forward to being on your mailing list. Thanks for all your time and effort to provide this for those of us who enjoy remembering and doing things of yester-year.
thank you for putting your pattens on line they will come in very handy
Hi, Where can i find the apron pattern for the apron that have the strips and dots with a little pocket at the side with lace round and a bow at the top? i have had a look through them all and cant seen to find it/ Please can you help? they come up in the image of a google search and it send me to your website but cant fint them! i love them and would love to have a go at making the? please help
Thanks
Lottie
These are so wonderful. Just what I was looking for. It is so nice to have people in this world that care and are willing to share.
Thank you,
Daphne
Thank you. These are fabulous. I know a young lady who loves hostess aprons who will soon be getting a link to your page.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful aprons. Thanks for making it so easy, the sewing instruction is so easy.
I was looking for a smock pattern for my grand daughter and came upon your site.
I love it and I am going to make some of these apron.
May God Bless and keep you sharing!
Beverly
I was looking for a apron pattern ad found your site. I want to make aprons for the girls in my family and did not have a clue how to star. Thanks so much.
I am looking for a pattern for an apron to pick apples in – you know, pockets to hold a few while up the ladder. Thanks.
Oh these bring back so many memories of my childhood. I remember my mom sitting at the sewing machine and I was fascinated watching how fast she could stitch. Many of hers were ruffled and many were made of organza for special parties. She would sell them for extra income as my dad died when I was 5 and mom was only 28 years old with two toddlers.
Thank you so much for posting these and for the opportunity to download the instructions.
I don’t understand directions for belt of muslin and red checks kitchen apron. Pattern doesn’t seem to tell how to make belt with pointed ends. Are you able to explain. The pattern appears page 4 of the 27 page article about full aprons. I hope you can help.
After spending over an hour in a fabric store last night (nationwide franchise) , only to leave empty handed and disappointed, both by the price of fabric suitable for an apron (even with their so-called sale)and the prices of patterns, I gave up on my idea of making three for gifts this year. But, today I looked up aprons in Google, and THIS hour has been way more fun than shopping at that store. I am filled with ideas from using remnants to using dishtowels. I am relieved to find patterns that are free (VS $15.00 and up!) Thanks to all of you! This is my 2nd week as a retired working woman, and now that I’ll have more time than money, this is just what I need. Thanks again. (Now to learn how to navigate and get the patterns!) CE
Thank you SOOOOO much for taking the time to do this.
I came on here to find a Santa apron. And OMG I’m in love. You have a great website. I recently started using aprons again . You are going to keep me very busy. Thank you. 🙂
Has anyone tried making the Ripply apron vintage 1951? I had a hard time following the directions on how to attach the waist band. does the curve part go up and the straight part attaches to the apron? if that is the case and you are using a directional fabric the waistband ends upside down.:( What am I doing wrong? thanks for any help.
thank you for publishing these fabulous printable patterns. now, i just need to find LARGE lined paper – no worries. i will begin the men’s shirt and the bath towel aprons soon.
PEACE
Spent a couple of wasted hours in the fabric store looking for vintage apron patterns, found only one, but didn’t want to spend $15.00 for it. Came home and found your site. Yea…. One tip, I get the roll ends from our local newspaper, this is the greatest source of clean white paper to use for patterns. Thanks for the great patterns.
Looking for a goose apron. The neck goes around your neck, held in place by a button which is also the goose’s eye. The wing is the pocket on the front. Thanks for your help.