Make a Clothespin Apron ~ A Simple Sewing Project

This clothespin apron could also be used as an impromptu kitchen apron or for a child beginning to explore the culinary world. The best part is that is takes minutes to make, uses only simple sewing skills and can be prepared with fun fabrics or vintage linens from your stash.

Simple Supplies:

• large napkin, bandanna or other squarish-linen (our napkin measured 18 by 18 inches)

• handkerchief or other finished fabric such as a place-mat (measuring smaller than the main piece so that it can be your "pocket or pouch")

• long ribbon to use as a tie for waistband

The first step is to iron out your pieces and arrange them attractively to resemble an apron. Your handkerchief (or other scrap) should be a bit smaller than your main piece. Your ribbon should be long enough to tie around your waist or the recipient (should it be a gift).

The second step is to make a fold along the top of your napkin (about an inch or so) and iron down. Make sure you have enough room for your ribbon tie to be placed under your fold as this is your waistband. Once everything fits properly, sew your fold down at the bottom so that you have a long pocket across the top (see photo below) to string your ribbon through (more on that later).

Next, arrange your handkerchief (or fabric scrap) so it is centered on your napkin and pin down the sides and bottom. Make sure to leave the top part open as this is your pocket. My hankie was a bit too long so I folded it under prior to pinning it so that it would fit on my napkin.

A word of caution: Make sure your "pocket" fabric is sturdy. A vintage piece is lovely but if you will be using it for your clothesline, your clothespins will eventually break through if the fabric is too delicate.

You are now ready to sew around the three sides that you pinned for your pocket to keep it in place. We gave ours a 1/4 inch seam around.

You may want a shallower pocket so that you aren't bending your hand down so far to reach your pins. I ended up sewing an extra seam higher up because of this.

The final step is to prepare your waistband. Simply pull your ribbon through the top area that you created earlier.

To make it easy, attach a safety pin to the end of your ribbon, push it though, gather your fabric through it and continue to push through until you reach the end.

Alas, your project is complete! Now you must decide what it will be for... We chose to use ours for clothespins so that they are easily within reach when hanging on our line.

"The clothes may dance upon the line,

And flutter to and fro:

My faithful clothes-pins hold them fast,

And will not let them go."

~ Excerpt from "My Clothes-Pins" Poem by Marian Douglas, 1875

Should you desire more wash day inspiration, I invite you to peruse the following:

"Work of Our Hands" ~ A Homemaker's Wash Day

A Look Inside the Laundry Room ~ Free Printable

Make Your Own Scented Fabric Softener with Essential Oils ~ All Natural
Make Your Own Citrus Garden (Frugal) Fabric Softener ~ All Natural

Loving Laundry and Learning for Children

Wash Day Prayer Inspiration ~ Free Printable
Wash Day Inspiration ~ Romantic Round Up

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