How to Make a Denim Work Apron from Thrifted Jeans
It’s time for another Thrifty Chicks event! This month our challenge is jeans, and we’ve got a bunch of great ideas for you. For my project, I decided to create a denim work apron from a pair of thrifted jeans that I hope to use whenever I restock and organize my antique booth.
It’s not a unique-to-me idea (just peruse Pinterest and you’ll find several versions), but I’ve made it my own with some cute embellishments. Other denim projects that I’ve created in the past that you may like: denim-covered footstool and denim bunting.
Materials to Create the Work Apron
You can make this work apron out of shorts, capris, or full-length jeans–it doesn’t matter. However, you’re just going to use the “seat” portion that contains the back pockets, so buy whatever’s cheapest.
I actually made three aprons altogether, one from each style, but always selecting worn examples to make the project more vintage-y. In this photo you see a pair of capris I picked up at Salvation Army when blue tags were half-off, so I paid just $2 to make this apron. Yipee!
A few other supplies you’ll want to have on hand include:
-
- Scissors
- Buttons
- Glue gun
- Needle & thread (not shown)
- Sewing machine (optional)
- Pinking shears (optional)
1. Cut the Legs Off
If using jeans or capris, cut off the legs at the “crotch” point. Don’t worry about being straight or even, you can tidy things up later on.
Next, we’re going to deal with that middle-point that doesn’t want to lay flat because it will make your apron all curly-wurly if you just let it go.
2. Address the Crotch That Won’t Lay Flat
Cut: To prevent that, cut up, beside the center seam a couple of inches and then lay the seam side over on top of the opposite side.
Glue: Use a tiny bit of hot glue to tack that seam side down, being careful not to place any glue near the edge where you need to sew later on. (You don’t want to have to sew through dried, hot glue.)
3. Cut Away the Front From the Back
Cut the front part of the jeans away from the back. You have two choices:
- Cut about a 1/2″ out from the seam, leaving enough to sew under and make a more finished edge. (I chose this way) OR
- Cut very closely to the existing seam to create a nice edge and have nothing to hem
4. Leave the Waist Band or Use a Belt?
When you get up to the waist band (as you’re removing the front of the jeans) you have another choice to make:
- Cut around the waist band, leaving it intact (like you see above) to hold the apron on or
- Cut it off entirely and use a belt to hold the apron on.
The tricky part about cutting around the waistband comes when you hit a belt loop. Leave the end attached to the waist band as is for now, but cut out the other end off the front of the jeans, as shown in my photo.
Use a seam ripper to remove the end still attached to the waistband end and hang onto to it cuz you’re going to need it later.
Here you see examples of both: Using the waist band (top) or using a separate belt (bottom).
5. Hem the bottom of the Apron
Trim the bottom of the apron to even it out. Then iron a nice hemline to make it easier to sew. Since I was keeping things simple, I only folded the edge up once since I’m not too worried about any fraying.
Hem the front and sides by hand or with a sewing machine. I sewed the front with my machine.
6. Hem the Sides
If you left a 1/2 of fabric around the side seams, you’ll want to hem it up. I did it by hand because at some points I would have had to sew through several layers that were just too thick for my machine to make it through.
Keep in mind that this is a fun do-it-yourself project and it doesn’t have to be perfect!
7. Embellishments
You can find all kinds of flowers at your craft store to embellish your apron with, but if you have a die cut machine and a flower-shaped die, then you can make your own, like mine on the left.
Or if you don’t mind going simple, pull out your pinking sheers and felt (or denim) and create flowers like those in the center and right.
The red button adds just a bit of color.
And the black polka-dotted belt and felt flower add a nice contrast to the denim.
If you want to have a way to hang some tools from your apron, now’s the time to attatch that belt loop from earlier in the post. Just a few stitches on either end will hold it in place.
It’s perfect for holding a hammer. When I’m working on my booth, I usually have need of hammer, nails, scissors, a pen, and tape. My new apron will perfectly meet my needs.
The Final Project Completed
I’m not quite done with the third apron, but here’s a look at the first two. Even my sweet 19-year-old daughter agreed that they’re pretty cute. And you know that’s high praise.
I hope you’ll take some time to visit my Thrifty Chick girlfriends’ projects; their creativity knows no bounds!
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The apron is so cute with the flowers. I can see how it will be very handy when you work at the booth or any other activity when you need an assortment of items to use.
Thanks, Debra! I’m looking forward to testing it out next time I’m working in my booth 🙂
This is adorable! My sister made me a kitchen apron from old jeans (with a cute vintage fabric ruffle). I don’t mind wearing it for cooking, but I’d be reluctant to do other messier work in it. I think I need to whip up a couple of these that are more practical but still cute 🙂
I actually thought about adding a ruffle to mine, Patty, but went with the simpler “work” look. I might add one next time, though! Be sure to share yours with me should you make some of your own 🙂
I used an old pair of jeans to make a pouch which I wear for my plant sales and yard sales. Keeps my money close, as well as tags, pens, and anything else I might need at a moment’s notice. Decorated it with a flower made from ribbon.
Another great use for old jeans, Patty! When I used to sell at antique shows, I used an old Home Depot apron to hold money and my receipt book, but now I would prefer my new denim one 🙂
Love your apron Diana! And you are right…praise from a 19 year old is impressive! Lol!
Thanks Tania! High praise indeed 🙂
I love your apron, Diana, and I am not an apron person! This’d be great for managing money, tags, and markers for a yard sale, too. Al had a pair of jeans with a broken zipper–I might try it. Being lazy, I might add Velcro to the waistband instead of using a belt; we shall see. I used copies (Onto cardstock) of the Valentines in this post to make an adorable gardland this week using ecru crocheted heart shaped doiles alternating with the postcards. As we say in Maine, wicked cute! Thank you!
I’m so glad you like it, Kathy! You’re right about its being useful for garage sales–you’d be the cutest seller out there! Yay for you, using my free printable Valentines. Can you post your wicked cute garland in the Facebook group?!!
Very cute and I love that you recycled the belt loop to make a tool loop! Ingenious!!
Why thank you, Tanya 🙂 So glad you enjoyed the project!
Practical and pretty 🙂
Aww thanks, Joanna 🙂
What a great idea, Diana! I could use one of these for housework and another for a crafting apron.
Thanks so much Marie! I can picture you in your work space wearing one 🙂
How cute is this? Wish I had held onto the last pile of old jeans we gave to Goodwill. Glad your daughter liked it. If my 19-year-old daughter liked one of mine I’d know it was fabulous for sure:) Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. Pinned! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home
Thanks so much Kathleen–with two teenage girls, I know you understand completely! Thanks for throwing a great party 🙂
So cute, Diana! I could imagine all sorts of ways to embellish these. I’m thinking they would be cool made out of kids’ jeans for little folk. Whadya think?
So glad you liked the project, Naomi 🙂 Yes, there are a myriad of ways to decorate them, and yes, a kids’ version would be super-cute!!
I need a garden apron. This will be great for that. Thanks.
You’re welcome Nancy! Would love to see yours whenever you make one 🙂
Going to make many aprons to sell from my booth in an antique mall. Just wondering why you do not use the front and back of the jeans. Some of the jeans that I have purchased for my aprons have the cutest designs on the front of the jean.
Also, I have to come up with an idea of what to do with the legs of the jeans. Don’t want to waste any part of the jean if I can help it.
Judy
I have to think back as to why I didn’t use the front Judy, LOL. Not really sure–probably had something to do with the jeans I picked out? I agree with using the whole jeans! I have a blog post about making pillows out of pajama bottom legs, and I’ve done the same with jeans. I’ve also seen them used for gift bags 🙂 Here’s the blog post: https://adirondackgirlatheart.com/2018/12/upcycled-holiday-pillows-gift-bags.html